English Classes Welcome Community Partner Raylinn Storm

In May 2026, Ms. Walton and Ms. Prebble’s English classes at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School had the privilege of welcoming Raylinn Storm, a Turtle Clan Lenape speaker from Eelünaapeewi Lahkéewiit (Moravian of the Thames First Nation). She shared her personal story as a descendant of a Sixties Scoop survivor, reflecting on the lasting impacts of cultural loss, displacement, and systemic injustice faced by Indigenous communities.

Raylinn reminded students that Indigenous peoples are not just part of history but continue to live, grow, and share their cultures today. She also shared how she is keeping her culture alive through her beading business. Raylinn explained that beadwork is traditionally passed down through generations of Indigenous peoples, though much of this knowledge has been lost over time. Despite this, she taught herself the craft and presented many meaningful pieces that represent far more than jewelry, as her work incorporates culturally significant materials such as deer hide, rabbit fur, and fish skin, each carrying deep meaning, cultural history, and most importantly, care and connection to her people and traditions.