News Archive
Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day
Shawnigan marked National Indigenous Peoples Day on Wednesday, June 21 by celebrating our own Indigenous students, the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands our school is located, and the histories, traditions, and cultures of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people across Canada.
In the Chapel gathering, Ms. Jen Manuel, Head of Indigenous Initiatives and Engagement, spoke about what it means to be an ally to Indigenous people. Although Ms. Manuel is not Indigenous herself, she has spent significant time living and working in Indigenous communities, and has Indigenous family members.
“It is my hope that as you learn and grow — and especially to our Grade 12s leaving and going off into the world — that you will choose to stand beside Indigenous People as an ally,” Ms. Manuel said. “Today as we celebrate strength, connection and belonging, I encourage each of you to choose to be an ally today and every other day. Because if not you, then who? If not now, then when? If not here, then where?”
Grade 10 student Hannah F., a member of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, addressed the gathering after Ms. Manuel, speaking of the family strength that kept Indigenous cultures alive through decades of oppression.
“My family and many Indigenous families stand tall today, and we are strong,” Hannah said. “Because of our connections to each other and our connections to our land, we are keeping our culture alive and our language alive after it was almost destroyed, and that is what we are celebrating today.”
In the afternoon, a group of students with Indigenous backgrounds had the opportunity on Wednesday to canoe on Shawnigan Lake along with our Indigenous Community Engagement Coordinator, Mr. Clay Panga. We are grateful to be granted use of the Thunder Indigenous Rugby canoe for events such as this. Before launching the canoe, the students received a blessing from elders from the Malahat First Nation.
Four of our graduating students of Métis heritage were presented with ceremonial sashes by Métis artist and past Shawnigan parent Mrs. Brigette Furlonger as part of our celebrations of National Indigenous Peoples Day on Wednesday. The sash is one of the most visible and recognizable symbols of the Métis people in Canada and their many contributions to our history.
The purpose of Indigenous Peoples Day is to celebrate Indigenous culture and broaden the perspectives of the community. By engaging in activities such as canoeing and participating in a sashing ceremony, as well as reflecting in Chapel and holding conversations between staff and students, the School aims to promote awareness, appreciation and understanding of Indigenous traditions and customs. This celebration seeks to create a sense of unity, respect, and inclusivity within the School community, fostering an environment where all students can learn and grow together while valuing and respecting diverse cultures.
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.
