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Indigenous

S-kee-ax

"He is going crazy"

Saa Hiil Thut

Reprinted from the COVID-19 issue of Visions Journal, 16 (2), pp. 19-23

photo of Gerry Oleman

My story, I believe, is a reflection of what life is like for an Indigenous person growing up with the ongoing impacts of the colonization experience in Canada. My name is Saa Hiil Thut, aka Gerry Oldman. I am St'át'imc, from Shalalth, BC.

The Happiest Person You Know

When Seren had to share a culture as part of her class’ International Day, she picked Ukraine because she was too embarrassed of her own Indigenous culture. Even though she wanted a relationship with her heritage, she and her family also experienced racism. Find out how Seren put the pieces together between her mental well-being and her relationship with Indigenous culture to start a journey of healing.

Indigenous

Reconciliation comes from truth and understanding, from acknowledging the past and present in order to build a more just and equitable future. Mental health is at play everywhere and in everything: in past traumas and current unjust policies, in racism and stereotypes, in opportunities and service delivery. Despite the challenges, people can and are healing, through culture and community, family and balance.

Indigenous People

Reconciliation comes from truth and understanding, from acknowledging the past and present in order to build a more just and equitable future. Over 6,750 people shared their experiences of the Indian Residential School System with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Their testimony shed light on policies and practices so that all Canadians can bear witness and have better knowledge of the experiences of their Indigenous neighbours and community members. In its small way, this issue of Visions aims to give a voice to the mental health challenges—and resilience—of Aboriginal or ‘Indigenous’ community members in BC.

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