Truth Tellers
It is an honour and privilege to sit in circle with one another and hear the teachings of those who share their truth with us. It is with deep gratitude that we acknowledge that each artist who leads a sharing circle has abundant knowledge, experience, and wisdom to share. Here's a little more about them.
Hearing and telling truths can be very difficult and can cause trauma to resurface. If you experience emotional distress as part of a Sharing Circle or as part of the journey toward reconciliation we encourage you to reach out and connect with the:
There is a Hope for Wellness Helpline Hotline available 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada.
Home - Hope for Wellness Helpline or 1-855-242-3310
or
The National Residential School Survivor Crisis Line
1-866-925-4419
Our Most Recent Truth Teller
Norman Retasket is a survivor of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Indian Residential School, Norman’s life and work are intimately shaped by his experiences of trauma and resilience. For decades, he kept his past largely private, but the announcement of unmarked graves in 2021 ignited a powerful shift in his storytelling.
At 82 years young, his art of drum-making honours survivors and raises awareness, notably dyeing drums orange to symbolize the Every Child Matters movement and marking them with the number 215, a poignant reminder of those lost. Norman is both artist and elder, sharing his narrative with candour and strength, helping deepen understanding and reconciliation across Canada and around the globe.
Norman recently joined the Red Cross as an Elder, where he is making a meaningful difference in the lives of others by sharing his teachings of healing through the drum.