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Killing the Indian in the Child: Generations Lost
January 21 to April 25, 2025
Killing the Indian in the Child: Generations Lost |
The City of Waterloo Museum is honoured to present this impactful exhibition in partnership with the Legacy of Hope Foundation: Killing the Indian in the Child: Generations Lost explores the lasting impacts of Canada’s Residential Schools. For over a century, Indigenous children as young as four were forcibly taken from their families, forbidden to speak their languages or practice their culture, and placed in institutions run by religious orders in collaboration with the Federal Government. More than 150,000 children attended these schools, enduring neglect, physical and emotional abuse, and cultural erasure. Generations of Survivors and their families continue to feel the trauma caused by these institutions. Remarkably, many have preserved their languages, cultures, and traditions, drawing strength from Indigenous teachings and their way of life. In addition to the exhibition, the City of Waterloo Museum will feature Bead the Tract, an artistic representation of the Haldimand Tract created by Protect the Tract. A stunning map, crafted to honour the Haudenosaunee connection to the Grand River watershed, showcases the traditional art of raised beadwork. Bead the Tract was created by Protect the Tract in collaboration with Haudenosaunee raised beadwork artists Talena Atfield, Jija Jacobs, Tesha Emarthle, and Kahionwinehshon Phillips. Protect the Tract is a Haudenosaunee-led initiative that promotes land stewardship and exercises sovereignty through education, policy development, and engagement. An original graphic recording by Mohawk artist Teyotsihstokwáthe (Dakota Brant) weaved together themes from the national story of Residential Schools with the local history of the Mohawk Institute Residential School in Brantford, Ontario connecting them to the Haldimand Tract, where the City of Waterloo is situated today. Dakota Brant is an artist, entrepreneur, speaker, and author dedicated to Indigenous storytelling and education. Her work raises awareness of residential schools' local and national impacts.
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Please note: This exhibit contains subject matter that may be disturbing to some visitors, especially to Survivors of the Residential School System. Please call the crisis line if you or someone you know is triggered while viewing the exhibition content. National Indian Residential School Crisis Line for former Residential School students: 1-866-925-4419
What: Killing the Indian in the Child: Generations Lost
Where: City of Waterloo Museum, located at Conestoga Mall (near the food court)
When: January 21 to April, 2025
Hours: Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m (Open Saturdays for July and August)
To Learn more about the accessible features offered for our exhibits, please visit our Accessibility Page.
About the City of Waterloo Museum
Popular for ever-changing exhibitions and offering access to Waterloo’s premier shopping centre (Conestoga Mall) at its doorstep, the City of Waterloo Museum explores the hometown history of Waterloo and the stories we have to share. The City of Waterloo Museum is the place to discover an array of historical objects, art and artifacts that tell the story of Waterloo from its founding in 1806 to the present day. The museum features a main gallery containing fabulous items from its sizeable holdings of over 20,000 objects, including the restored 1919 Pierce Arrow Seagram Whisky delivery truck, and provides various elements to learn about and celebrate all things Waterloo!
Exhibition hours are Tuesday to Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is always free.