1. Resilience:
Resilience, in this, is the ability to transform trauma into strength. Dion Stout describes it as a “best friend” that helps Survivors heal from the wounds of colonization and find hope despite the pain. It’s a quality passed down through generations, enabling them to move forward.
2. Second-hand love:
“Second-hand love” is experiencing love indirectly by witnessing the love between others. Dion Stout found solace in observing affection between others at the residential school, which filled a void and helped her heal.
3. Literary device:
The phrase “In the name of our best friend resilience” uses personification. This elevates resilience to a powerful force and ally, emphasising its active role in the healing journey of Survivors.
4. Moral or lesson:
Even in the most traumatic circumstances, healing and hope can be found. Dion Stout’s journey exemplifies this, showing that individuals can find inner strength to not only survive but also find meaning and purpose despite immense suffering.