The North: A Survivors Agenda
The North: A Survivors Agenda
Content Warning: Sexual Assault, Child Sexual Assault, Residential Schools, and historical trauma. Please listen in whatever way makes you feel safe. You can stop, step away, and come back at any point.
The North marks the end of this journey. In this episode, you'll hear from a child welfare worker who supports children and youth through the forensic evidence process, an Elder whose testimony moves from residential school to Sundance, and survivors describing how they envision the care pathway in an ideal world.
The testimony in this episode is powerful. It's concrete. A child telling their story four and five times to countless professionals. A walk through the emergency room with a child protection worker on one side and a uniformed officer on the other. With over 10 hours of waiting because there's no nurse until morning. Alongside this testimony, we imagine what care could look like instead: a separate private entrance, smudge offered before the forensic exam, plain clothes instead of uniforms worn by officers in attendance, band representatives offering support where appropriate, mobile forensic units that meet survivors where they are. A supportive space that feels comforting.
Jessica closes with a powerful message: "I am a warrior. You are a warrior. We are not alone."
If this episode brings forward feelings and emotions and you require support, we recommend accessing the following resources:
- Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310, 24/7, for all Indigenous peoples across Canada. Online chat at hopeforwellness.ca. Counselling also available in Cree, Ojibway (Anishinaabemowin), and Inuktitut on request.
- Talk4Healing: 1-855-554-HEAL (4325), 24/7, for Indigenous women in Ontario. Phone, text, and chat, in 14 Indigenous languages and English.
- Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419, 24/7.
- MMIWG Crisis Line: 1-844-413-6649, 24/7. - Assaulted Women's Helpline (Ontario): 1-866-863-0511, 24/7. Text #SAFE (#7233).
- VictimLinkBC (serves BC and Yukon) β 1-800-563-0808, call or text, 24/7.
- SALAL National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-877-392-7583 (24/7) Available nationally.
- Noojimo Health: A fully virtual mental health practice for Indigenous people across Canada. To connect, visit https://www.noojimohealth.ca/