The following are taken directly from various survivors of Indian residential schools who have been quoted in the TRC report (page 48-49):

“no hugs, nothing, no comfort…

…no love, there was no feelings

…nobody to comfort, comfort you

…nobody comforted you

…you learn not to cry”

And then white society wonders why we can’t forget, as the hurt and pain is passed on from one generation to another. We were taught not to love ourselves, our family, our home, our communities.

And then sometimes we, ourselves, wonder why have a hard time showing and expressing love to one another, to ourselves.

Today, I am reminded that love is more than just three words.

Love is decolonization.