Speaking with Children and Young People About Truth and Reconciliation
In this heartfelt & accessible course, award-winning, best-selling author Monique Gray Smith responds to the question she often receives from parents, aunties, uncles, care providers, grandparents, coaches and others who love the young people in their lives: How do I talk to kids about this? In her singular way, Monique emphasizes our common humanity, speaks truth, shares love as medicine and offers digestible, practical and compassionate ways forward.
As we reflect on the legacy of residential schools, we also have an obligation to educate children and youth to be future leaders in reconciliation.
In the video at right, award-winning author and educator, Monique Gray Smith, "share[s] tips on both talking to kids about Residential Schools, but also how to prepare yourself as the adult to have these conversations. The video is for parents, grandparents, educators...anyone really with children in their lives" (Smith, 2021).
Why our kids need to learn about residential schools (2023), Bonnie Schiedel, Today's Parent
Byline: For more than a century, kids were systematically removed from their homes and sent to residential schools where they were forbidden to speak their language or practise their culture. But how do you talk about Canada’s cultural genocide with kids today? Teachers are finding some effective ways.
These quotes from residential school survivors can help kids (and parents) understand their experiences (2021), Arisa Valyear, Today's Parent
Byline: Settler Canadians still have a lot to learn about residential schools, and turning to the truth and wisdom of Survivors is a good place to start.
Kids are learning more about residential schools than their parents, but experts say it can't be a 'one-off' (2021), Jessica Wong, CBC
Byline: 'This is something where the governments and the education sector really need to prioritize'
Advocates urge families to educate children, youth on residential schools (2021), Marney Blunt, Global News
Byline: Residential schools remain a dark part of Canada's history. But ... experts say it's an important story to share with the younger generation