City of Waterloo Museum presents Exhibitions Exploring Indigenous Histories and Resilience

The City of Waterloo Museum is proud to announce the opening of two transformative exhibitions in partnership with the Legacy of Hope Foundation; Killing the Indian in the Child: Generations Lost and Bi-Giwen: Coming Home – Truth-Telling from the Sixties Scoop. These exhibitions delve into the lasting impacts of the Residential School system and the Sixties Scoop while amplifying Indigenous voices, resilience and the ongoing journey toward Reconciliation.

Exhibition Details:

• Killing the Indian in the Child: Generations Lost – now to mid-April 2025
• Bi-Giwen: Coming Home - Truth-Telling from the Sixties Scoop – mid-April to June 13, 2025
• Bead the Tract and Original Graphic Recordings by Dakota Brant – now to June 13, 2025

About the Exhibitions:
Killing the Indian in the Child: Generations Lost examines the devastating legacy of Canada’s Residential School system, where over 150,000 Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and subjected to cultural erasure, neglect and abuse. This exhibition honours the survivors and their families, shedding light on their enduring strength, courage and commitment to preserving Indigenous languages, cultures and traditions.

Bi-Giwen: Coming Home - Truth-Telling from the Sixties Scoop brings to life the voices of 12 Indigenous survivors who share their personal stories of loss, displacement and resilience during the Sixties Scoop. This exhibit, developed with the National Indigenous Survivors of Child Welfare Network, offers an intimate perspective on a dark chapter in Canadian history while highlighting the journey toward healing.

Special Features:

• Bead the Tract: An extraordinary artistic representation of the Haldimand Tract created by Protect the Tract in collaboration with Haudenosaunee beadwork artists. This raised beadwork map celebrates the Haudenosaunee connection to the Grand River watershed and promotes Indigenous sovereignty and education.
• Graphic Recordings by Dakota Brant: Mohawk artist Teyotsihstokwáthe (Dakota Brant) presents original works that intertwine the national narrative of Residential Schools with the local history of the Mohawk Institute Residential School in Brantford, offering a powerful connection to the Haldimand Tract.

Learning and Support Resources:
Visitors will have access to educational materials and information about local Indigenous organizations. The museum is also mindful of the sensitive nature of these topics and encourages those who need support to contact the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.

A Call to Reflection and Action:
The City of Waterloo Museum invites the community to engage with these critical histories, honour the resilience of Indigenous communities, and commit to the path of Truth and Reconciliation.

About the Legacy of Hope Foundation:
Is a national Indigenous charitable organization with the mandate to educate and create awareness and understanding about the Residential School System, including the intergenerational impact such as the removal of generations of Indigenous children from their families, including the Sixties Scoop, the post-traumatic stress disorders that many First Nations, Inuit, and Metis continue to experience, all while trying to address racism, foster empathy and understanding and inspire action to improve the situation of Indigenous Peoples today. The LHF supports the ongoing healing process of Residential School Survivors, and their families and seeks theirs input on projects that honour them.

About the Protect the Tract:
Is a Haudenosaunee-led project that conducts research, policy development and develops capacity for civil engagement, to exercise sovereignty through the promotion of land stewardship over the Haldimand Tract.

About the City of Waterloo Museum:
The City of Waterloo Museum is dedicated to fostering understanding and appreciation of local and national history, with a focus on engaging exhibitions and community partnerships.

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 must 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 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is always free.

-30-

Media Contact:
Jennifer Reed
Communications Consultant
Corporate Communications
City of Waterloo
jennifer.reed@waterloo.ca