Project of Heart on display at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa
Inside a room at Beechwood Cemetery lies tens of thousands of hand-drawn or painted tiles—a powerful display made in honour of the Indigenous children and youth who went through Canada's residential school system.
"There were over 150,000 children who went to these schools, many did not make it home," said Cindy Blackstock, the executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society.
The project is a partnership between Beechwood Cemetery, Project of Heart, the Assembly of 7 Generations and the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society.
"Its words and images that are powerful to make you really think," said Mbombo Malonde Kapacala.
All of the tiles were done by students across Canada ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
"I would really like them to come away with an understanding as to the depth and the breadth of what Indian Residential schools did to families, to their communities, to their nations," said Project of Heart's Sylvia Smith.
"And that's why Phyllis Webstad's story is so important, why we wear orange," said Blackstock. "When Phyllis showed up at that school, it was a residential school and the first thing they did was give her a number instead of a name and they took away her orange shirt. So it's about bringing that humanity and understanding there's lots of Phyllis'. And that's why our duty to correct these harms and stop the ongoing injustices is so imperative."
Dr. Peter Bryce, who tried to sound the alarm about residential schools more than 100 years ago, is buried at Beechwood in Ottawa. Blackstock said his grave is now one of the most visited.
"As the national cemetery we have a national voice and it's important to share the stories and the history in a meaningful way," said Nick McCarthy with Beechwood Cemetery.
Many hope the will to listen and learn will go beyond just one day.
"It’s the intention and the power within the action and words that really set forward the change in history and in the truth," said Mbombo Malonde Kapacala.
The tiles will eventually be housed in a new cultural centre being built in Sault Ste. Marie.
If you are a former residential school student in distress, or have been affected by the residential school system and need help, you can contact the 24-hour Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
Additional mental-health support and resources for Indigenous people are available here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.