Thinking about what this piece means to me.

It means so many things.

But what does it say?

A friend said, “they are the residential school survivors.”

And I think now I know what the answer is.

They are residential school students, but not survivors.

The little head on the shoulder.

They’ve made it home to spirit world.

Some seem like they are looking in different directions.

Maybe searching for their parent or grandparents faces.

My heart has been dark.

It pours out into my brush.

I paint to keep me away from heading into different directions.

Miigwetch.