Quilt sewn with stories from residential school survivors passed to Sask. Polytechnic

The talking quilt holds a deep significance for Sandra Head, a member of the Peter Chapman Band from James Smith Cree Nation. This large blanket, adorned with colorful patches, served as a vessel of healing for about 15 women from the community. As they sewed the quilt together, they opened up to each other, sharing their experiences, including those from residential schools. For many of the women, it was the first time they had spoken about the trauma they endured.

The quilt, aptly named the talking quilt, was a powerful symbol of resilience and solidarity. Each patch on the quilt represented a different aspect of the women’s lives, with some symbols depicting their abusers and others symbolizing moments of rest and healing. These women had all been impacted by the legacy of residential schools, where Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and subjected to abuse in an attempt to assimilate them into Euro-Canadian culture.

During a presentation at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Sandra Head shared the emotional journey of creating the talking quilt. She spoke of the tears shed, the stories shared, and the healing that took place as they worked on the quilt together. Chief Kirby Constant of James Smith Cree Nation emphasized the importance of honoring the women who had created the quilt, acknowledging them as the heart of the community.

The talking quilt found a new home at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, where it will be displayed for all to see. The hope is that by sharing this powerful symbol of resilience, more people will come to understand the experiences of Indigenous people who survived the trauma of residential schools. Lindsey Boechler, a researcher at the school’s Centre for Health Research, Innovation, and Scholarship, highlighted the importance of community-led research and the stories woven into each square of the quilt.

The talking quilt is more than just fabric and thread; it is a testament to the strength and resilience of the women who created it. Their stories of hardship and perseverance, pain and determination, are woven into every stitch. By sharing their experiences through the quilt, these women are reclaiming their voices and ensuring that their history is not forgotten.

As we reflect on the stories shared through the talking quilt, it is important to remember the ongoing impact of residential schools on Indigenous communities. Support is available for anyone affected by their experience at residential schools, including the national Indian Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419. Mental health counseling and crisis support are also available 24/7 through the Hope for Wellness hotline at 1-855-242-3310 or online at www.hopeforwellness.ca.

The talking quilt serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities, and the importance of listening to and honoring their stories.