An Aamjiwnaang First Nation resident is being remembered by Sarnia's mayor as a remarkable woman whose legacy will shine for generations to come.
Mike Bradley said he's deeply saddened by the passing of Geraldine Robertson.
The tireless advocate for residential school survivors died Friday, December 4 at the age of 85.
"She personified the best of the human spirit and about forgiveness and true reconciliation," said Bradley. "She suffered greatly in two residential schools and yet you would never know, there was no bitterness, or if there was, it was never evident."
Mrs. Robertson received the Order of Ontario, Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018, and was recognized on the 2017 Mayor’s Honour List as an educator and advocate for residential school survivors.
"Anyone that met her, there was an aura about her that was just so deep and her legacy will shine on for generations to come because her message was real, without bitterness, to ensure that future generations would not repeat the horrific things that went on with the residential schools in Canada."
Robertson travelled across the country encouraging other residential school survivors to open up and move towards healing, educated countless people on the intergenerational legacy of the schools, and helped advocate for compensation for survivors.
Family and friends will be received at the Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia, on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Due to provincial COVID-19 restrictions, those who wish to attend must each RSVP with a time to attend the visitation.
A private funeral service will be held with interment at Lakeview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, sympathy may be expressed through donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice (cheques only at the funeral home please).
-With files from Melanie Irwin
