Every. Child. Matters.

The slogan “Every Child Matters” underscores the crucial need for recognizing and addressing the injustices faced by Indigenous children, particularly in the context of residential schools. This series aims to shed light on the dark history of residential schools, which were government-sponsored institutions designed to forcibly assimilate Indigenous children into Western culture. These schools were sites of immense abuse—physically, emotionally, and culturally—where children were stripped of their languages, traditions, and identities. The trauma inflicted within these walls has had lasting effects across generations, creating wounds that are still felt deeply within Indigenous communities today.

Through this photography series, I aim to amplify the voices of residential school survivors by reconnecting with culture and celebrating resilience. Each photograph serves as a tribute to those who endured this painful history and a testament to the strength and healing that comes from reclaiming what was once taken: through traditional dress, dance, ceremonies, or community gatherings. Every. Child. Matters