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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
A unique Chapel Gathering last Saturday and a day full of special programming on Monday were how Shawnigan marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Also known as Orange Shirt Day, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours the children who never returned home from residential schools in Canada, the survivors of the residential school system, and their families and communities. The day takes place every year on September 30, and is recognized as a statutory holiday in BC.
Students with Indigenous heritage provided much of the context for the Chapel Gathering, with a land acknowledgement by Tucker J., a Six Nations Mohawk, prayers by Rio T., who is Maori, and a reading from the author Monique Gray Smith about what it means to be a survivor of the Residential School System by Ella-Rae M., who is Métis. Students Hannah F. (traditional name Usmanahiih) from the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and Kingston H. (Guudangaay laa) from the Haida Nation spoke about the impact the residential school system had on their families and the value of truth and reconciliation.
Cowichan Tribes Elder Raymond Jones Peter Jr. (Sit-a-luk), also known as Brother Rick, provided the perspective of the local First Nations people. A major announcement came from Brad Assu ’83 (Lonsdale’s) (traditional name Poo Dee Glee), a Shawnigan alum and member of the We Wai Kai First Nation from Cape Mudge on Quadra Island. Brad talked about how much he enjoyed and appreciated his time at Shawnigan, and shared that he will be donating two totem poles to the School, replicas of the house posts carved in 1910 for his great grandfather’s Big House. Please click here for more about Brad’s announcement.
On Monday morning, a busload of students travelled to Duncan to take part in the Truth and Reconciliation March with Cowichan Tribes, while the Grade 8s unveiled a plaque bearing the word “tawâw,” which was gifted to Samuel House by Head Athletic Therapist Ms. Noelani Avveduti, a Cree from the Alexander First Nation in Treaty Six Territory, along with its definition: “Welcome! There is a place for you.” The plaque was designed and created by arts teacher Mr. Declan Bartlett along with Hannah F.
Following a lunch of Indigenous-themed food with a prayer from Cowichan Tribes Elder John George (Tsuhwuletse), the students took part in an afternoon of reflection and learning workshops, with a range of opportunities, including playing lacrosse, learning basic Hul’q’umi’num (the language of the Cowichan and Malahat peoples), paddling the Thunder Rugby canoe, making paddles in the woodworking shop, and hearing voices of Indigenous students.
The day ended with closing reflections and a First Nations-style sharing circle behind Ripley’s House, offering an opportunity for dialogue and community building. Student leaders and staff members were given the opportunity to speak for one or two minutes using an eagle feather, sharing insights and learnings from their Houses during the day. This symbolic act fostered a deeper understanding of Indigenous practices. The event was a resounding success, demonstrating the School's commitment to truth, reconciliation, and cultural understanding.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
