The Nature of Healing

The Nature of Healing
Film Screening and Q&A with Survivors of Mohawk Institute

The Western University Deans invite you to join us for an afternoon of reflection, learning, and conversation in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The Faculty of Education is hosting a screening of the documentary film “The Nature of Healing”, and facilitated Q&A session with film maker, Faith Howe, and three survivors of the Mohawk Institute: Grandmother Roberta Hill, Elder John Elliot, and Elder Bud Whiteye.

Following the screening and Q&A, attendees will move to Wampum Learning Lodge for a reception with Indigenous-inspired hors d'oeuvres catered by Teykonyote Antone.

The Nature of Healing

The Nature of Healing is the spoken truth of seven Survivors of Mohawk Institute, Canada’s first and longest running residential school for Indigenous children. From victim to survivor, to activist, this is a story of resistance, resilience, and a healing path. What began as a simple conversation about the Mohawk Village Memorial Park the Survivors have been building for 10 years, became a full feature documentary. And now it needs to be a completed Park to commemorate the 15,000 children who were taken from more then 60 communities losing their families, communities, culture, identity and for some, their lives.

The 139 residential schools, operated in partnership with the Canadian Government and Churches were Canada’s sanctioned system of dehumanization; neglect, brutality, and child abuse in all its forms to obliterate the Red Nation footprint.

The Elders, Grandfathers and Grandmothers who speak out now, do so not only for themselves, but for the thousands of children across Turtle Island who never could.

Schedule:
12:00 p.m. - Doors Open
12:30 p.m. - Opening Ceremony and Smudging
1:00 p.m. - Film Screening
2:30 p.m. - Q&A
3:30 p.m. - Closing Ceremony
4:00 p.m. - Reception at Wampum Learning Lodge (next to Faculty of Education Building)

If you would like to attend this event, please register online as space is limited.

In the spirit of the making of this film, a contribution of $10.00 per attendee is strongly suggested. Proceeds from the event will be donated to directly support the completion of the Mohawk Village Memorial Park. Located on the grounds of the former Mohawk Institute at 184 Mohawk St. in Brantford, Ont., the upcoming 5-acre memorial park will consist of memorials, walking paths and decorative landscaping as well as a variety of accessible park features.

A link to the contribution form will be provided following registration. You can also access the contribution form here: Faculty of Education - Contribution to Nature of Healing Event (uwo.ca).

Contact:
hbeecrof@uwo.ca
519-661-2111 ext. 88658