Dennis Saddleman: From Residential School to Word Warrior

Topic: Dennis Saddleman: From Residential School to Word Warrior

Dennis Saddleman, a Survivor of the Kamloops Residential School, shares his journey from a childhood filled with love to the trauma of residential school. Through sobriety, forgiveness, cultural connections, arts and poetry Dennis transformed his pain into a powerful voice for healing and truth, inspiring Survivors, families, and communities.

Provided By National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

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Video duration: 14:28

NCTR Videos, First Nations, Grades 5-6, Grades 7-8, Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12, English, 2026

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To use this service, please click on “Health Supports” under “Resources” in the menu. If you require support at other times, please contact the 24-Hour Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.

NCTR's spirit name - bezhig miigwan, meaning "one feather".

Bezhig miigwan calls upon us to see each Survivor coming to the NCTR as a single eagle feather and to show those Survivors the same respect and attention an eagle feather deserves. It also teaches we are all in this together — we are all one, connected, and it is vital to work together to achieve reconciliation.