National day for truth and Reconciliation: our Journeys of Learning and Unlearning
To mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, students and teachers at York House School gathered throughout the month for opportunities to learn and unlearn, reflecting the school’s ongoing commitment to First Peoples Principles of Learning and Indigenous education.
On September 23, Senior School students and faculty immersed themselves in arts, culture, literature, and science through Indigenous perspectives on campus and in the community.
On campus, Senior School students chose to explore workshops including Powwow Dancing, Coast Salish Weaving, Flat Stitch Beading, Creating Oral History through Witnessing, Indigenous Representation in Film and Theatre, Picture Books and Pathways, Braiding Sweetgrass Audiobath, Re-creating Yahgulanaas’ Book as a Mural, Indigenous Film Screenings, as well as Composing a Meaningful Land Acknowledgement.
Students also experienced Indigenous ways of being through excursions to the UBC Centre for Sustainable Food Systems, Museum of Anthropology, Stanley Park, VanDusen Botanical Garden, and the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art.
With humility, we continue to examine Indigenous knowledge and perspectives while dismantling the misconceptions about Indigenous peoples that resulted from colonialism.
Reflections from some of the students:
“One key insight I'm taking away from today's sessions is how to write a meaningful land acknowledgement and what to consider when doing so to make it as authentic and genuine as possible.” - Kacey, Grade 11
“I never really realized how bad residential schools were…I now realize how scary and harmful it can be when you get taken away from your parents and have to live a full new lifestyle.” - Maja, Grade 8
“Working with the beads myself…made me appreciate the effort behind details that might seem small at first. It also reminded me that learning about a cultural practice through hands-on experience can help me connect with it more deeply than just hearing about it.” - Noele, Grade 10
“What I noticed was how passionate Ms. Nyla was [with Powwow dancing] and it clearly showed she was proud of her culture... Ms. Hunt gave me a good understanding of how picture books can tell such a powerful story even if it is meant for kids.” - Allison, Grade 10
“One key insight that I took away from today is how important oral storytelling is. It not only builds human connection in an isolated technology based world we live in, but it also comes with a sense of respect, knowing that you're honoured to be listening to one's story.” - Ziva, Grade 8
The Truth and Reconciliation Day of Learning at the Senior School was planned thoughtfully in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action in Education, and in conjunction to the faculty’s reflections on reading 52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing by David Robertson.
On September 29, our Little and Junior School students also observed Orange Shirt Day through classroom activities and an assembly on Truth and Reconciliation. For our younger students, we aimed to introduce the history and significance of Orange Shirt Day, as well as the heritage of the Indigenous peoples through age-appropriate content.
A heartfelt thank you to the knowledge keepers, artists, and storytellers who generously shared their time and expertise with the YHS community this September:
-
Nyla Bedard (Tahltan, Kaska, French, Scottish)
- Penny Gullion (Cree)
- Sophia Mallette (Métis)
- Sam Seward (Snuneymexw and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh)
We are grateful to our Pluralism Lead, Ms. Cheung, and all our faculty and staff for leading, coordinating, and facilitating the various Indigenous learning experiences on and off campus.
York House encourages everyone to continue their learning and unlearning journeys beyond the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to deepen their personal connection with the Indigenous peoples, histories, and heritage.
