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S.P. Joseph Lyons is a sought-after speaker in the education and foster care sectors. He has shared his journey as a foster care 60's Scoop adoptee, intergenerational survivor of the residential school system, and the long, hard journey to find his roots.
Having spoken to high schools, colleges, Children's Aid Societies, and on CAS PRIDE panels, he is able to share the struggles that exist for many Indigenous people, while trying to navigate life with deep wounds of intergenerational trauma, and the triumphs and successes he's had, despite the hardships he's endured. |
"SP’s story of resilience and hope is both informative and inspiring. My students learned not only about the ripple effect of residential schools, intergenerational trauma, and the human impact of the Sixties Scoop; but also about the resilience of the human spirit, writing as medicine and the importance of individual action as we rebuild our communities and institutions. Sean also brings the voice of the Drum and medicine of song to his classroom workshops, leaving the students with a sense of connection, and empowered to move forward in a spirit of reconciliation." - Lisa Hodgkinson, Indigenous Studies Lead Teacher, RCSS
"I was honored to hear S.P Lyons share his story with our team. He was authentic and honest about his experience within the system. This gave us the opportunity to hear some of the long term impacts that child welfare can have. His resilience inspired the team to take action and to rethink the current structure of the child welfare system. We need to engage the voices of Indigenous youth, families, and communities and reflect on finding ways to transform the system in place. It was a pleasure to hear him read from his book "Little Bear in Foster Care". I hope that we get the opportunity to share this book with all children and youth who are involved with child welfare, so they don’t feel so alone! I look forward to reading his next book in the series." - Aaliyah Ilupeju, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Lead - Huron Perth Children's Aid Society
“S.P Joseph Lyons is a powerful and dynamic speaker, and had a profound impact on his audience at York Region Children’s Aid Society. By sharing his lived experiences through various systems, including the child welfare system, he was able to take the audience through his story of trauma, but also triumph, while evoking need for change in his audience and system. He encourages his audience to increase their awareness, and educate themselves to disrupt and create change." - York Region Children’s Aid Society
"Listening to Joseph’s story and the impact that foster care had on him was difficult to hear but having this perspective is important in the work we do. He has been able to take his life experiences and use what has happened to him to advocate and promote awareness and change for Indigenous Children in Foster Care.
A very powerful and motivational speaker, there were several times during Joseph’s presentation that we truly felt connected to his message. It provides more insight into our approach with children and families of Indigenous culture and the trauma that may be associated.
We found his presentation to be vulnerable and insightful and we will carry this new knowledge forward in our work with all the children and families we serve. It was truly a captivating, educational, and eye-opening presentation. It has brought a different perspective to our work and ability to not only reflect on some of the families that we serve but also some personal reflections.
We were truly moved and humbled by his experience, strength, and hope that he offers through his experiences. He is making an impact on so many levels. We have a deep sense of gratitude, appreciation, and admiration for his decision to use his voice and experience in the way he does." - Linck – Child, Youth & Family Supports
A very powerful and motivational speaker, there were several times during Joseph’s presentation that we truly felt connected to his message. It provides more insight into our approach with children and families of Indigenous culture and the trauma that may be associated.
We found his presentation to be vulnerable and insightful and we will carry this new knowledge forward in our work with all the children and families we serve. It was truly a captivating, educational, and eye-opening presentation. It has brought a different perspective to our work and ability to not only reflect on some of the families that we serve but also some personal reflections.
We were truly moved and humbled by his experience, strength, and hope that he offers through his experiences. He is making an impact on so many levels. We have a deep sense of gratitude, appreciation, and admiration for his decision to use his voice and experience in the way he does." - Linck – Child, Youth & Family Supports
"S.P. Joseph Lyons’ presentation was so genuine with his sharing of his personal experiences as a child in care. We hear many stories directly from workers, but not often do we hear from somebody directly who went through the system. His story could help other workers and agencies, especially when working with Indigenous families and children.
He provided practical ways to improve upon the work we do, ie- change the way we write our contact logs to remember that a child in care may be reading his or her case one day. It was really good to hear personal examples of how the intergenerational trauma of sixties scoop and residential school has impacted him and his family. Joseph was very well spoken, engaging, moving, powerful, and heart wrenching.
Hopefully, he will come back soon to expand on his very tragic story." - Family and Children’s Services of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville
He provided practical ways to improve upon the work we do, ie- change the way we write our contact logs to remember that a child in care may be reading his or her case one day. It was really good to hear personal examples of how the intergenerational trauma of sixties scoop and residential school has impacted him and his family. Joseph was very well spoken, engaging, moving, powerful, and heart wrenching.
Hopefully, he will come back soon to expand on his very tragic story." - Family and Children’s Services of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville
