April 30, 2014 by Louise Bernice Halfe

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission began in 2008 with the purpose of providing those directly and indirectly affected by the Canadian Residential School System a chance to share their stories and experiences. April 30, 2014 is the date on which Louise Bernice Halfe shared her story with the committee. Named after that date, her poem, April 30, 2014 is filled with reflection, pain, and release as Halfe details the morning leading up to her hearing.

Louise Bernice Halfe is Canada’s Parliamentary Poet Laureate and is of Cree descent. Both a poet and social worker, Halfe weaves Cree language into her poetry in an act of defiance against erasure. Her works of poetry have gained numerous awards such as the Latner Writers' Trust Poetry Prize.