Mr. Speaker, on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we commemorate the thousands of children who were stolen at the hands of residential institutions. It is a painful reminder of the horrors that occurred and of what was lost. It is also a day of cherishing what is being regained.
I recently had the privilege of visiting Kehkimin Wolastoqey language immersion school. Children attending this land-based and experiential learning centre are little busy bees. They are connecting to their culture, relearning their language and maintaining a healthy relationship with mother earth through nature. It is truly beautiful and heartwarming to witness. It is healing in action. Language is key to one's identity, and these children will grow up being loud and proud of every aspect of who they are, a feeling that their ancestors were violently robbed of.
I want to say a special shout-out to the founder and staff at Kehkimin, and I want to celebrate one of the children who recently received his traditional name, notably Benson, Wapsq (Polar Bear), the son of Rachel, who is one of my team members.
I also wish to tell my own two Wolastoqey boys that I am so grateful to be their mom and to witness them grow up. They are my motivation and the reason why I am here, to fight and create a better world for them.
[Member spoke in Wolastoqey as follows:]
Koselomol naka woliwon.
[Wolastoqey text translated as follows:]
I love you and thank you.
[English]