Survivors Voices and Memories Project

We come to you with respect and gratitude. The Wipazoka Wakpa Survivors: Voices and Memories Project is an invitation to honour the strength, resilience, and stories of those who attended Residential Schools.

Your story matters. Your memories matter. Whether you are a Survivor yourself or are sharing about a loved one, we want to help preserve these important histories for our children, grandchildren, and future generations.

This project is gathering stories and profiles of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation members who attended Residential Schools anywhere in Canada. We want to honour the whole person, not just the hard times, but also the love, strength, culture, and resilience that survived.

The Book

A permanent record with Survivor stories, photos, and Dakota language that will be shared with the community

Community Monuments

Survivor names will be inscribed on commemorative monuments at Brandon Residential School or Sioux Valley Dakota Nation as a lasting tribute

Interactive Map

An online resource where people can learn about each Survivor's story, which school they attended, and their experiences

Why this is Important

This project ensures that your voice is preserved. Your story will help younger generations understand where they come from, what was endured, and the love and resilience that kept families and culture alive

For Future Generations

What would you like your grandchildren to know about you? What would you want them to understand about the strength it took to survive? What teachings, memories, or moments of joy do you want them to remember?

For Healing and Truth

For You and Your Family

Sharing your story is an act of courage. It helps the community heal together. It helps ensure that what happened at Residential Schools is never forgotten, and that Survivors are honoured with the dignity and respect they deserve.

You get to decide what to share and how to share it. This is your story, told your way. We will work with you at your pace, in a way that feels safe and comfortable.

What We Need From You

We understand that every person's experience is different, and we respect that. You choose what feels right to share. Below are the basic pieces of information and the kinds of stories we hope to gather, but you are in control

These questions are like a menu, choose one, choose a few, or tell your story in your own way.

There is no right or wrong way to do this.

About You or Your Loved One:

When you think of this person (or yourself), what is the first memory that comes to your heart?

How would you introduce yourself (or this person) to a young person who never met you/them?

Before and During Residential School:

What was life like before Residential School?

Is there one story from Residential School that feels important to remember?

How did you hold onto being Dakota? Through language, humour, helping others?

Life After Residential School:

What were important steps in life after school - work, family, community roles?

Is there a teaching, saying, or story you would like to share with younger generations?

If you could speak to the community today about Residential Schools and the future, what would you say?

Photos, Artwork, and Culture:

Are there photos you would like to share (of yourself, family, or meaningful images)?

Are there any photos from during Residential School that you’d like to share?

Are there special artworks, or beadwork that represent you or your loved one?

Choosing How Your Story Looks

When your story is ready, it will be placed into a special profile page(s) in the book. You can choose from the options below, the design that feels most comfortable and respectful for you and your family.

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