​By Adam Stokes, Vice-Principal

Under the guidance of Indigenous Support Worker Ann Marchand, the school community at Hiyí kwemkwím aw’txw (Queen Mary Community Elementary) was recently invited to take part in a gathering to recognize and remember the children and culture lost to atrocities of the residential school system.

Students and staff began preparing for the day during National Indigenous History Month in June; preparations continued in September.

Students designed and decorated rocks with motifs centring around truth, healing, and reconciliation.

Ann designed a logo, and the PAC arranged for anyone who wanted an orange shirt with this logo to have one in time for Orange Shirt Day /National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

On Thursday, October 29, the school community gathered in circle on the front lawn of the school. In an auspicious sign, 15 eagles circled overhead as Ann set up for the ceremony. This was a moment of medicine, as we felt that even nature was gathering to mark this important event.

The sweet smoke of the smudging and the enticing sound of traditional songs brought us to the highlight of the event. Hoping to capture the hearts and minds of community members who pass by each day, students lined the Green Necklace adjacent to the school with orange-painted rocks. They also hung orange shirts in the trees.

During a final song, a number of students partook in a banner procession past the rocks and back to the centre of the circle, as a stark reminder that many children who attended residential schools never returned home.

Note: An important element of the ceremony was the prominent display of the Every Child Matters flag, which was created by Ann, NVSD staff member, Skwxwú7mesh Nation matriarch, and Eslhá7an resident.

While this flag is prominently displayed inside many of our schools, we believe this is one of the first times the flag has been displayed and flown outside. Displaying this flag outside was important to us, as it honours the work we do toward truth, healing, and reconciliation with the broader community.