B.C. Survivor Maria Clark Shares Journey of Healing and Reconciliation

URGENT UPDATE: Maria Clark, a residential school survivor and assistant general manager at Tin Wis Resort in Tofino, has courageously shared her heart-wrenching journey of overcoming survivor’s guilt and fostering reconciliation within her family and community. This powerful narrative comes as Indigenous communities across Canada continue to seek healing from the painful legacy of residential schools.

In a poignant moment triggered by a childhood song, Maria’s grandmother, a survivor of the Port Alberni residential school, recounted a traumatic experience from her past. At just eight years old, she faced brutal punishment for her language barriers, suffering injuries that left her ears bleeding and swollen. Maria reflected on this memory, stating, “I was holding back everything, and just was like, ‘You were eight.’”

The emotional weight of her grandmother’s story resonates deeply with Maria, who now has grandchildren close to that same age. With three of her four grandparents having attended residential schools, Maria understands the intergenerational trauma that has afflicted her family. “She blocked it out,” Maria explained, noting that her grandmother only began to confront her past through survivor workshops, which have aided her healing journey.

Today, Maria Clark stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. She is one of the few Indigenous female hotel executives in British Columbia and the first Indigenous person to serve on the Tourism Tofino board. Having started her career at Tin Wis Resort as a dishwasher fifteen years ago, Maria has ascended the ranks while inspiring Indigenous employees to pursue their own paths to success.

Despite her achievements, Maria has faced significant challenges, including the loss of her mother, who suffered from alcoholism. “I’ve struggled with survivor’s guilt,” she admitted. “My mom had passed. I was alive.” This profound sense of loss propelled her to seek moments of reconciliation, both personally and within her community.

A recent tourism conference in Vancouver became a turning point for Maria. She unveiled a new totem pole at the Tin Wis Resort, honoring her grandfather and symbolizing her journey toward healing. “It feels like an achievement,” she said, despite her struggles with feelings of unworthiness stemming from her childhood trauma.

In a touching moment of reconciliation, Maria recently took her grandmother to an Indigenous restaurant, where her grandmother expressed pride in her accomplishments. “I’m so proud of you and the work you’re doing,” she stated, marking a significant milestone in their relationship.

Maria’s story emphasizes the importance of healing within the Indigenous community. “We’re all having a human experience,” she reflected. “I don’t think there’s an Indigenous person untouched by the hurts of residential schools.” She advocates for awareness and understanding, asserting, “Healing is our responsibility,” while fighting for the well-being of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

As Maria continues her journey of personal growth and community engagement, her message resonates: “We can have bad days — it’s not always a bad life.” Her story is a reminder of the power of resilience and the ongoing need for reconciliation.

As communities grapple with the lingering effects of residential schools, Maria Clark’s journey serves as a powerful testament to the potential for healing and connection. Share her story to inspire others on their paths to understanding and reconciliation.