SDSS Reconciliation Hall

During Downie Wenjack Fund's Secret Path Week, in October 2021, Reconciliation Hall was unveiled and celebrated in the front foyer to be accessible to all students. The hall is a place where Indigenous culture is valued. Here, we recognize history and that each of us has a role to play in the journey of learning, empowering and healing.

Sincere thanks to the Saugeen First Nation Elders and Artists, along with SDSS students and staff, who contributed to the evolution of the front all into a feature that serves as an influential visual and study space.

Reconciliation Table

Proudly constructed by Reed Bedard, Riley Campbell & Ira Kimewon in the Off-Site Construction Program, the table frames a collaborative piece of art that was created in Treaty Week 2019.  Thank you to the accomplished Emily Kewageshig, a SFN Artist, and Rachel Shave for facilitating the artwork as the centrepiece. 

In designing the image, Emily Kewageshig noted that, "The focus of the artwork is a turtle, which represents Turtle Island (North America) and the land we currently live on.  In the middle of the turtle's shell is the [Saugeen] Peninsula which is where Treaty N0. 72 was signed in 1854.  Surrounding that is imagery of figures holding hands and circling the interior of the shell.  These figures were inspired by a historic rock carving that depicts a man standing with his arms out in an action of giving and receiving."

Display Case

 The display case contains documents illustrating the history of Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON), including a historical timeline, maps and excerpts from treaties, along with artwork and artifacts created by local artists and artisans, as detailed below.
  In addition, copies of the "Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, Volume One: Summary - Honouring the Truth, Reconciling the Future", and the graphic novel, "The Secret Path" are showcased.  A glossary of key terms found in the timeline text and on the wall display are is found on the back of the banners.

(See ARTISANS for details of their evolution as artists, along with their beautiful work showcased).

ReconciliACTION Wall Display

 The three-paneled wall display includes three sections of texts that act as an introduction and overview to answer the questions “Why is this important?” and “What can we do?"

• The panel on the left speaks on why Reconciliation is important and the richness of Indigenous culture in a time where democracy and environments are threatened.
  
• The centre panel includes a land acknowledgment which is a statement of honesty and honour that recognizes Indigenous Peoples as the traditional inhabitants of this land and respects their enduring relationships with their territories.
  
• The third panel incorporates the Seven Grandfather Teachings which are Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility, and Truth. Each teaching honours one of the basic virtues to lead a full and healthy life. Each teaching is also represented by an animal which is demonstrated on the panel.  These teachings are tied in with actions that we can do to work towards engaging and empowering others to further reconciliation through ReconciliACTION” .  

Unveiling Reconciliation Hall at SDSS

You are welcome to view the virtual assembly that was broadcast into classrooms at  SDSS Reconciliation Hall.  We had the honour of being joined by Saugeen First Nation Elders Shirley John, Laurie Kewaquom and Ningwakwe George, as well SFN Council member Melissa Snowdon.
VIDEO - 20 Oct 2021 - SDSS Reconciliation Assembly for
SDSS Community - YouTube

Above, Elder Shirley John offers a blessing. (Photographer: Aurora Jacobi)
You may also click on the image to access the assembly video.