A Nanaimo-based literacy program designed to help English literacy skills for residential school survivors is thriving quietly at a Greater Victoria library every week.

The Literacy Circle, although welcoming to everyone, aims to help Indigenous Elders, adults, and residential and day school survivors learn English literacy skills in a supportive and safe environment.

Originally started during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, the Literacy Circle has now expanded to Victoria.

“Due to the ongoing effects of residential school systems and day schools, we were looking at just kind of ways to honour the Elders and being respectful of the history they had with traditional school settings,” said Valerie Houle, the programs executive director.

Many residential school survivors came out of the sc

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