Warning: this story contains discussions of sexual abuse, substance use, and trauma caused by racism and mistreatment of a child. Readers may find the words distressing.
To see Kecia Larkin today is to look at a strong Indigenous woman,and a powerful advocate for those living with HIV. A proud mother of two,she speaks confidently and passionately about her life’s work devoted to HIV education and advocacy. As she tells her life story, though, there is still a child within, one who remembers long days of sadness and pain.
With ties to the Kwa’Kwa’ka’wakw and Piikani Nations of Vancouver Island and Alberta, respectively, Kecia grew up disconnected from her culture, yet she was treated with racism for her ethnicity. Forced to go to a municipal school in Alert Bay run by former Indian Residential School teachers, Kecia was subjected to physical violence and corporal punishments.
After learning about this, Kecia’s mother quickly withdrew her from the school and sent her to live with her grandparents in Victoria. Although she found a safe school, her difficulties continued.
“I experienced a lot of unwanted sexual behaviors from other kids and adults,” recalls kecia. “It wasn’t something we ever had to deal with before. It was completely traumatizing.I didn’t really have a good sense of who I was.”
Kecia’s experiences made it arduous to navigate everyday life, leading to the erosion of her self-worth.
“I didn’t do well in school and not just from trauma and depression, but I also had undiagnosed ADHD back then. It ate away at my self-esteem.I became very angry and just kind of gave up on everything.”
By 15, Kecia moved to live with some family in Vancouver. After some time, she could