Historical ceremonies, reflection, renewal, and unity marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Saugeen Shores, as residential school survivors joined students from G.C. Huston Public School to walk the new Truth and Reconciliation crosswalk in front of the school.
Saugeen First Nation dignitaries, elders, and residential school survivors attended the important event, as well as Town of Saugeen Shores and Bluewater District School Board officials, media, students, and staff.
The crosswalk is a joint effort by Saugeen Shores Town Council and Bluewater District School Board to recognize the close relationship between Saugeen First Nation and G.C. Huston Public School, and the coming together of the two communities.
The orange crosswalk installation features seven feathers that represent the Seven Grandfather Teachings: Love, Respect, Bravery, Truth, Honesty, Humility, and Wisdom; these are the principles of character that the Anishinaabe live by. The orange colour recalls the story of Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor who was stripped of all her clothing on her first day at the school, including the brand-new orange sweater her grandmother had bought her. Orange now symbolizes how the residential school system took away its students’ Indigenous identities.
“This crosswalk is a symbol of our deep sorrow as a community,” said Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau. “We want everyone that crosses here to know that we honour those who suffered and died in residential schools, that we recognize the inter-generational trauma that is happening, and that we are committed to truth and ongoing reconciliation.”
“Today is about honouring resilience, strength, and survival, and re-establishing our commitment with Saugeen First Nation to move forward on a positive path together towards reconciliation,” said G.C. Huston Public School Principal Hugh Morrison. “We mark our commitment by creating a new, positive school memory together, and are so honored to have survivors walk the crosswalk with our school community today. Our school and community recognize the vital importance of continuing our learning and deepening our understanding of the history of residential schools, and further strengthening our individual and collective relationships with Indigenous families and fellow citizens.”
The day began with a sacred fire and gathering in front of the school. This was followed by a formal ceremony featuring the Saugeen First Nation women’s drum group and Huston Hawks Society Drum.
Students had an opportunity to participate in learning about the sacred fire and traditional medicines, before proceeding with the other attendees to the Zgaa-biig-ni-gan (“We are connected”) Bridge for another renewal ceremony. As a follow-up to the initial unveiling of the bridge name in June 2018, the ceremony marked the renewal of the vow between Saugeen Shores and Saugeen First Nation symbolizing the connecting of both communities.
Source: media release
