Student Life
Reflections on Truth and Reconciliation
A heartfelt reflection from a current student and a beautiful musical performance by an alumna helped Shawnigan mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Saturday, September 30.
In Chapel, Grade 11 student Hannah F. (traditional name Usmanahiih) spoke about the impact the Canadian residential school system had on her own family.
“I stand here proud to be Indigenous and proud to be Tla-o-qui-aht, and proud that my roots extend to Ditidaht, Tseshaht and Cowichan,” Hannah said. “If it was not for my grandparents —Nona and Jack Thompson, and Nellie Joseph and Shorty Frank — surviving residential school, I wouldn’t be here today. I am here because they survived, and our people continue to thrive. We want to thank Shawnigan for allowing us time to give students voice to Reconciliation Day. I want to thank each of you for taking a moment just to hear one story.”
Cassie Chang ’16 (Renfrew), who went on to study music (opera performance) at the University of British Columbia and the Manhattan School of Music, returned to the School to perform the Vancouver Song from the song cycle “Internalized Globalization” that she wrote with Pouria Khadeam. In composing the piece, she explained, she consulted with Chelsea Gladstone ’15 (Renfrew), a member of the Haida Nation, about including an aspect of Indigenous culture.
“To avoid cultural appropriation, Chelsea advised me to compose on my own experience with Indigenous culture,” Cassie related. “I’m grateful that our friendship will continue to allow us to dialogue and learn about each other. This performance is dedicated to the Indigenous community and those who have experienced atrocities and racism. There is hope to be found and beautiful music to be made. What a gift it is that we could do the work of reconciliation and create a better future together.”
Kingston H. (Guudangaay laa), a Grade 11 student from the Haida Nation, gave the land acknowledgment in Chapel. Hannah’s mother, Iris (Hakuumalth) also spoke, and Rev. Jim Holland spoke about the meaning and importance of land acknowledgments toward truth and reconciliation. We also welcomed two members of Cowichan Tribes for the service: Mr. John George (Tsuhwuletse) and Mr. Jerome Seymour (Sum’elh).
Other events on campus last Saturday included paddling the Thunder Indigenous Rugby canoe on Shawnigan Lake early in the morning and lacrosse in the quad with Naomi Walser (Waabanungo kwe). A women’s basketball scrimmage between the University of Victoria and Vancouver Island University, and a U15 Prep ice hockey game between Shawnigan Lake School and St. George’s School both included land acknowledgments. The hockey game also featured a prayer by Mr. Seymour, and Shawnigan players wore special orange jerseys to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. A few days before the game, Head Athletic Therapist Noelani Avveduti, a Cree from the Alexander First Nation in Treaty Six Territory, conducted a smudging ceremony with the players on Shawnigan’s U15 team.
On Monday, Oct. 2, Shawnigan sent a bus full of students and staff to Duncan to take part in the Every Child Matters march and to show solidarity with our First Nations neighbours.
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.
