Indigenous Stag
The artwork “Into the Light” was created by Kwagiulth artist Rande Cook and gifted to the School in 2006.
In the artist’s own words: “The reason why the black border is only on the left side and along the bottom is that it represents the past and any negativity, which may have come from the past. The red is the power of us as people, not only as First Nations but all races. The Stag leaping away from the black and into the light of the moon and being surrounded by the power of the red is to show renewal. This shows that we are all connected one way or another and we, as mankind, can always take that leap of faith.”
In the artist’s own words: “The reason why the black border is only on the left side and along the bottom is that it represents the past and any negativity, which may have come from the past. The red is the power of us as people, not only as First Nations but all races. The Stag leaping away from the black and into the light of the moon and being surrounded by the power of the red is to show renewal. This shows that we are all connected one way or another and we, as mankind, can always take that leap of faith.”
As written in Shawnigan Lake School’s Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan introduced in 2024: “It is in this spirit of walking together into the light that Shawnigan Lake School aims fervently to build a commitment of authentic allyship in each student and staff member.
“Within the School’s ecosystem of curiosity, compassion, community, and courage, the vision is that each student will graduate willing to state: ‘I will strive to be an ally. Because if not me, then who?’
“The School is committed to providing resources and scholarships for Indigenous students, enabling them to access and thrive throughout their Shawnigan education. The School will collaborate closely with the Cowichan Tribes, Malahat Peoples, other First Nations, and the School’s Indigenous alumni network to annually fill scholarship positions, ensuring these opportunities reach Indigenous students.”
Shawnigan now offers three full scholarships for Indigenous students: The Diamond Foundation First Nations Scholarship, The Indigenous Student of Canada Scholarship, and the Haida Gwaii Scholarship.
Centrally located in the Main Building is the Showe’luqun Indigenous Space, a sacred learning space filled with authentic Indigenous artifacts, including a copy of “Into the Light,” and staffed by Indigenous teachers. Students gather in this space for many reasons, including the 360 class: First Nations Language and Knowledge Sharing.
Several traditions have been built around National Indigenous History Month in June, and Truth and Reconciliation Day in September, where students have an opportunity to share and learn more about Indigenous culture.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
“Within the School’s ecosystem of curiosity, compassion, community, and courage, the vision is that each student will graduate willing to state: ‘I will strive to be an ally. Because if not me, then who?’
“The School is committed to providing resources and scholarships for Indigenous students, enabling them to access and thrive throughout their Shawnigan education. The School will collaborate closely with the Cowichan Tribes, Malahat Peoples, other First Nations, and the School’s Indigenous alumni network to annually fill scholarship positions, ensuring these opportunities reach Indigenous students.”
Shawnigan now offers three full scholarships for Indigenous students: The Diamond Foundation First Nations Scholarship, The Indigenous Student of Canada Scholarship, and the Haida Gwaii Scholarship.
Centrally located in the Main Building is the Showe’luqun Indigenous Space, a sacred learning space filled with authentic Indigenous artifacts, including a copy of “Into the Light,” and staffed by Indigenous teachers. Students gather in this space for many reasons, including the 360 class: First Nations Language and Knowledge Sharing.
Several traditions have been built around National Indigenous History Month in June, and Truth and Reconciliation Day in September, where students have an opportunity to share and learn more about Indigenous culture.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
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.
