LEAD BY
Darcy Belanger, Elaine Berwald and Amanda Martin
Darcy Belanger
Darcy Belanger is Anishinaabe from Black River First Nation Reserve, Manitoba. His story began long in the past before his adoption in 1977 at the age of two, like many Indigenous children he was taken from his family and community. The rise of the Sixties Scoop was in full effect against Indigenous children at this time; cross-cultural adoption led them far away from their home and communities. Growing up lost with no identity and culture, forced to assimilate. Faced a life of unknown trauma, suppressed with addictions, incarcerations, suicide attempts and homelessness. Against all odds, he was able to rise up to his knees, with unlikely friendships, and determination. He stood up for his new found passion in compassion to help others, Walked forward to find his Identity, culture and education. Now running for his dreams to achieve his goals.
We would like to thank the following for their support of The Sixties Scoop program at Celebration of Nations:
- Brock University Social Justice & Equity Studies
- YWCA
- Aboriginal Student Services, Brock University
- Brock University Human Resources
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Club
- City of St. Catharines