The eye-opening impact of a recent indigenous retreat was very apparent when a local student spoke to Brantford Sunrise in July.Lexi was among 50 students from across Canada, 25 indigenous and 25 non-indigenous, who attended the H.I.P. (Honouring Indigenous People) Retreat at Chiefswood in March.
She said seeing and learning in person made all the difference.
Lexi said it was difficult to go through the former Mohawk Institute and hear what indigenous students endured, while living so close to a former residential school and having no idea it existed.
Her favourite presenter was Phyllis Webstad, with whom the orange shirt, a symbol of indigenous culture and identity, originated.
The students were also able to experience the various traditional foods.
Lexi is a graduate of St. John's College in Brantford and will be attending Brock University in September for child and youth studies.