Gina Laing and April Martin oral history
Video
Image
Video
Audio
Activities
Think
Now that you have listened to the stories of these Survivors and explored the art they produced during their time at residential school, reflect on how these stories and artworks have changed you.
What does it mean to you to have heard these individual stories and truths?
What kind of feelings and emotions are you experiencing? Are you inspired? Angry? Shocked? Ashamed? Sad?
How might these feelings inspire you to act or think differently about Canada and reconciliation?
Do
Consider a way to share what you have witnessed through looking at the art and watching the Survivor’s video.
Share what you have witnessed with a friend or family member.
Write a paragraph or journal entry about what you have seen, felt and heard while listening to the Survivors’ stories.
Create a piece of art that responds to what you have witnessed.
Details
Historical Context
Choose one of the three levels below to match your needs.
- April Martin is Gina Laing’s daughter.
- In this oral history interview with her mother, April describes growing up near the beach near Kildonan.
- April describes herself as a Survivor because of the abuse she suffered from her former stepfather, who was himself a residential school Survivor.
- April talks about how her mother’s art and healing have inspired her.
April Martin is Gina Laing’s daughter. Gina is the mother of 5 children, and has 16 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
In this oral history interview with her mother, April describes growing up near the beach near Kildonan. April describes herself as a Survivor; she was sexually abused by her former stepfather, who was himself a residential school Survivor. She also tells of how her mother overcame her own pain to become a better mother.
April Martin is Gina Laing’s daughter. Gina is the mother of 5 children, and has 16 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
In this oral history interview with her mother, April describes growing up near the beach near Kildonan. She remarks that her mother did not include houses in her painting, The Beach, because of the pain that happened inside them. Gina was sexually abused at the Alberni Indian Residential School, and also suffered physical abuse from family members (who had attended residential school as well).
April describes herself as a Survivor; she was sexually abused by her former stepfather, who was himself a residential school Survivor. She also tells of how her mother overcame her own pain to become a better mother. Gina’s art therapy and ongoing artistic practice has played a significant role in that healing.
“I’m so thankful that Robert Aller came into her life. He taught her how to get there some way, that she can go out and express her feelings. And that’s how she heals now. My mom is my hero. And I live to honour her. I live to honour her and I bring up my children to honour her. For everything that she’s gone through.”
- April Martin is Gina Laing’s daughter.
- In this oral history interview with her mother, April describes growing up near the beach near Kildonan.
- April describes herself as a Survivor because of the abuse she suffered from her former stepfather, who was himself a residential school Survivor.
- April talks about how her mother’s art and healing have inspired her.
April Martin is Gina Laing’s daughter. Gina is the mother of 5 children, and has 16 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
In this oral history interview with her mother, April describes growing up near the beach near Kildonan. April describes herself as a Survivor; she was sexually abused by her former stepfather, who was himself a residential school Survivor. She also tells of how her mother overcame her own pain to become a better mother.
April Martin is Gina Laing’s daughter. Gina is the mother of 5 children, and has 16 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
In this oral history interview with her mother, April describes growing up near the beach near Kildonan. She remarks that her mother did not include houses in her painting, The Beach, because of the pain that happened inside them. Gina was sexually abused at the Alberni Indian Residential School, and also suffered physical abuse from family members (who had attended residential school as well).
April describes herself as a Survivor; she was sexually abused by her former stepfather, who was himself a residential school Survivor. She also tells of how her mother overcame her own pain to become a better mother. Gina’s art therapy and ongoing artistic practice has played a significant role in that healing.
“I’m so thankful that Robert Aller came into her life. He taught her how to get there some way, that she can go out and express her feelings. And that’s how she heals now. My mom is my hero. And I live to honour her. I live to honour her and I bring up my children to honour her. For everything that she’s gone through.”
Summary
- April Martin is Gina Laing’s daughter.
- In this oral history interview with her mother, April describes growing up near the beach near Kildonan.
- April describes herself as a Survivor because of the abuse she suffered from her former stepfather, who was himself a residential school Survivor.
- April talks about how her mother’s art and healing have inspired her.
Essential
April Martin is Gina Laing’s daughter. Gina is the mother of 5 children, and has 16 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
In this oral history interview with her mother, April describes growing up near the beach near Kildonan. April describes herself as a Survivor; she was sexually abused by her former stepfather, who was himself a residential school Survivor. She also tells of how her mother overcame her own pain to become a better mother.
In-Depth
April Martin is Gina Laing’s daughter. Gina is the mother of 5 children, and has 16 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
In this oral history interview with her mother, April describes growing up near the beach near Kildonan. She remarks that her mother did not include houses in her painting, The Beach, because of the pain that happened inside them. Gina was sexually abused at the Alberni Indian Residential School, and also suffered physical abuse from family members (who had attended residential school as well).
April describes herself as a Survivor; she was sexually abused by her former stepfather, who was himself a residential school Survivor. She also tells of how her mother overcame her own pain to become a better mother. Gina’s art therapy and ongoing artistic practice has played a significant role in that healing.
“I’m so thankful that Robert Aller came into her life. He taught her how to get there some way, that she can go out and express her feelings. And that’s how she heals now. My mom is my hero. And I live to honour her. I live to honour her and I bring up my children to honour her. For everything that she’s gone through.”