Canada’s historical treatment of Indigenous children continues to unfold with more bodies discovered at sites of former government-funded, church-administered institutions known as residential schools.
Canada’s Residential School system was a nationwide effort by the Canadian Government Department of Indian Affairs to separate Indigenous children from their culture and assimilate them into the dominant Canadian culture. The schools were a network of boarding schools administered by the Catholic Church, the Anglican Church, and the Presbyterian Church. The system was founded with its first school in 1834 in Ontario and the last one was closed in 1996.
Enter Kelly Derrickson, an award-winning and accomplished musician who has been recognized for years at the Native American Music Awards for best female artist, best music video, best country recording, and many more. She was recognized there as Best Female Artist for two consecutive years, in 2017 and 2018. No other artist has repeated that honor in consecutive years. Her works feature issues of life, both hardships and joys experienced by indigenous people across North America.
Kelly sang of the schools in the graphic All I See is Red, available on mp3 here, and on Apple.
Kelly says,
“…the news of the Kamloops Residential School tragedy echoes far across Turtle Island at every residential school built to strip our people of their land, heritage, traditions and culture. We want justice!”
Kelly is the daughter of three-time Westbank, BC Grand Chief Ron Derrickson. What Kelly’s father has worked to accomplish in the political arena, Kelly has worked to accomplish through her music. They have both spent their lives advancing the interests and improving conditions for Canada’s indigenous people. Kelly’s music exudes passion for her people and her family. She is the voice of her Nation.
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