#ResidentialSchoolHistory

[harmonyhealinghub]

Following Through on My New Year's Resolution: September Update Shaina Tranquilino September 30, 2024

At the beginning of the year, I set a resolution that felt deeply meaningful and personal: every month, I would donate to a different organization that I felt called to support. My goal wasn't just to give financially, but to invest in causes that resonate with my values, communities, and ongoing efforts for change. As we are at the end of September, I want to share a little about this month's donation and reflect on what this journey has meant so far.

For the month of September, I chose to donate to the Legacy of Hope Foundation (LHF), an Indigenous-led charitable organization that is dedicated to educating the public and raising awareness about the history and lasting impacts of the Residential School System in Canada. Established in 2000, the LHF has been doing the vital work of helping Canadians understand the trauma and ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities—particularly those who survived these schools, as well as their families and descendants.

I was moved to donate to the Legacy of Hope Foundation because of the important role they play in truth-telling, healing, and reconciliation. The Residential School System is a painful chapter in Canadian history, one that forcibly separated Indigenous children from their families, stripped them of their languages, cultures, and identities, and subjected them to harsh, abusive conditions. The effects of this system continue to ripple through generations, impacting the well-being of Indigenous communities.

Through education, exhibitions, and workshops, the Legacy of Hope Foundation not only illuminates this dark history but also provides a pathway for healing and fostering just and equal relationships between Indigenous Peoples and Canadians. Their work in expanding awareness, honouring survivors, and encouraging reconciliation is inspiring, and supporting them this month felt like a small but meaningful way to contribute to this vital movement.

What has been particularly powerful for me is the Foundation's focus on creating a space for healing and understanding. The work they do to showcase the resilience and strength of Indigenous Peoples, while also making known the injustices they have faced, is something we need more of in our world. It’s a reminder of the importance of not only learning from history but also taking active steps towards repairing harm.

Over the course of this year, each donation I've made has been an opportunity to reflect on what I value and how I can help create positive change in the world. From environmental causes to social justice initiatives, each organization I've supported has been a piece of a larger puzzle, one that is about compassion, equity, and the belief that even small actions can lead to big differences.

As I continue with this New Year's resolution, I'm filled with gratitude for the work being done by organizations like the Legacy of Hope Foundation. Their commitment to truth, reconciliation, and healing reminds me that while the road may be long, we are all part of the process of building a better, more inclusive future.

In the months ahead, I look forward to learning about new organizations, supporting diverse causes, and keeping the spirit of this resolution alive. It's been a rewarding and eye-opening journey, and I'm excited to see where the next few months take me.

If you're interested in learning more about the Legacy of Hope Foundation or supporting their work, I encourage you to visit their website and explore the many ways they're contributing to education and reconciliation across Canada.

Here’s to continuing the path toward positive change, one month, and one organization at a time. https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/legacy-of-hope-foundation/