Articles by Nigel Gordijk
A Gathering of Ancestors #3: Breaking the chains of ignorance
Sunday, September 24, 2023
Linking together the stories of my ancestors' remarkable lives.
Published on the 182nd anniversary of the final time my last enslaved ancestor was sold to someone else.
A Gathering of Ancestors #2: Breaking the silence
Friday, April 8, 2022
Ending a silence that lasted for generations, it’s time to start telling my ancestors’ story.
A Gathering of Ancestors #1: How I found my family's missing link
Sunday, February 28, 2021
My grandparents were from Suriname (Dutch Guiana), and moved to Guyana (British Guiana), where they raised their family. A casual conversation with someone I barely knew led to discoveries about my missing Surinamese heritage, including my enslaved great-great-grandmother.
Lynda's story, Part #2: Healing as a community, growing as a person
Friday, April 14, 2023
“She has a natural inner strength, and she’s come miles. Before, she was breaking down all the time, but now that’s kind of gone away.”
Written for The Community Edition.
Lynda's story, Part #1: Lynda Chapman shares her journey from Grandview Training School to healing
Monday, March 6, 2023
Content warning: mentions of sexual assault, rape, violence, detention, abuse, mentions of homicide and violence against children.
Written for The Community Edition.
Revisiting the legacy of Galt's Grandview Training School For Girls
Monday, March 6, 2023
Content warning: mentions of sexual assault, rape, violence, detention, abuse, mentions of homicide and violence against children.
Written for The Community Edition.
“If you want to help somebody, this is how to do it. A place just like this.”
Thursday, January 26, 2023
One of a series of profiles that I wrote about residents at Supportive Housing Of Waterloo. I interviewed them about their experience and shot their portraits..
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Fred Fox thanks Wilmot for honouring younger brother Terry’s legacy
Thursday, September 1, 2022
“It was nice to meet so many caring people,” said Terry Fox’s older brother after his “Gratitude Tour” of the township.
Cleansing and purifying with sacred sweetgrass
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Indigenous educators in New Hamburg teach about traditions and the healing properties of one of the sacred medicines