09/30/2023
🟧 THE SURVIVORS' FLAG 🟧
It stands as a tribute to honor those who endured residential schools and to acknowledge the profound impact on lives and communities within Canada. It embodies a collective effort of Survivors from diverse regions across the country who were consulted in its creation.
The discovery of mass unmarked graves on former residential school grounds in 2021 was met with grief, prompting a widespread desire from the public to show respect and remembrance. In response, Survivors engaged in extensive discussions, which ultimately led to the creation of the Survivors' Flag as a meaningful and accessible symbol to commemorate the lives affected by the residential school system.
Over a six-week period marked by consultations, discussions, and collaborative efforts, Inuit, Mi’kmaq, Atikamekw, Cree, Ojibway, Dakota, Mohawk, Dene, Nuu-chah-nulth, Secwepemc, and Métis Survivors contributed to the design. Their diverse perspectives, ideas, and lived experiences breathed life into the symbolism that now resonates with profound significance.
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation () played a crucial role in ensuring that the Survivors' wishes and ideas were effectively communicated to Vincent Design to complete the flag.
“Parts of the design will speak to people in different ways, and that is okay because we will all relate to certain messages based on our experiences. For me, the seeds represent the spirits of the children – those who did not return home and those who survived what they went through as children. That is an important message – that we were children.” ~ Sylvia Genaille (Ojibwe Survivor)
Read more here 👉 https://nctr.ca/exhibits/survivors-flag
Have a thoughtful and reflective day everyone ✌🧡
