September Kin-Tales

Dear Friends,

Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Several years ago, while in a workshop about the history of residential school, I realized that Camp Kintail was being created at the very same time The Presbyterian Church in Canada was running residential school. Camp Kintail, and other camps, were being created to allow children to be outdoors and in the joyful company of other children for a week of the summer, and returning to parents. On the other hand, the residential schools were created to remove children from their homes and communities for the purpose of "civilization" with no return to parents for months or years on end. The church was involved in both creating vacations for some children and a lifetime of trauma for other children.

That is why it is so very important to remember that "Every Child Matters." Childhood matters - children should be able to access family, language, community, culture, education, home, and joy. We grieve that so many Indigenous children had their childhoods taken from them. We grieve that so many Indigenous children in care today are still not able to access the relationships and safety that they deserve. As we remember today, may we also work towards a world where all children are able to flourish and simply be children. 

Peace, Theresa

September Kin-Tales Online