Visiting the Indian Boarding Homes Foundation ahead of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - CTV Morning Live Saskatchewan

In Clip 1 with Mike Ciona, Melody Wood introduces the Hitgwin! Qaumata Miyopimâtisiwin Foundation, whose name translates to “Rise! Shine, Live a Good Life,” ahead of its grand opening and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. She explains that the Indian Boarding Homes Program placed Indigenous children, typically of high school age, with predominantly white families to attend school, where many experienced mistreatment. The Foundation recognizes Survivors and supports their holistic healing. She emphasizes that while remembering residential schools remains essential, truth and reconciliation also requires awareness of the lesser-known Indian Boarding Homes Program and its place within the broader history of federal assimilation policies.

In Clip 2 with Mike Ciona, Melody Wood shares plans for the Indian Boarding Homes Program Foundation’s grand opening, including drumming and Cree dancers, an Elder’s opening, welcome remarks, a ribbon cutting, tours, and special announcements. She emphasizes that while the opening is a celebration, the Foundation’s work is rooted in recognizing the profound mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual harms experienced by Survivors. Supporting their healing is a lifelong commitment, and the Foundation offers an opportunity to help Survivors take meaningful steps along their healing journeys. Viewers are encouraged to visit the Foundation’s website to learn more about its work.

In Clip 3 with Mike Ciona, Melody Wood explains that HQMF’s work extends beyond its grand opening to supporting the holistic healing of Indian Boarding Homes Program Survivors and their descendants. She describes Indigenous foundations as pieces of a larger puzzle, each addressing harms from different programs while contributing to a better future where children can thrive in their cultures, languages, and spiritual identities. For Melody, reconciliation means taking action: learning the history, understanding its implications, and using personal and professional influence to create change. She emphasizes that everyone can contribute, including those with authority to improve workplaces and institutions, through ongoing learning and meaningful steps forward.