Stolen Childhood, Stolen Identity: The Lasting Shadow of Jewish and Indigenous Traumas
4:45 Registration 5:15 Program Start
It is not widely known that Hitler looked to the treatment of North American Indigenous peoples for inspiration while formulating his plans for Europe’s Jews. The panelists will address both the common and unique forms of trauma experienced by their community’s most vulnerable members: the children. Jewish children during the Holocaust, children of survivors, and Indigenous children -- whether in residential schools or victims of the '60s scoop and the ongoing child welfare crisis -- faced similar destinies in the loss of their identities, whether forced to conceal and abandon their religion, culture, languages or traditions. Their vulnerability and suffering continues years after these catastrophic events took place. We all have much to learn by illuminating the shadows.
Dr. Jennifer Wemigwans is Anishnaabekwe (Ojibwe/ Potawatomi) from Wikwemikong First Nation. She is a new media producer, writer and scholar specializing in the convergence between education, Indigenous knowledge and new media technologies. Dr. Wemigwans is excited by the prospects of teaching and is committed to community empowerment from an Indigenous perspective.