I am deeply saddened to report the passing of @rhondalevaldo, a Native American whose grandmother was tragically taken from her mother at a young age. This heartbreaking story sheds light on the dark history of our nation and the pain that continues to haunt generations.
@rhondalevaldo’s grandmother was just 10 years old when Father Sierra took her away and placed her in a convent in San Francisco. She never had the chance to see her mother again, a cruel separation that left a lasting impact on her life. The trauma of being torn away from her family at such a tender age is a stark reminder of the atrocities committed against Indigenous peoples in our country.
The loss of @rhondalevaldo is a reminder of the countless innocent children who have suffered and perished due to the hate and ignorance of others. It is a sobering reflection on the injustices that have plagued our society for far too long. The question that lingers in the air is, what has really changed in America?
As we await further details on the circumstances surrounding @rhondalevaldo’s passing, we must take a moment to reflect on the systemic issues that continue to perpetuate harm and inequality in our society. The pain of losing a loved one under such tragic circumstances is something that no family should ever have to endure.
It is my hope that @rhondalevaldo’s story will serve as a wake-up call for us all to confront the deep-rooted prejudices and injustices that still exist in our communities. We must strive to create a more inclusive and compassionate society where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.
In the midst of this heartbreaking news, let us honour the memory of @rhondalevaldo and all those who have suffered injustices by standing up against hatred and discrimination. May we never forget the pain and suffering of those who have been wronged, and may we work towards a brighter and more equitable future for all.
Rest in peace, @rhondalevaldo. Your story will not be forgotten.
@rhondalevaldo Very hard 4me to read. As a Native American my grandmother was taken from her mother at age 10 by Father Sierra putting her in a convent in San Francisco. She never saw her mother again. Helpless children who died not knowing the hate in people’s hearts! What has changed America?
Growing up as a Native American, I have always been aware of the struggles and hardships that my ancestors faced. But nothing could have prepared me for the heartbreaking story of my own grandmother, who was taken from her mother at the tender age of 10. Father Sierra, a cruel man with a heart full of hate, separated them and sent my grandmother to a convent in San Francisco. She never saw her mother again, and the pain and trauma of that separation stayed with her for the rest of her life.
### How did Father Sierra justify his actions?
Father Sierra, like many others in positions of power at that time, believed that Native American children needed to be “civilized” and converted to Christianity. He saw my grandmother and other children like her as savages who needed to be rescued from their own culture and way of life. In his twisted mind, he thought he was doing them a favor by tearing them away from their families and communities.
### What was life like for Native American children in the convent?
Life in the convent was a stark contrast to the freedom and love that my grandmother had experienced with her mother. She was forced to conform to strict rules and regulations, punished for speaking her native language or practicing her traditional customs. The nuns who ran the convent were cold and unfeeling, showing no compassion or understanding for the trauma that these children had experienced.
### How did the children cope with the loss of their families?
Many of the children in the convent, like my grandmother, struggled with feelings of abandonment and loss. They longed for their families and the familiar sights and sounds of their homelands. Some turned to each other for comfort, forming bonds that would last a lifetime. Others withdrew into themselves, shutting out the world and the pain that they felt inside.
### What impact did this experience have on future generations?
The trauma of being torn away from their families and cultures had a lasting impact on my grandmother and others like her. It shaped the way they viewed the world and themselves, instilling a deep sense of loss and longing that would be passed down through the generations. As a Native American, I can still feel the echoes of that pain in my own life, a reminder of the injustices that my ancestors endured.
### What has changed America?
In many ways, America has changed since the time of Father Sierra and the convents. Laws have been put in place to protect the rights of Native Americans and other marginalized communities. There is a greater awareness of the struggles and injustices that have been inflicted upon these groups throughout history. But despite these changes, the scars of the past still remain, a reminder of the hate and prejudice that has divided us as a nation.
As I reflect on my grandmother’s story and the struggles that she faced, I am reminded of the importance of acknowledging our shared history and working towards a more inclusive and compassionate society. We must learn from the mistakes of the past and strive to create a future where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or beliefs.
In conclusion, the story of my grandmother serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of Native American people in the face of adversity. Despite the hardships that they have endured, they have persevered and maintained their cultural traditions and identities. It is up to all of us to honor their legacy and ensure that their stories are never forgotten.
