Upon a Wishing Moon Book Launch: A Conversation with Survivor Authors
Sept. 29, 2026
Price: Free (registration required)
Join the Canadian Museum of History and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation for a special public conversation celebrating Upon a Wishing Moon, a new book featuring the voices and truths of residential school Survivors.
This moderated panel will bring together the Survivor-authors to discuss the inspiration behind the book, the sharing of oral histories through the written word and artwork, and the importance of preserving their truths for future generations. Audience members will also have the opportunity to learn about the creative process behind the publication, and engage with the themes of identity, culture, and lived experience.
Following the discussion, attendees will be invited to connect with panelists, purchase copies of the book, and continue the conversation over light refreshments.
Ticket information coming soon.
This event is presented in partnership with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
Featured speakers
Dennis Saddleman is from the Nlaka’pamux Nation on his mother’s side and the Syilx Nation on his father’s side. He attended the Kamloops Indian Residential School for 11 years. He has been sober for 44 years and published a book of poetry titled Word Warrior. His family and friends call him “Word Warrior.”
Dr. Antoine Mountain was sent to three residential schools, including the notorious Grollier Hall in Inuvik, where many well-documented atrocities against Indigenous children occurred. The reason he chose to be part of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s Survivors Circle is his concern for today’s youth and his desire to increase awareness of the social problems that Indigenous communities face. Antoine holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from OCAD U, a Master of Environmental Studies from York University, and a doctorate from Trent University.
Dorene Bernard is a traditional Mi’kmaq woman of the Sipekne’katik Band, residing in Indian Brook, Nova Scotia. She is a Survivor of the Shubenacadie Indian Residential School, the third generation in her family to attend. Dorene coordinated the IRS Legacy Project at the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre, working with Survivors and families in the Atlantic region to document the history of the Indian Residential School legacy and Survivors’ profiles for the archives, which she continues to do.
Dennis Saddleman
Dr. Antoine Mountain
Dorene Bernard
Eugene Arcand, a Cree from Muskeg Lake First Nation in Saskatchewan, spent nine years at St. Michael’s Indian Residential School in Duck Lake and two years at St. Paul’s Lebret Students Residence. A First Nations Sports Hall of Fame inductee, Eugene has dedicated much of his time to organizing First Nations sports, culture and tourism events, as well as events geared to the advancement of First Nations youth.
Keith Chiefmoon is a Ga’na (Kainai) Sundance teacher, the Indian Residential School Program and Community Engagement Worker for the Kainai Wellness Centre of the Blood Tribe of the Blackfoot Confederacy, and is part of the Governing Circle of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Keith has been addiction-free for the past four decades and successfully completed a BA in Native American Studies, a BEd in Social Studies and Indigenous Education, and an MA in Administration and Supervision.
Moderator: Kaila Johnston is Director of Education, Outreach and Public Programming at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, overseeing matters related to the support of educators, the development of resources, and the establishment of outreach initiatives, as well as public engagement on residential schools and their legacy. Prior to joining the Centre, Kaila worked with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada as a statement gatherer and coordinator. She holds a BA (Hons.) in Criminal Justice from the University of Winnipeg and a MSc in International Crimes and Criminology from Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam.
Eugene Arcand
Keith Chiefmoon
Kaila Johnston
Presented in English with simultaneous translation of the English into French via Wordly.
Ticket information coming soon.
Free public program. Registration is required. Register here.
Limited capacity.
Regular admission rates apply to visit Museum exhibitions before or after the program (purchase your tickets here).
The book is available for purchase at the Museum’s boutique.
To learn more about the authors’ backgrounds in their own words, visit the National Commission for Truth and Reconciliation website.
Image at top of page:
Painting by Antoine Mountain
