Truth and Reconciliation

Written by: Leena El-Said and Serena Chaudhary

Photos by: Serena Chaudhary

Truth and Reconciliation day, officially marked as a national holiday in Canada in 2021, takes place on the 30th of September. It serves as a day to honour and commemorate the Indigenous lives forcefully impacted by the residential schools throughout Canada, and hold space for discussion and action to further the path towards reconciliation. On this day, Canadians are encouraged to wear orange in support of Orange Shirt Day, the Indigenous lead grassroots movement that aligns with TRC day, representing the cultural genocide inflicted and inspired by Phyllis Webstad’s story. 

INTERVIEWER: What would you like to continue to see done by Blakelock or the HDSB in the future to strengthen our community’s knowledge/action?

MS. SAGAR: Oh that’s a great question. I would love to see people knowing more about our treaty responsibilities. I see that we’re doing a great job at understanding the “truth”, but then, what’s the “reconciliation” part? To me, that reconciliation is understanding what are our treaty responsibilities. And some of those are things like protecting the water and knowing who is on this territory. We are on the Mississaugas of the Credit, which is Anishinaabe territory. I think Blakelock, in particular, is going to do an amazing thing by bringing in grade 11 Indigenous English. So all grade 11 students (starting next year) will take an Indigenous studies course for English, which I think will be great. Small things that we could do is, for example, everyone knowing the importance of protecting our water, since that’s a treaty responsibility. 

As shown above, the gallery walk was an important aspect of Blakelock's commemoration for Truth and Reconcilliation. The gallery walk contained informative and critical exhibits for all students to view. Another one of our members talked to Ms. Turnbull, one of the imperative organizers behind this showcase. 

INTERVIEWER: How did this event run and what were the key takeaways from it?

MS. TURNBULL: The eight exhibits were displayed in the seminar room for students and staff to view. Visitors were encouraged to share their thoughts, reactions, comments, and questions for each specific exhibit on a sticky note. This allowed for anonymity. Participation was voluntary and the comments will be shared with our TRC committee so we can reflect and continue the learning and healing that needs to happen. 

INTERVIEWER: Why do the “gallery walk” specifically?

MS. TURNBULL: It gives students the opportunity to reflect on TRC issues and also gives individuals the opportunity to anonymously post their thoughts, comments, concerns, and questions. This exhibit was open for individuals and classes for TRC week, which allowed for reflection and repeat visits. This is such an important issue that should be done in a safe and education focused environment. Ideally, TRC should be part of our daily lives.

Ms. Zuberi, one of the teachers from the English Department at Blakelock, led one of the many classes that actively participated in TRC activities and information sessions, including the gallery walk. The TABloid sat down with her to discuss the incorporation of TRC into the school community and curriculum, as well as what was learned throughout the TRC week.

INTERVIEWER: Did you or your students learn anything new during TRC week? How did the activities available inspire thoughtful reflection?

MS. ZUBERI: Something interesting we found out during TRC week is that the Indian Act does not include Inuit people. I know that seems like a small statistic, but it really drove home to us how little we still know about the Indian Act and the issues facing Indigenous communities today. One of the activities we engaged in was the Gallery Walk organized by Ms. Turnbull and Ms. MacKay in the Library. We were really struck by some of the images we saw, a series of maps showing Indigenous Dispossession of land were particularly striking and heartbreaking. The school-wide educational materials were appreciated by my classes and did lead to a robust discussion, which I think is really important.

INTERVIEWER: What do you hope to see/accomplish with TRC throughout the school year? 

MS. ZUBERI: Education & Action. I think educating ourselves is the first step toward meaningful action. Through activities, discussion, open dialogue, research, and most importantly, collaboration with Indigenous partners, I would love to see educational activities, followed by proposals for tangible change/action that we can make in our communities to help take us towards genuine reconciliation. 

Over the course of the week leading up to Truth and Reconciliation day, William Snyder, a Cree and Ojibway student, shared some words of the day with us. This list showcases the words from the Cree language and their respective meanings. 

Day 1: Tansi - Hello

Day 2: Nîcîwâkan - Friend

Day 3: Hiy hiy - Thank you

Day 4: Ki sākihit - I love you

Day 5: Kahkiyaw awasis kihceyihtakosiw - Every Child Matters

Halton, as we know it today, is rich in the history and modern traditions of many First Nations and the Métis. From the lands of the Anishinabe to the Attawandaron, the Haudenosaunee, and the Métis, these lands surrounding the Great Lakes are steeped in Indigenous history. As we gather today on these treaty lands, we are in solidarity with Indigenous brothers and sisters to honour and respect the four directions, lands, waters, plants, animals and ancestors that walked before us, and all of the wonderful elements of creation that exist. - Land acknowledgment from oakville.ca