I Am a Survivor: David Decontie – Truth and Reconciliation Week

Topic: I Am a Survivor: David Decontie

Taken from his family at a young age, David Decontie, Survivor of St. Mary’s Residential School (Kenora) and Pointe Bleue, shares the profound impact of the residential school system on his life, identity, and family. Through courage, therapy, cultural reclamation, and the love of his children and grandchildren, David’s story is one of resilience, healing, and survival—an inspiring testament to the strength of Survivors and the importance of truth, remembrance, and reconciliation.

Provided By National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

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Video duration: 14:23

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

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Health Support Services are available during specific hours during Truth and Reconciliation Week.
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.