This image was created in co-operation with my best friend and soul sister Ginnifer Menominee, to both memorialize and show support for the families of the 215 Indigenous children, who’s remains were recently discovered on the grounds of the Kamloops Residential School. The hope is to keep the conversation going about the truth of the Residential School system.

Ginnifer is Anishnawbe and an advocate for her people. She has expressed her feelings and hopes here… “This past week has left me heavy with grief due to the discovery of the remains of 250 Indigenous children, buried in a mass grave hidden under concrete, on the grounds of the Kamloops Indian Residential School. I felt hopeless, lost and in so much pain that I could not begin to describe it. A few days ago, my best friend Allison, of Toltec Spirit Tattoo, who has been on her own journey of learning and unlearning, talked about a symbol that could reflect this loss and keep the conversations and the calls to action, by the Truth and Reconciliation Tribunals, going. Being both Mothers and artists, I asked if we could collaborate to make a charity tattoo with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Woodland Cultural Centre. Being Anishnawbe, my first thought was of the moccasins, that these children would have worn. How these moccasins would be made by a family member and decorated with beaded designs with the Intention of Love. Our children are the centre of our Nations. Residential schools systematically ripped our children, as young as 3, away from their parents by force. Many never returned home. Those that did were traumatized from years of neglect and abuse. Allison being so generous with her gifts went to work right away creating a design. We know it is only a small contribution, but we want to pay tribute to the memory of these children. This one little moccasin is a permanent reminder on our bodies and hearts that more ACTION needs to happen. More learning and unlearning. True reconciliation means we are all in this together. Indigenous and Non- Indigenous people in Respect, Trust and Reciprocity. “

As a symbol of the work Non-Indigenous people need to undertake, this tattoo will be available for $180. The price is a little high, in order to facilitate it’s offering to Indigenous peoples at a much lower cost. And $120 to benefit the Woodland Cultural Centre.

As a personal act of reconciliation I am offering the tattoo to Indigenous people at no cost for my time and a $30 cost of materials. A voluntary donation to benefit the Woodland Cultural Centre can be given.