Speaker shares experiences and generational impact of Residential School survivor
Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) students and members of the public had an opportunity to learn and reflect ahead of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation thanks to a generous storytelling session by Lloyd Desjarlais.
Held in The Loft on the RDP campus, Desjarlais shared his experiences as a descendant of a Residential School survivor, as well as some of the experiences his great-grandfather endured.
“It’s not about looking for sympathy, it’s not about trying to make anyone feel guilty, it’s about exposing some of those stories that haven’t been told yet,” he said. “Throughout Canadian history, it’s always been a one-sided narrative.”
His great-grandfather was raised in the Lebret Residential School, also known as Qu’Appelle, St. Paul’s and Whitecalf. He was entered into the system at three-years-old, despite the 1920 mandate beginning at seven-years-old, because he had already lost both parents and been orphaned.