Indigenous youth in London, Ont., reflect on what truth and reconciliation means to them

Indigenous youth in London, Ont., say the word truth holds a double meaning for themas it evokes memories of intergenerational trauma caused by colonial systems, but also highlights the resilience of First Nations communities.

"Truth means acknowledging both sides of Indigenous history," saidClaudia Zavitzfrom the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, and a third-year Indigenous studies student at Western University.

"There's the colonial one that has been perpetuated through education institutes, as well as the genuine Indigenous history that recognizes traumatic parts of it, but also the resilience and beauty that has paired with it."

Zavitzwas among a group of students from Western's Indigenous Students' Associationwho participated in a water walkalong the trails of Deshkan Ziibi commonly known as the Thames River starting from Elgin Hall to the Richmond Street bridge on Thursday.

It followed a traditional water ceremony, whichincluded smudging, a prayer and drinking of water that has been blessed. Students walked in silence as they sent prayers along the river.

"We sent prayers with the water and then we carried it along the trail that we walked along, which is honouring the water," said Zavitz, 20.

"And then we walked back and poured the water that was in the pailinto the river, which would then cycle throughout the worldover time and make the water full again."

A traditional water walk along the Thames River

16 days ago

Duration 0:25

Claudia Zavitz is from Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation and is a member of Western University's Indigenous Student Association. She took part in a traditional water walk along the Thames River on Sept. 26, 2024.

ForAlicia Kewageshig, 20,the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity to confront the traumatic impacts of residential schools, but to also acknowledge the beauty of reconnecting with her culture and speaking her native language.

"This time can be really hard for young Indigenous peoples becausethere is so much trauma that gets brought up and its hard to hear about your parents or grandparents going through things like residential schools and Indian Day schools," saidKewageshigfrom Stoney Point First Nation andSaugeen First Nation.

Hopes for the future

Kewageshigsaid it's been helpful to have support resources available to Indigenous students at Western such as the Indigenous Student Centre, the office of Indigenous Initiativesand the student association of which she and Zavitz are members.

Kewageshighopes the path for future Indigenous youth to reconnect with their cultural roots becomes clearer, she said.

"It'sbeen really hard for a lot of people to connect with their cultureI know that first hand," she said. "I have a lot of family who aren't necessarily as culturally involved as I am so what I would like to see for the future is a lot of Indigenous youth become more reconnected to their culture."

Zavitz wants youth to think about the next seven generations whenever they're making big decisions that have a lasting impact on their lives.

"It's very important that you're not doing something that's just at your convenience in the moment but acknowledging that the decision has lasting effects and will affect generations to come and your ultimate goal should be wanting to benefit those people."