Dive into the poignant tale of resilience and identity in the new children’s book, “I Am My Name,” which beautifully encapsulates the journey of Montreal activist Na’kuset, a survivor of the Sixties Scoop. Na’kuset’s personal narrative unfolds as she navigates the profound impact of being taken from her Indigenous family as a child and raised in a non-Indigenous household.
Co-authored by Na’kuset and Judith Henderson, an Emmy Award-winning composer and author, the book delves into the emotional turmoil of a young girl seeking her true self after losing her family, culture, and name. Through heartfelt storytelling, readers follow Na’kuset’s path back to her roots and the heartwarming reunion with her long-lost sister.
Reflecting on her experience, Na’kuset shared, “The first time I met my sister, she remembered my voice,” highlighting the enduring connections that transcended years of separation and displacement. She was part of the Adopt Indian and Métis (AIM) project, a component of the Sixties Scoop that forcibly removed Indigenous children from their families, leading to cultural disconnection and identity struggles.
The book’s illustrator, Chenoa Gao, known as OneDove, infused the pages with vibrant visuals that mirror the emotional journey. Gao’s personal connection to the Sixties Scoop adds a layer of authenticity to the illustrations, capturing the essence of healing and understanding within families impacted by this dark chapter in history.
As Na’kuset and Henderson aimed to create a narrative accessible to young readers, the pivotal role of preserving memories without overwhelming young minds was carefully crafted. Henderson emphasized the necessity of delicately presenting difficult themes to educate and inspire future generations about the lasting effects of the Sixties Scoop.
“I Am My Name” serves as both a personal homage and an educational tool, shedding light on a narrative often excluded from mainstream education. Na’kuset hopes that her story will spark conversations about reconciliation and historical awareness, urging a reevaluation of how Indigenous history is portrayed and taught in schools.
