#GPE interview with Dr. Sheila Cote-Meek, Co-Founder of Girlpowereffect.ca

What does September 30th “Every child matters” mean to you?

For me its a good time to remember the experiences that Indigenous peoples had at Indian Residential Schools. It is a good time for me to reflect on those children that never returned home and the devastating loss to their family and community. It is also a time for me to be grateful that my grandfather survived residential school. He attended the St. Peter Clavey Boys School which later became known as the Spanish Residential School, in Ontario. It is also an important reminder that Indigenous children’s lives are important, and they absolutely matter to their families, communities and nations.

On the Sept 30th the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, what would you like to see?

Because it is now a Statutory National Holiday, that all Canadians come to understand and learn the history of Indian Residential Schools in Canada. As Canadians become more aware and deepen their understanding of how colonization has impacted and continues to impact Indigenous peoples, i hope that they will work towards forging new relationships with Indigenous peoples.

What is your key message for your own Indigenous peoples on this day?

I hope that as Indigenous peoples that we can come together and honour the survivors and those that never returned home as well as support one another in our healing journey.

What are you going to do on this day?

I will be reflecting on my grandfather and the impact that he had on me growing up and the many teachings and gifts that he left for us.