In recognition o f National Day for Truth and Reconciliation\, join Bangishimo and their mo ther\, Elder and Residential School Survivor Lila Bruyere\, for a powerful conversation about family\, resilience\, and the lasting impacts of the r esidential school system across generations.
\nHaving shared their s tories together publicly for many years\, Bangishimo and Lila offer person al reflections on how residential schools have shaped their lives\, their family\, and their healing journeys. They will also speak about a remarkab le milestone: becoming the first mother and child to graduate from Wilfrid Laurier University at the same time.
\nThe evening will begin with a welcome and song from Amy Smoke\, co-founder of Ose:Kenhionhata (Land Back Camp) and co-director of the Willow River Centre\, alongside Bangishim o.
\nThis program offers an opportunity to listen\, learn\, and refl ect on Indigenous experiences\, the ongoing impacts of residential schools \, and the importance of truth\, reconciliation\, and community.
\nLila Bruyere is a survivor of St. Margaret's R esidential school\, originally from Fort Frances\, Ontario Treaty # 3 area . Retired certified addictions counselor and worked in the field for 25 ye ars. One of her greatest accomplishments was going back to school to earn her BA in Social Work degree at the age of forty-eight. She continued reac hing for her goals and went back to school in 2013 to earn her Master of S ocial Work - Indigenous Field of Study from Wilfrid Laurier University. In 2019\, she was selected to become a member of the Truth &\; Reconcilia tion Commission (TRC) - National Survivors Circle. She would spend the nex t three years attending gatherings across Canada as a representative for t he TRC. She is honored to have been appointed to this position and become a voice for other survivors. After working with the Truth &\; Reconcili ation Survivors Circle\, Lila retired from working in the field of addicti ons counseling and gambling counseling. Her dream is to work on a document ary called &ldquo\;I Am Water&rdquo\; a story of a residential school surv ivor who is presently a public speaker. Throughout the years\, she spoke a t elementary schools\, colleges and universities educating the public abou t my experience inside the school from the age of six till fourteen. Lila continues her healing journey and enjoys what she does. Her motto is: &ldq uo\;I want to be the best version of myself\, I can be.&rdquo\;
\nBangishimo (they/them)\, is an IndigiQueer Anishi naabe originally from Couchiching First Nation. They are the co-founder of Ose:Kenhionhata (Land Back Camp) and Co-director of Willow River Centre. They served as the City of Kitchener&rsquo\;s inaugural Indigenous Artist- in-Residence (2022-23) and most recently the first Artist in Residence for Longhouse Labs at the University of Waterloo (2024-2025).
\nAmy Smoke (they/them) is Mohawk Nation Turtle Clan of t he Six Nations of the Grand River. They are a 2S IndigiQueer parent\, comm unity organizer\, teacher and co-founder of O:se Kenhionhata:tie\, LandBac k Camp. They are co-director of the Willow River Centre\, the first and on ly 2S IndigiQueer-led organization in Waterloo Region. They also teach at the University of Waterloo in the School of Social Work.
\nEveryone welcome. Please register each person attending separately. \;
\nThis program will take place outdoors\, in the Naturespace\, if weather al lows. In the case of inclement weather\, we will relocate to the Program R oom.
\nPhotography Notice: Please note that photographs and videos may be taken at this event and may be broadcast\, reproduced\, and/or made available in print or online. For individual or s mall group photos\, staff will make attendees aware of their presence and will ask permission before taking photos. \;
\nFor larger public events\, please note that by attending\, you are consenting to the use of your appearance\, image\, and voice in print or digital productions creat ed by the Waterloo Public Library for promotional use only. Please speak t o library staff at the event if you&rsquo\;d like to be excluded from any photo/video. \;
\nStaff: Maddy
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