LE ESTCWICWÉY̓ (“THE MISSING”)
The missing refers to the large numbers of Indigenous children who were sent to residential schools never returned to their home communities. Some children ran away, and others died at the schools. The students who did not return have come to be known as the Missing Children.
DO YOUR OWN WORK IN EDUCATING YOURSELF. 🧡
Remember that this is not a TREND. Buying an orange T-shirt and wearing it on this day is a start - but true allyship is CONTINUOUSLY doing the work, even when it's not ✨trendy✨, when it's not easy, & when it may be inconvenient. It's making space & amplifying our voices.
Participate in local community events. Involve elders. Follow Indigenous creators, artist, & businesses & share our content. Learn about the Indian Act, Foster Care, Birth Alerts, MMIWGT2S, clean water crisis, land back, suicide & mental health rates, extinct/endangered languages & Residential Schools.
...& remember to take care of yourself. Facing the truth of Canadas History is not easy. 🧡
Artist & Owner Ashley Michel
Weytk(hello), my name is Ashley Michel and I am Secwepemc from Tk’emlúps Indian Band. I am a Mother, Bachelor of Education Graduate (2023), & self taught Seamstress, Artist and Entrepreneur of 4 Generations Creations.
The inspiration for my business started in 2013 when my daughter was born. Growing up, there was a lack of authentic representation in fashion, media, & education. I wanted a better future for my daughter, and the generations to come - something my mom, my grandmothers, and our ancestors never had.
My business, 4 Generations Creations, aims to create designs that Educate others about Indigenous issues & resiliency. My designs unapologetically Indigenize and decolonize spaces as we walk this path towards meaningful reconciliation. I aim to create a safe and inclusive future that empowers and encourages a Positive Sense of Self-Identify, not only for my daughter, but for all Indigenous people across Turtle Island.