Guest Post: Recognizing Our Past, Awakening Our Future by Violet Duncan (Buffalo Dreamer)

If the starred reviews don’t get you then the writing certainly will. I’d been hearing a lot about Violet Duncan (Plains Cree and Taino from Kehewin Cree Nation) and her middle grade novel Buffalo Dreamer. Kirkus, after all, starred it and said it was, “Compelling yet heartbreaking—and essential reading for all young people.” They don’t say that about every book either.

Today, Ms. Duncan visits us with a guest post of her own, which I am more than pleased to run. Enjoy:

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“I am so happy for you! But I am not going to read it.”

My aunty writes to me in a comment on Facebook. I had just announced my debut novel Buffalo Dreamer coming out in August. I am beside myself excited, but her message stops me in my tracks.

“Why Aunty?” I write quickly before she logs off.

“It’s going to be too hard for me to read as it pertains to residential school”

“Don’t worry Aunty it doesn’t get into what happened in the schools” I reassure her, “but how we come together as a community to support our warriors, our survivors”.

“We’ll see, anything about that time triggers me, it’s too much, too sad”

“I understand, I love you, Aunty.”

“Thank you, I’ll hold your book and say a prayer is what I can do.”

That’s all she writes.

         As I put down my phone, I think about my aunty being in one of those residential schools, her kind and giving spirit trampled on every night and day that she was there.

         These stories seem to come out of nowhere during our afternoon visits over tea and bannock as we reminisce about their younger days. Big belly laughs fill the walls as the aunties gather around the kitchen table. Golden stories of lost loves and days of working the fields echo each other with playful jest. These happy tales are sandwiched in between the haunting stories of their time in the residential school system. They are always careful not to say too much in front of their capâns (great-grandchildren) as they may hear something that could scare them.

         I’ve heard the stories of when my aunty ran away with her cousin. They traveled without food or extra clothes, trying to escape the constant emotional, physical, sexual, and psychological abuse forced on them. They were far from home and had no real understanding of the path to bring them back safely on foot. It was their hunger that eventually made them turn around and return to the residential school.

         For over a century, thousands of Native children from across Canada and the United States were forcibly removed from their families and communities. They were placed in residential schools, in an attempt to assimilate them into Western culture. These schools sought to strip Native children of traditional language, culture, and traditions and to indoctrinate them with the beliefs and values of the dominant society.

         The forced assimilation and cultural erasure inflicted upon so many through these schools have left deep scars that have been passed down through generations and still affect us today. My Dad is a residential school survivor, as are my grandparents and most of my aunties and uncles on my dad’s side. The trauma they experienced was and is devastating and long-lasting. Many survivors have spoken of the abuses they suffered, as well as the loss and disconnection from their families, communities, and cultural traditions.

Every day at Indian residential schools, our children were taught that our own culture was inferior and sinful, while white culture was portrayed as superior and the only path to success in life. This harmful message had a profound impact on their sense of identity and self-worth, as it was constantly reinforced.

         This trauma has been passed down through the generations, affecting not only the survivors themselves but their children and grandchildren. The impact of this intergenerational trauma is seen in the high rates of substance abuse, mental health issues, and suicide that plague many Native communities today. 

As well as the many issues Native communities are dealing with, there are also the outside challenges that mark reserves, such as the tragedy of the missing and murdered Indigenous women.

         The longstanding issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women has begun to receive more attention and awareness, thanks to the power of social media. The issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women has long been overlooked and neglected. Thanks to the power of social media, it is now receiving more attention and awareness. For years, many Native women have vanished without a trace or become victims of violence without receiving justice. By bringing attention to this dark chapter of history, we can start to address the systemic issues that have allowed these tragedies to persist. We can also advocate for the voices of the victims and their families to be heard and honored.

         Despite the impact of the residential school system, Native communities have shown remarkable resilience and strength in the face of this trauma.

         But is it fair to constantly expect resilience from our Native communities? While we may have shown strength in the face of adversity, we also deserve the chance to simply enjoy life. We long for peace, not just for ourselves but for future generations as well. It’s time for us to move beyond the label of resilience and start living the lives we truly desire.

         Many Native people have worked tirelessly to reclaim and revitalize our languages, cultures, and traditions, and to heal the wounds left by the schools. Through cultural resurgence and healing practices, many communities are working to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma and build a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.

         The establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Canada led to a newfound awareness of the experiences within the residential school system. Prior to this, many were ignorant of this history. Many were even skeptical of the realization of these experiences, due to their lack of exposure and education on the subject. In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released a detailed report with “The 94 Calls to Action”, outlining recommendations for programs and policies. This helped individuals who were unfamiliar with the history of the residential school system to understand its importance.

          Now that an awakening has happened, Non-Native people need to listen and learn from the experiences and stories of Native communities. By acknowledging this trauma’s deep and lasting impact, we can work together to heal the wounds of the past and build a more just and equitable future.

         I wrote my book for my aunt, who cannot speak or even read about her time at a residential school. I wrote it for my children, nieces, nephews, and other young relatives. I want them to understand that their anger and disconnection come from a place no one can navigate alone. I wrote it for my dad. He’s a mosom (grandfather), a warrior, and a residential school survivor. His bravery in sharing his truth has helped to better all of us. And I wrote it so that children today can learn from our past, our history.

         Acknowledging and coming to terms with the truth of the past is crucial for healing and reconciliation. By listening to and supporting Native communities we can all begin to address the deep-rooted trauma caused by the schools and work toward a future of conciliation, understanding, and healing.

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Great thanks to Violet Duncan for taking the time to share this piece with us today. Buffalo Dreamer is in stores and libraries right now, so please take some time to check it out. Thanks to Violet and thanks to Karter Powerll and the team at Penguin Young Readers for connecting us today.

Filed under: Guest Posts