How Reconciliation Began with Me: Overcoming Internalized Racism | Salena Starling | TEDxWinnipeg

Salena entered the foster care system at the age of four, where she faced racism, self-hatred, and resentment. She harbored a deep hatred for the world, and even more so for herself. At eleven, she gave her first speech and has since continued to share her story to highlight the challenges faced by Indigenous individuals within the foster system. Salena’s journey takes you from a place of hatred to one of hope and a desire to give back and effect change. Now, as the president and CEO of Community of Big Hearts, a position she assumed at 18, she shares her experiences to foster empathy and advocate for reconciliation. Her talk explores her journey to understanding her role in reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of empathy and collective effort in healing and making meaningful change. Salena Starling became the CEO of the Community of Big Hearts at 18, using her child welfare experience to advocate for foster care and Indigenous rights. She’s dedicated to empowering youth in care, developing programs that foster positive change. In 2023, Salena addressed 1500 people on truth, reconciliation, and her experiences in foster care. Her unwavering commitment to advocacy drives her to ensure every young person in care feels supported and capable of overcoming challenges. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@georgiarouse]

I love how you used storytelling as a way to reconnect with yourself and others. It’s amazing how sharing personal experiences can help build empathy and understanding.

[@joo-jali]

This is the kind of discourse we need to be hearing in order to create meaningful change! It's not easy for people to be this vulnerable but it's so important for people to hear and acknowledge stories like this

[@gemmaatterks]

Love how you took control of your own story. It makes me think about how we have it in us to take back our power and give whatever meaning we want to our experiences

[@scottvboland]

A journey like this takes so much courage. You should be incredibly proud of yourself.

[@kurstank1953]

I can't even imagine the strength it took to go through all that and still come out the other side advocating for others. It's truly inspiring and just solidifies what an incredible person you are!

[@CroonGirl]

Redefining our own narratives is the most empowering thing we can do as individuals.

[@ThisIsMyGalaxy]

I can't believe you became the CEO of a community organization at 18! That’s incredible and shows what can happen when you channel your experiences into something positive.

[@trustfactornow]

storytelling really does have the power to change things. you’ve shown that sharing our truth can create understanding and help others feel seen, thank you

[@BlondeDrizzleandBrains]

Man to me this just speaks to how important it is to always question the labels society is trying to put on us.

[@dahliaegil]

Amazing. Mental resilience off the charts

[@RMCaligiuri]

Myyyy girl!!!!! You truly understand the importance of self-leadership before leadership! I’m so proud of you my friend! ❤️❤️

[@SalenaStarling]

Thank you ♥️

[@jenniearmstrong2507]

You are truly an inspiration. Thank you for sharing and creating awareness. You are amazing Salena!

[@faisalshaob]

I definitely agree that storytelling can be such a great tool for healing and I'm glad you're out here sharing your story because it is incredibly powerful!!

[@saajidahlip]

This is really moving and very very honest - thank you

[@beckyfrensill]

The call to understand where our negative self-perceptions come from is huge... I think a lot of people just accept them without question but you're right, it doesn't just come out of nowhere! Understanding where is a great way of overcoming it

[@bagostan1898]

I agree change has to happen internally before it can happen on a larger scale. A lot of the time it's how we approach something and if those who are spearheading the process are optimistic and confident about it that makes all the difference

[@Frostlite]

I found your story both heartbreaking and uplifting. It’s clear that you've come a long way, but it's also a reminder of how much work still needs to be done in society to prevent these kinds of experiences from even happening in the first place.

[@shirleytross]

It’s incredible to see how you've turned your pain into a tool for connection and understanding. I hope more people can learn from your example.

[@hughshotton8920]

your message about reconciliation starting with understanding ourselves first is so powerful. Change often begins within, and I think your story is great proof of that

[@aileascooper]

I love her story and I don't say this with the intention of taking anything away from it but it's not enough to heal ourselves, we need to address the root causes of why experiences like hers are still happening

[@stanhopeishere]

It's so important to hear stories like yours, especially about overcoming internalized racism. It's a reminder that we can all do the work to better understand and love ourselves.

[@EcoBurstSocials]

I think this story really highlights the importance of community and the role it plays in healing .

[@margauxamiller]

Congratulations on your talk and your bravery sharing your story Salena!

[@vasttrouble5368]

The way you described the moment you took back your story was so poweful!! Such a good reminder that we all have the right to define who we are on our own terms and not let others do it for us

[@yoghurt-cup]

I felt such a deep sense of sadness hearing about your struggles with identity... It's amazing that your journey ended with self-love but it shouldn't have been necessary in the first place

[@SalenaStarling]

Thank you for your empathy. I appreciate your understanding, and I’m grateful for the self-love I’ve found through this journey. Your support means a lot.

[@yoghurt-cup]

@@SalenaStarling thank you for the reply! self-love is huge and a journey in itself... at least that's my experience with it. I hope your journey continues to be full of love, joy and support 💜

[@nelwashington]

the part about being snatched off the street was so shocking. It’s something most of us can't even imagine, but it's a reality for too many people.

[@therealmyyt]

it's so inspiring how you turned something so painful into a source of strength. you show that our past doesn't have to define us, but it can shape us into someone even stronger.

[@greenteatowel5901]

beautiful!!!

[@asiscranda]

I imagine there are a lot of kids out there who would feel the same way you did about their identity. It's pretty sad to think about actually but just enforces why stories like this are so important to get out there

[@jorgeestoban]

There is such issues with identity and reconciliation in this country. It's good to get through your own prejudices but it shouldn't be up to the marginalized to lead the fight. Now more than ever we need to set boundaries and stand up for each other

[@futurehofer1564]

you are beautiful! congratulations on this talk and overcoming your prejudice!

[@leilaniresterdin]

I was so shocked by the story of being snatched off the street. I know that speaks to my privilege that I've never had to think about that stuff but man... it's so awful that children were and probably still are treated like that.

[@miyahnna]

I don't think we hear enough from people who have gone through foster care and I don't think that's right... it's something so many people experience but there's such little representation for it.

[@FlipTheVirus]

Wow this is a hectic story, especially that you were basically kidnapped and assimilated but in a really half-assd kind of way like... how do those people actually think they're "helping" by doing something like that

[@dahouseismyhouse]

Your experience in the foster care system is a tragic example of how Indigenous children are often mistreated and misunderstood. The fact that you were able to overcome such deep-seated hatred for yourself is a testament to your strength

[@keithpotter7366]

I feel like internalized racism as a topic doesn't get a lot of attention, same as lateral violence, they are huge issues that affect indigenous communities worldwide but you very rarely hear about them