On behalf of Siksika Health Services, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us for our Every Child Matters Traditional Powwow. Your presence, support, and participation helped create a meaningful day of remembrance, reflection, healing, and cultural celebration.
As we gathered on September 30, we honoured the strength and resilience of our heroes, the survivors of Indian Residential Schools, as well as the children who never returned home. We remembered the generations of our ancestors, family members, and community members who endured profound hardships and systemic injustices, often carrying their experiences in silence. Their courage, sacrifice, and perseverance are the reason we are here today.
Every Child Matters is not only a day to look back on a painful chapter in our history. It is also a day to recognize the enduring strength of Indigenous Peoples and to celebrate our languages, cultures, teachings, and traditions. By learning from the past, we strengthen our commitment to protecting future generations, and ensuring that the truth is never forgotten.
As our Traditional Wellness team reminded us: among the stories that guide us is the Blackfoot story of the Lost Children, whose journey is remembered in the Pleiades star cluster. This sacred teaching reminds us of children who were left behind, mistreated, and who ultimately left this earth and found their home as stars in the sky. Since time immemorial, this story has carried an important lesson: that our children are sacred, and it is our responsibility to protect, cherish, and uplift them. The story remains visible on our lodge coverings through the symbol of the dipper, serving as a lasting reminder of this responsibility.
The history of Residential Schools is, in many ways, a story of broken promises. Yet it is also a story of survival. The survivors who shared their truths became witnesses for future generations, ensuring that these experiences would never be forgotten. Their testimonies laid the foundation for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and its 94 Calls to Action, which continue to guide our collective journey toward truth, justice, healing, and reconciliation.
As we move forward together, let us honour the survivors and all those affected by Residential Schools through our actions. Let us continue learning, listening, sharing our stories, and supporting one another. Most importantly, let us remember that every child matters, every voice matters, and every generation carries a responsibility to ensure that our children are loved, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Thank you for standing with us, remembering with us, and walking together on a path of healing and hope. Every Child Matters. Today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.
And thank you to our friend, photographer Doro Guzenda and her husband, Mike Makaruk who shared their skills by capturing beautiful portraits. You can download yours from the gallery below:
