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Indigenous CKCU
Sunday December 20th, 2015 with Shirley Gagnon
"Memories of Christmas at Indian Residential Schools" as told by survivors

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Honouring the children of Indian Residential Schools with a documentary "Memories of Christmas at Indian Residential Schools" as told by survivors. Aboriginal music by Phyllis Sinclair, Florent Vollant, Susan Aglukark, Norman Doucette, Andrea Menard, Tom Jackson, and Amanda Rheaume.
Traditional: Minoh Awasis (Beautiful Child)
Phyllis Sinclair - Wishlist Canadian
Nipaiamianan
Florent Vollant - Nipaiamianan Canadian
Eku Papa Petakakat
Florent Vollant - Nipaiamianan Canadian
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Susan Aglukark - Christmas Canadian
Christmas in a Phone Booth
Norman Doucette - Dangerous Ground Canadian
Gather Round feat. Asani
Andrea Menard - Sparkle Canadian
The Huron Carole
Tom Jackson - 'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime Canadian
Jesu Joy of Mans Desiring
Amanda Rheaume - Acoustic Christmas Canadian
Interactive CKCU
Ed Sackaney
I am currently listening "Memories of Christmas at Residential Schools" To me it was awful and the loneliest time. Especially when i could not go home and I would be the only one left in the boys dormitory. The first year I had siblings with me at St. Anne's Residential school. However, the following years we were separated because my siblings were sent to St. Joseph's Residential school located in the community of Thunder bay, ON and for some unknown reason I was kept in St. Anne's school located in Fort Albany, ON. Everyone went home with the exception for a couple of us because my late mom could not afford to bring me home. I remember the 2-3 weeks leading into the Christmas, the religious theme aspect was heavily emphasize. But when the school emptied for the holidays break, I was tremendously lonely. I can recall being upstairs looking out the window crying and wishing that my late awesome mom would come to get me. Numerous times being all alone in the dormitory I would cry myself to sleep. I cannot recall if I ever ate and I do know of not having enough to eat during that time. To sum all the pass experiences of the Christmas season for me was in total despair. I felt unwanted, truly worthless and of course, some of the nuns saying nobody cared or wanted me made my situation far worse. One thing I do clearly recall was thinking to myself was...if I ever had children they would not have Christmases like this. I truly do not know as to why I would think about that? However, true to my word I made my two son's childhood Christmas experiences extra special. Yes, sometime the gift were lean but they still had them and thoroughly enjoyed it. At one time, I could listen to these stories because of the traumatic pains and memories. Thank you for broadcasting this program a few years back and the program continues to be a healing process. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Yew 2016!!

11:10 AM, December 20th, 2015
Shirley Gagnon
Kitchi Meegwetch Ed for your memories <3

2:18 PM, December 20th, 2015
shirley Gagnon
I find that as we grow older, our memories are sharper and clear, so it is very difficult. My brothers and I never went home, we stayed at St. Anne's year round; very painful place.

2:19 PM, December 20th, 2015
Phyllis Sinclair
Thank you for including Minoh Awasis. I am deeply moved, honoured and humbled. To all my residential school relatives and friends, warm embraces, and energy for light and peace, this Christmas Season and always. Phyllis Sinclair

3:12 PM, December 20th, 2015
CLIFFSTANDINGREADY@YAHOO.CA
I was in Brandon...I never knew what Christmas was about. What I do remember Uncle would come bringing candy in this big bag. They (supervisors) would put us in this hallway to visit with Uncle...but there would always someone from the school there supervising. We would be dressed up in suits to attend church.

4:32 PM, December 20th, 2015
Aboriginal CKCU (host)
I will be playing Christmas albums on Friday, Dec. 25 at 12 midnight to 6am. I will include your album Phyliss Sinclair.

5:12 PM, December 20th, 2015
Aboriginal CKCU (host)
Cliff Standing Ready, Thanks for your memories. We had to get dressed up for the church, sometimes very early in the mornings.

5:14 PM, December 20th, 2015
Aboriginal CKCU (host)
I hope that you will share this radio show segment to your contacts. I would really appreciate your support.

5:15 PM, December 20th, 2015
Norman Doucette
Thank you Shirley ,was driving round listening and surprise Christmas in a phone booth,,,Thank you for playing it,,the words ..."THEIRS A BABY IN A MANGER SOON TO BE ABUSED " reflects the plight of the children in residential schools > Thank you for sharing this song ..All the best to you and yours at Christmas and the holidays.

7:37 PM, December 20th, 2015
Marielin C
I do remember looking out the window wishing ,I was too sure just for what ? Not really daring to think .of home ,family .but I wanted some think.I colored pictures for Christmas dome singing but not me don't know why.? To this day I don't care about going into a church.still not too sure of celebrate ring .I was in Hay Lakes ''Chat ah.

12:57 AM, December 22nd, 2015
Aboriginal CKCU (host)
Thank you for sharing Marielin. Dec. 25th triggers many memories for us (IRS students).

8:04 AM, December 29th, 2015