Category: Residential School
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Let’s Do Better
National Truth and Reconciliation Day September 30, 2025 I am a survivor of Holy Angels in Fort Chipewyan. back row 2nd wearing a scarf. I carry both hope and pain in my spirit on this day. I spent 7 years there. Many wear orange shirts in solidarity. I acknowledge the effort behind this gesture. Yet,…
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Embracing Nature: A Dene Perspective
my dad, Isidore Deranger with my older brother Freddy. Indigenous teachings hold significant value in today’s world, offering profound insights into sustainability, community, and respect for nature. These teachings emphasize a deep connection to the land. They foster a holistic understanding of life that can guide us in addressing contemporary challenges. By prioritizing these traditions,…
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Sister Rose Desjarlais
Sister Rose – Resilient Spirit (1954–) This is a picture of her. It includes our late brother Roger and her late son James. Rose Marina was born in 1954. She is more than my sister. She is my confidante and my companion. We share stories, joys, and the hardships that shaped us. Rose is a…
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Happiness is yours to grab
What Brings Me Happiness I come from a small northern helmet, Fort Chippewa, Alberta. It is the little things that bring me happiness. I am a proud Denesuline (Dene) Happiness to me is when I feel the warmth of these little moments. They fill me with joy. It sparks a sensation akin to tiny butterflies…
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Stroke and Recovery in 2019
This blog is my personal observations. They come from my time as a patient at Elizabeth Bruyère Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Hospital, Clinic. I also received care from Ambulatory Stroke Services. I experienced excellent care after suffering a stroke. I later became an outpatient under the care of Dr. Hillel Finestone. I also give some…
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Rambling-Rose: An Inspiring Activist and Survivor’s Journey
Rose is providing me with invaluable life lessons by example. We don’t get to see each other often but when we do get together, her stories and laughter sustain me for months, the sub text is we love and support one another. No matter our differences we will always encourage and support each other in a loving…
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We Should Never Forget The Impact of Indian Residential Schools
Dene Youth drummers There is no worshiping of idols, or of a God, only the deepest respect and appreciation for Natural Law. What that means for me, as an Indigenous person is to respect nature, the trees, the water, the wind, the sun, and all living beings, the bears and birds to name a couple. This is the…
From the Shores of the Ottawa River 