Talking about Residential Schools with your Children

Date: Monday, May 8, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Location: Online – The webinar link will be shared with you via email prior to the session start time.

This virtual workshop is led by Lorrie Gallant, who provides parents and caregivers with background information about the history of colonization and its impact on First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Canada. The workshop focuses on the history of residential schools in Canada. The workshop also discusses current forms of colonization, and colonization’s continuing impact. The workshop explores ways we, as parents and caregivers, can begin to share these injustices with our young community.

Due to the limited length of the workshop, a list of required short readings and videos will be circulated in advance to registrants. Participants are also encouraged to attend Speaking our Truths: A Journey to Reconciliation – Parts 1 & 2 (register on LMS; students on CLNx) with John Croutch, Indigenous Training Coordinator, prior to attending this workshop. John Croutch will be opening and moderating the workshop with Lorrie Gallant.

Indigenous community members as well as non-indigenous community members are welcome.

Facilitator: Lorrie Gallant is an artist, storyteller, educator and an Expressive Arts Practitioner who specializes in Indigenous cultural awareness and trauma from colonization. Born and raised on Six Nations of the Grand River Territory Ontario, Gallant’s methodology comes from her Haudenosaunee cultural heritage. Gallant worked 11 years at Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford Ontario (formerly the Mohawk Institute, the first residential school in Canada) as the Museum Education Coordinator where she developed art-based teachings and workshops to reveal the rich culture of the Haudenosaunee and the history and trauma of colonization and the residential school. Gallant presents workshops, and consults with school boards, museums, educators and organizations who want to understand more and find ways to participate in the 94 calls to actions of Truth and Reconciliation

Registration required. University of Toronto students, staff, postdoctoral fellows and faculty are welcome. Partners and family members (including chosen family members) who are co-caregivers with U of T students, staff, postdoctoral fellows and faculty are also welcome to attend. If you have any access needs to ensure your full participation in this event, please contact the Family Care Office and we will try our best to work with you and make appropriate arrangements.