APTN National News and Current Affairs Highlights for March

APTN InFocus, produced and hosted by Cheryl McKenzie of APTN National News. Expert panellists convene, including academics, journalists, professionals in their field, community members and youth, to discuss critical issues and the successes affecting Aboriginal communities.

March 13 – A Discussion on the Film, We Were Children 

For over a century, Aboriginal children were confined by the assimilationist practices of residential schools. Truths are now told by guided voices representing generations of Our Peoples. This sharply, stirring film chronicles the detrimental experiences of two survivors forced to adapt in an obscure, life-altering world.

Cheryl’s Guest Panel

Lyna Hart, 

Residential School Survivor and member of the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation

A survivor, she shares her experience at residential school and why she felt it was important. She’s also a member of the Centre for Aboriginal Health Research Health Information Research Committee. Lyna works full-time as a tribal home and community care advisor, and acting tribal nursing officer with the South East Resource Development Corporation.

Lyna chose a path of caring and concern for others – especially for Aboriginal youth.  As Lyna points out, “Like the Elder who believed in me, it’s up to my generation to trust, respect and encourage our youth. Show them that we have faith in them. They will keep our diverse cultures growing and our many languages alive. Our youth is our future and I believe that puts it in good hands, indeed.”

Lisa Meeches, 

Executive Producer of We Were Children

Lisa’s corporate mandate is to work on film and television projects that speak the truth and inspire humanity, and she’s one of the most dynamic and respected Canadian Aboriginal producers. Lisa is the president of Eagle Vision Inc. and Meeches Video Productions; co-president of Century Street Distribution;  executive producer, producer and host of The Sharing Circle; and executive producer of the award-winning children’s series Tipi Tales.

Garnering numerous accolades, her most recent are the 2009 University of Manitoba’s Excellence in Aboriginal Business Leadership Award, and the Women in Film and Television-Toronto 2009 Crystal Award for Mentorship.

Lisa’s latest position was the national events director for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada; she produced events across Canada that gave residential school survivors the opportunity to share their stories, helping to bring reconciliation for thousands of Aboriginal People.

Ms. Claudette Chevrier

Ms. Chevrier is a resolution health support worker for the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association and provides mental health support to residential school survivors in Ontario. Prior, Ms. Chevrier worked as a criminal court worker with the Indian Friendship Centre in Sault Ste. Marie. She also was a consultant providing mediation for family services/child welfare programs and service delivery agencies for the Ontario regional Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (formerly the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development). From 1991 to 1995, Ms. Chevrier was the special assistant to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.

 

Ms. Chevrier is a qualified medicine wheel facilitator and carries a wide range of cultural teachings from across Canada. Her volunteer service experience includes positions on the Indian Friendship Centre Board of Governors and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, to name a few.