The Residential School experiences of Inuit Peoples are unique and integrally linked to rapid social and political change in the North, beginning in the mid-20th century. This exhibition tells the story through first-person narratives and archival images.

We Were So Far Away: The Inuit Experience of Residential Schools tells the stories of eight Inuit Residential School Survivors presented in their own words and illustrated with personal and historical photographs, including their memories of childhood and their experiences of school, the struggles they have already overcome and the challenges they still face today.

This exhibition has played an important role in generating dialogue within Inuit communities and among non-lndigenous Canadians. Survivors have said that many Inuit communities still find it difficult to talk about this issue and many visitors to the exhibition for the first time understood that there were differences between the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis experience of these schools.

WARNING
This exhibition contains subject matter that may be disturbing to some visitors and may be triggering. Please call 1-866-925-4419 or your local crisis line for counselling and support.

This exhibition was created by the Legacy of Hope Foundation.

The Legacy of Hope Foundation (LHF) is a national, Indigenous-led, charitable organization that has been working to promote healing and Reconciliation in Canada for over 22 years. The LHF’s goal is to educate and raise awareness about the history and impacts on 7 generations of Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) children, their families and communities from attending Residential and/or Day Schools. By fostering empathy and understanding, LHF encourages people to address discrimination and injustice and contributes to the equity, dignity, and respectful treatment of Indigenous Peoples.