News Archive
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Dear parents and guardians,
Shawnigan Lake School is joining others across Canada in observing Truth and Reconciliation Week, which began on Monday, September 25th. Like many Canadians, we are emerging in our journey, and we entered this week humbly as we seek to learn about the legacy of residential schools in Canada and to celebrate Indigenous cultures.
Many of our international parents express an interest in learning more from the School about Truth and Reconciliation Week in order to engage their children in meaningful conversations going forward.
Shawnigan Lake School is joining others across Canada in observing Truth and Reconciliation Week, which began on Monday, September 25th. Like many Canadians, we are emerging in our journey, and we entered this week humbly as we seek to learn about the legacy of residential schools in Canada and to celebrate Indigenous cultures.
Many of our international parents express an interest in learning more from the School about Truth and Reconciliation Week in order to engage their children in meaningful conversations going forward.
Members of our Indigenous Advisory Committee (which brings together student, staff, alumni and Board representatives) have prepared some events for this week, with many of them planned for Saturday, September 30th – Canada’s second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (previously known as Orange Shirt Day).
Our students will be invited to:
- Learn about Truth and Reconciliation Day from staff and fellow students in the Gathering and Chapel this week;
- Engage in the classrooms and advisor meetings with the legacy of residential schools in Canada and discussions surrounding Truth and Reconciliation;
- Meet and listen to John George and Jerome Seymour, Elders from the Cowichan Tribes;
- Hear Cassie Chang (Renfrew, 2016) in Chapel perform “Vancouver Song,” a song she wrote which includes elements of Indigenous landscapes and Haida culture which was inspired by her friendship with a fellow Renfrew student, Chelsea Gladstone;
- Participate in a Thunder Canoe journey and smudging ceremonies on Shawnigan Lake;
- Participate in an introductory workshop on playing lacrosse and designing dream-catchers with Naomi Walser (Beausoleil Ojibwe First Nation band);
- Enjoy Indigenous-themed food in Marion Hall;
- Attend Indigenous-focused basketball and hockey games on campus;
- have access to support from the School’s counsellors.
We encourage you to talk to your child(ren) about Truth and Reconciliation Week and what they are discussing, learning, experiencing, and feeling.
The Shawnigan Lake School Library has collected a number of resources on Residential Schools and Indigenous ways to support the learning, exploration and inclusion of Indigenous values in our School.
We are also building an Indigenous art collection in our Showe’luqun Indigenous Space, the foyer of the Main Building, and the library – and appreciate the donations of art we have received from our community.
Parents are welcome to refer to any of these resources, or offer ones not available yet on this resource board, for the enrichment of our community. We would recommend – should you wish to learn more – any of the following helpful resources for awareness and discussion:
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
Orange Shirt Society
BC Indigenous School Resources (Library resource page on ShawNet)
Our Grade 8 boys’ rugby players are participating in a 7s tournament in Kamloops and, as part of the trip, will visit the site of the Kamloops Residential School and will lay a wreath on behalf of Shawnigan.
Given our programming planned for this Saturday, we will run a normal day of classes and 360 on Monday 2nd October. Our students and staff will be invited to:
- Wear orange shirts on Monday (which have become a symbol of remembrance – started by Phyllis Webstad – for those who were forced to attend residential schools in Canada);
- Attend the Cowichan Tribes “For Truth & Reconciliation March” in Duncan;
- Reflect in Houses in the evening about the programming from the previous week and how individuals and community can continue on the journey of Truth and Reconciliation.
As Clay Panga, our Indigenous Community Engagement Coordinator, wrote this week: “Let us come together to commemorate Truth & Reconciliation Day in a way that truly honours its significance.” We encourage our community to approach the upcoming Truth and Reconciliation Day with a sense of curiosity, humility, respect, and an open mind and heart.
With best wishes
Richard D A Lamont
Head of School
29 September 2023
29 September 2023
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.
