Full Description
My name is Corinne George. I am Wet'suwet'en with Gitksan lineage from the Gidimt'en (Bear) Clan. This is my truth, and through sharing my truth, I strive for ongoing healing and to continue the journey of reconciliation.
As a Wet'suwet'en woman born and raised on what is now known as the "Highway of Tears," it was not uncommon to receive inferior treatment. There were even times when I was overtly targeted. It has been very common for people to outwardly refuse to acknowledge my existence as a human being.
I was always afraid to share my truth because I did not want to be stigmatized. I am the daughter of a residential school survivor and a WWII veteran. As a result of colonization, I have encountered incredible levels of trauma.
I need to acknowledge and speak my truth.
As I share my pain and experiences, I have gathered self-awareness and every time I speak about my trauma, I heal a little bit more.
I do not deserve to be treated like I do not exist.
Despite the historical impacts of colonization and trauma, my connections to my ancestral ways and my identity have been critical. This is how I survived and how I strive to thrive.
Contents
Sensitivity Warning ix
Foreword: Grand Chief Stewart Phillip - Union of British Columbia Indian Chief xi
Introduction 1
Chapter 1: My Great Grandparents, My Grandparents, and My Parents 5
Chapter 2: My Childhood 25
Chapter 3: A Dark Trail - Off the Trail of My Ancestors 45
Chapter 4: Healing 71
Chapter 5: Reconnecting to the Trails of My Ancestors 97
Chapter 6: Conclusion - Truth ... and then Reconciliation 109
Notes 127
About the Author 129
