The Current·Audio

How overcoming adversity brought together a Syrian teen and Mi'kmaq grandmother

Since meeting Mi'kmaq grandmother Charlotte Morris, 13-year-old Syrian refugee Basel Alrashdan has immersed himself in Indigenous history. When he takes his Oath of Citizenship, he's hoping to use the opportunity to highlight Indigenous treaty rights.

Both bonded over shared experience of losing their homes

Basel Alrashdan (left) and Charlotte Morris (right) became quick friends and have worked together on a heritage project about Morris's experience in the residential school system. (Stephanie Kelly/CBC)

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A Syrian teen and a residential school survivor have struck up a lasting friendship, bonding over the stories of adversity they faced as young children.

Since meeting Mi'kmaq grandmother Charlotte Morris at Human Rights Day in Charlottetown last year, 13-year-old Basel Alrashdan began taking Indigenous issues to heart.

When he takes his Oath of Citizenship, he's hoping to use the opportunity to highlight Indigenous treaty rights. The friends share their story and tell us more about Basel's mission to The Current's guest host Mike Finnerty.

Listen to the full discussion near the top of this page. 


This segment was produced by The Current's Alison Masemann.