This is a sincere and humble message of appreciation and acknowledgement to the Elders who have made a difference in my life as teachers, counsellors, and mentors. Each from Minnesota where I was raised, from International Falls where I will always call my hometown, and from Manitou Rapids and the entire Treaty Three region who made "coming home" a welcoming and unforgettable experience for me.

To all those who have brought their strong and resilient voices forward in the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

And, respectfully, this piece is dedicated to ALL our Elders across Turtle Island.

This is for all the Elders who we told how much they were appreciated; and all the Elders who we didn't remind, or who we didn't remind enough.

Ruth Scalplock, a 66-year-old residential school survivor, came from Alberta's Siksika Nation to Winnipeg to attend the opening of the Truth and Reconciliation Hearings into residential school abuse. 

Not to make a statement to the commission, though. "I want to support the survivors," she said. The process of speaking out herself is too "painful."