Marking National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at SAC
On Monday, St. Andrew’s students and staff donned orange shirts in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the survivors of residential schools and the children who never returned home.
Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led commemorative day to raise awareness of the impacts of residential schools and promote the concept of “Every Child Matters.”
On Monday morning, we were greeted by an exhibit in Staunton Gallery generated by both Middle and Upper School students. There was a display of shoes on the gallery steps, representing children who died (an estimated 6,000 plus) at Canada’s residential schools.
This year, a totem pole was installed at the top of the stairs, originally carved (c.1974) by late Mohawk artist, Harland Skye. It was restored and repainted by students of SAC VAN (Visual Arts Network), based on Haudenosaunee animal clan designs by Harland’s cousin, Ray Skye.
The Prefects have an orange shirt display at the entrance to Cole Hall and invite people to contribute an orange ribbon to the display and add the names of ten children who were sent to residential schools and did not survive.
On Tuesday, Upper School students held their chapel gathering on the Quad, forming a circle around Dave Stewart, Associate Director, Upper School, Student Affairs. He spoke about Chanie Wenjack, a young boy who ran away from a residential school in 1967 to return home to his family. He was found days later at the side of the railroad tracks and had died of hunger and exposure. He is one of the many children who never made it home.
Dave spoke about Ethan Bear, an NHL defenceman who is Cree and the first player to wear a jersey with his name written in Cree symbols. Dave was wearing this jersey, which he purchased following the Edmonton Oilers first-round playoff loss that resulted in a tirade of racist comments directed toward Ethan. The First Nations athlete addressed the abusive comments by standing up to the racism and calling out those who made derogatory comments.
Dave encouraged the students to take up the challenge and always do the right thing.
Middle School students attended an assembly dedicated to Truth and Reconciliation on Tuesday and both chapel gatherings this week are devoted to the issue. In addition, many student councils are running related activities:
- Social Justice Council: provided the introduction presentation about Orange Shirt Day.
- Athletic Council: interviewed Indigenous athlete, Victoria Marchand.
- Clan Captains: ran Indigenous games during recess all week.
- Library Council: created an Indigenous authors book display in the library.
- Guyship Council: presented about the importance of name pronunciation and shared videos for students to watch and reflect on in advisory.
- Middle School Council: created an interactive bulletin in the Middle School hallway; hosted bracelet making workshops at lunch using traditional Indigenous beads and wooden beads to create friendship bracelets that represent peace, hope, and unity which align with the spirit of reconciliation.
We are committed to building a sense of belonging in our community.
By dedicating ourselves to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment, we will foster and accept the unique individuality of each of our citizens, ensuring all members feel valued and respected.
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