Since 2021, the Survivors of the Indian Residential School system in Wauzhushk Onigum Nation have been on a healing journey called Kaatagoging to find and tell the truth about the St. Mary's (Kenora) Indian Residential School that operated in their territory from 1897 to 1972. The word ‘Kaatagoging’ has multiple meanings in our language, Anishinaabemowin. Some translate it as ‘grave’ or ‘returning to the earth’, and for this reason it became a name many of us Survivors used for the school itself. But it also has another meaning: ‘growing together’. We chose this name because our journey represents a commitment to honour and protect the graves of St. Mary’s, while also growing together on our healing path forward.
The purpose of our journey has been to:
The Kaatagoging book set is the culmination of this journey, told in the words of our Survivors themselves. This powerful account is shared across four volumes.Purchase today
The first book invites readers to journey back to the beginning of time, grounding the story in our Anishinaabe identity – our language, lands, laws, teachings, ceremonies, and economies that helped us survive and thrive for thousands of years. It explores our sacred connection to the land and the wisdom passed through generations – a foundation that has sustained us through unimaginable challenges.
The second volume begins with the arrival of settlers and recounts how colonization tried to take our way of life through the imposition of laws and policies that laid the groundwork for the residential school system and government-mandated genocide. This book discusses the many waves of colonization we faced, which tried to dispossess us of our spirituality, our economies, our lands, our laws, our ceremonies, and eventually, our children.
The third book goes deep into the heart of the experience at St. Mary’s, sharing Survivors’ stories of trauma, loss, and resilience. It exposes the horrors our people endured while also highlighting the strength of those who made it through.
The final volume reflects on the lasting impact of trauma across generations and the ongoing efforts toward healing. It looks ahead with courage, outlining our path forward and calling for continued steps toward truth and reconciliation.
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