Residential school survivor: 'I grew up hating the colour of my skin.'

Summary

The script recounts a child's painful experience of discrimination and the struggle with identity, beginning with a traumatic first day at school where they were told to wash off their brown skin. The narrative follows the journey of self-acceptance and pride in being Dakota, inspired by the American Indian Movement's fight for equality and justice. The story concludes with a determination to stand up against prejudice and a hope for reconciliation, aiming to create a better world for future generations.

Takeaways

• 😢 The speaker recalls a traumatic childhood experience of being told to wash off their brown skin as a child in school.
• 😔 The speaker grew up feeling broken and ashamed of their skin color, wanting to be white to be accepted by society.
• 📚 The American Indian Movement inspired the speaker to stand up for their identity and be proud of their heritage.
• 🦅 The speaker found strength in wearing braids and a feather, symbolizing their heritage and making a statement against ridicule.
• 💪 The speaker learned to stand up for themselves and their family, overcoming the hurtful names and discrimination.
• 🏡 The speaker made a promise to their single mother to create a better world for her through reconciliation and understanding.
• 🙏 The speaker prays for people to find peace within themselves and open their hearts to work together for a better world.
• 🌟 The speaker identifies as Dakota and is proud of their identity, vowing to stand up for their family and community.
• 🤝 The script emphasizes the importance of reconciliation and unity in overcoming past hurts and building a better future.
• 🌈 The story is a testament to the power of self-acceptance and the strength that comes from embracing one's cultural identity.

Q & A

What was the child's initial experience when entering school?

The child encountered other children crying and was told by older children that things would get worse, setting a distressing tone for their school experience.

What was the woman's instruction to the child regarding their skin color?

The woman instructed the child to wash off their brown skin, implying that it was something negative and that God did not like it.

How did the child feel about their skin color after this experience?

The child grew up hating their skin color and wanted to be white, feeling broken inside and unaccepted in society.

What was the impact of the American Indian Movement on the child's perception of self-worth?

The American Indian Movement inspired the child to stand up for their identity and to be proud of their brown skin, which they previously despised.

How did the child begin to express their cultural identity?

The child started wearing their hair in braids with a feather, making a statement about their identity and beliefs.

What was the child's reaction to being ridiculed for their Indian heritage?

The child decided to stand up for themselves and their beliefs, no longer allowing others to hurt them with names or insults.

What did the child promise to their single mother?

The child promised their mother that they would never have to feel unworthy, showing a commitment to personal and societal change.

What is the child's hope for the reconciliation process?

The child hopes that the reconciliation process will lead to a better world where people can find peace within themselves and work together.

What does the child believe is necessary for societal change?

The child believes that people need to find peace within themselves and open their hearts to create a more inclusive and accepting society.

How does the script reflect the journey of self-acceptance and standing up against prejudice?

The script illustrates the child's transformation from self-hatred to self-acceptance and pride in their identity, as well as their determination to stand against prejudice and injustice.

What role did the American Indian Movement play in shaping the child's identity?

The American Indian Movement served as a catalyst for the child to embrace their heritage, stand up against discrimination, and advocate for equality and justice.