News Archive
Shawnigan in protest
Students and staff rally in Victoria
Shawnigan joined a united chorus of protest on Wednesday.
More than 500 students and faculty members rallied at the Legislature in Victoria to help protect the Shawnigan watershed.
Organized by the Shawnigan Residents Association (SRA), the protest channelled growing concern over a plan to dump up to 100,000 tons of contaminated soil annually into the quarry on Stebbings Rd.
The rally ultimately drew roughly 1000 people, and included the delivery of a petition with more than 15,000 signatures. Political leaders made speeches. Folk musicians led songs and chants. Young children clutched signs and cheered. And front and centre, Shawnigan's voice was heard loud and clear.
Deeply involved in the dispute as both a student leader and an SRA board member, Cecil A. held his own amongst seasoned political leaders with his impassioned message of opposition. "We're taught in social studies classes how the government is supposed to work" Cecil says, "and it's supposed to be accountable to the views of the people." A day student who lives directly on Shawnigan Lake, Cecil first got involved with SRA last year because of this very issue. Echoing the concerns of thousands of residents, he says there hasn't been enough research to ensure that South Island Aggregate's plans are foolproof. "The stakes are higher in a residential area" he says, adding "it's scary living somewhere and not knowing if something up the road is as safe as they say."
The issue, however, is one that hits close to home for the entire School. The lake cradles Shawnigan's prestigious rowing program, and gives young people a place to compete and play. It's a vital source of drinking water, and gives the School its very name and identity. For Headmaster David Robertson, the decision to replace a few classes with a unified political statement was a worthy investment; one that flowed naturally from one of the School's bedrock principles: "Shawnigan believes in leadership in the way we live our lives so, as proud member of this local community, we have to exercise that leadership," Mr. Robertson says. "Leadership is essentially the taking of responsibility and we have to be willing to take responsibility for solving this threat to the community itself."
Mr. Robertson believes in authentic leadership, which means "walking the talk." He brims with pride when he sees young people tackling important civic issues, and stresses that "democratic societies only ever thrive when people are responsible, committed and willing to serve."
That message of political citizenship has been sprinkled throughout classrooms and Chapel services lately. For teachers like Mr. Galen Loiselle, the protest is just as valuable as a teaching tool as it is for its civic responsibility. Building on a 'Living Lab' initiative he began last year, Mr. Loiselle says taking the entire School to the Legislature is a fantastic opportunity for experiential learning. A teacher of social studies and law, he wants to ensure "that the lessons of sustainable living and environmental stewardship we teach in the classroom don't become isolated lectures - but rather a foundation for engagement and participation."
Again though, the lessons trickle back to leadership. "Many of our students will have the chance to play pivotal roles in creating policy, strengthening environmental commitments and championing worthwhile causes after they leave Shawnigan," Mr. Loiselle says. "It is certainly my hope that [Wednesday's] participation will have helped foster a confidence to be critical thinkers and perhaps challenge those in positions of power."
Wednesday's protest will not mark the end of the fight against toxic soil dumping. More likely, the battle will continue over months and years, potentially culminating in a Supreme Court showdown.
The road ahead will be long and winding, but despite a costly process and a formidable opponent, there remains a tangible sense of hope. For Cecil A, it's the recognition that many of his peers are joining the fight, even if they come from far-away places. Despite the roadblocks he's already encountered, Cecil remains optimistic. Despite the cynicism around him, he still believes in the process. "It doesn't feel like a loss yet" he insists. "Events like this show the public what we think, and the effort right now is to show how just many people are opposed to it."
We Do Not Inherit the Earth from Our Ancestors; We Borrow It from Our Children. (Anonymous)
– Jon Zacks
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 Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
