My name is Leanne Sleigh and my traditional Blackfoot name is boss Eagle Woman. I am from Siksika Nation which is located an hour east of Calgary Canada Highway, #1. Siksika is the second largest reserve in Canada with a population just over 8200 people. We had two Indian residential schools located in our community one being on the west side, which was old sun and was run by the Anglican diocese and on the east side we had Crowfoot, which was run by Catholic diocese.

I am a third generation that attended the in residential school from 1964 to it’s closing which was 1968. I am a mother of six beautiful children and six grandchildren and my husband‘s name is Jonathan Sleigh.

In 2008 I took on a role under Siksika health services to work as a Frontline worker that provided support the former students that attended in residential schools in Canada. I was hired and worked under the direction of the Indian residential school settlement agreement. My work took me from coast to coast under the TRC national engagement to assist our IRS survivors.

My work continues in this field under Siksika health services as a program coordinator for the Traditional Wellness Program. I am also a member of the holy Buffalo women’s Society here in Siksika and this role has taught me about my identity as a Blackfoot woman and my culture.

Healing through my culture and learning about our traditional ways from our knowledge keepers was a blessing in disguise which I hold true value. I continue to help my people and other former IRS survivors including the Alberta regional IRS team, which is now titled trauma support workers. We are all unique and our relationship to our specific culture and geographical location holds the key to our healing. Our language is a must to keep these values continued for the sake of our future generations.

I am one small vessel that links to many other knowledge keepers. Many have gone home to our happy hunting grounds and the work must continue.