“It will be a place kids can learn our language, where mothers can learn to love their children and learn from our grandmothers who they are,” says the residential school survivor, Siksika Nation member, teacher, knowledge-keeper and therapist, named a 2022 Mount Royal University Alumni of the year.Sign up to receive daily headline news from the Calgary Herald, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.
A high school dropout, she went on welfare, encountering a white social worker who told her, “you’re nothing but a cow and all you’re going to do is have kids and get money.”Article content Instead, after taking a parenting program emphasizing life skills and encouragement from her twin sister who assured her “you are not stupid, you can do whatever you want,” Mekaisto returned to school.She continued her education while grappling with residential school-related trauma that contributed to depression, nightmares, insomnia, post-traumatic stress and a toxic marriage. She eventually sought therapy, divorce and a return to the ways of her ancestors.
Mekaisto has raised five children while working full time and getting degrees in both social work and master’s of education . This year, she’ll earn her master’s of social work .As owner of Sikotan Ikimmapii she’s offering counselling and education focused on traditional teachings.“It’s our ways, how they heal us. Without them, I would not be here today.”
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