Survivors share stories with youth
Rwandan genocide and cancer survivors tell Arviat youth what dignity means to them
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
ARVIAT
Three of the dignity role models speaking during the Global Dignity Day teleconference made a lasting impact on the students taking part in Arviat this past week.
Throatsingers Patricia Kablutsiak, left, and Lois Suluk of Arviat TV of John Arnalukjuak High School open the Global Dignity Day teleconference from Arviat on Oct. 21. - photo courtesy of Andrea Breen |
Rwandan genocide survivor Emery Rutagonya spoke to the students about losing everything in his life, including his family.
Rutagonya was born in Rwanda where he studied sociology before moving to Canada in 2012.
He lost most of his family in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi people.
He is the founder of the Rwanda Survivors Foundation, and works to support the healing process in Rwanda through education.
Rutagonya told the students everybody deserves a dignified life.
He said in reality that's not always how things happen.
"Sometimes our dignified life is interrupted," Rutagonya told the students. "Little did I know a tragedy of big proportions was coming my way. I was left with only a few people I know and my entire world all of a sudden collapsed.
"Dignity is a sister to freedom; it's the way you live and it's our humanity."
TakingITGlobal executive director Jennifer Corriero said the students also heard from a very young boy in Toronto.
She said the boy's story didn't leave too many dry eyes in the room.
"It's best we don't mention the boy's name, but he shared how in 2012 he found out he had cancer in his leg while, at the same time, finding out his father had a brain tumour," said Corriero.
"It was a very challenging year for him and his family - and he did lose his father - and we talked about how much strength he had to be able to celebrate his life each and every day.
"A number of Arviat students were crying as he shared his dignity story."
Miss Universe Ashley Callingbull told the students she always takes pride in her self-worth.
She said she can achieve much in her life because she believes in herself.
"I believe because I take pride in myself and I found happiness in my life," said Callingbull.
"And when you find happiness, so many doors will open for you.
"You should always feel proud of who you are, the way you were created and where you came from because it made you the individual you are today.
"I literally came from nothing in my life, and I worked so hard every day to get where I am now, and I couldn't be prouder."
