FREDERICTON (NBCC) – The mobile exhibition 100 Years of Loss, depicting the history and legacy of residential school survivors, was introduced today by the New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) in Fredericton which is co-hosting this with the Mi’kmaq Maliseet Healing Networking Centre, a program of the Mawiw Council of First Nations.
“We are honoured to have been chosen to co-host this very important display at our Fredericton Campus,” said Marilyn Luscombe, NBCC President and CEO. “NBCC is committed to helping educate our community about the history and culture of Aboriginal people.”
The 100 Years of Loss display will be showcased from May 28 to June 1, 2012 at NBCC’s Fredericton Campus under the sponsorship of the Mi’kmaq Maliseet Healing Networking Centre, which provides services to residential school survivors and those who are dealing with the inter-generational impacts of the residential schools. The exhibit is a creation of the Legacy of Hope Foundation, and is designed to raise awareness about Canada’s history and the legacy of residential schools.
“Healing is a gradual process – the legacy of residential schools is still very much alive in our communities and affects Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians alike,” said Richard Kistabish, President of Legacy of Hope and Residential School Survivor.
Survivors, Elders, educational and healing support workers, and students were involved in the opening ceremony at NBCC’s Fredericton Campus. In addition to Survivors, The Honourable Graydon Nicholas, Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick joined Richard Kistabish, President of Legacy of Hope; Ruth Levi, President of the Mawiw Council Inc.; and Mary Butler, Vice President College and Community Development at NBCC.
“This is an opportunity for youth and other New Brunswickers to learn about the impacts of the residential schools on our people and communities,” Levi said. “It is important that we understand what happened to them so we can honor their resilience and courage in surviving that experience."
For more information, please visit www.legacyofhope.ca.
Pictured, at the Legacy of Hope display: Lt.-Gov. Graydon Nicholas; Lorie Leon, Provincial Aboriginal Coordinator, NBCC and Lorna Bourgeois, residential school survivor.
MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew Lockhart, Communications, New Brunswick Community College, 506-461-8683