A powerful assembly on Indigenous rights and issues
All assemblies at the Senior School start with a Territorial Acknowledgment to recognize that our school community resides on and benefits from the traditional lands of the Wendat, the Anishinabek (ah-nish-nah-bek) Nation, the Haudenosaunee (ho-den-oh-sho-nee) Confederacy, the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nations, and the Métis Nation.
During a recent assembly led by Mrs. Bolotenko, Dean of Student Affairs at TFS, our students had the opportunity to truly understand that Territorial Acknowledgments are an homage to and a sign of respect towards the various First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) Peoples. It attests to their past and perennial existence on the territories of Turtle Island, or what we call North America. Territorial Acknowledgments are also a tool for reconciliation, which aims to ameliorate relationships amongst the various FNMI Peoples and Canadians.
During the assembly, students watched segments of CBC’s mini documentary series The 8th Fire: Aboriginal Peoples, Canada & the Way Forward, which examines history, as well as facts and policies contained in the Indian Act. The assembly was impactful and Mrs. Bolotenko was overwhelmed by the number of students and staff members who came to see her to express interest in Indigenous issues, and to express gratitude for sharing her knowledge and experiences.
We are warmed by all the student interest in our shared history, and are hopeful that by including more content on and perspectives of First Nation, Métis and Inuit cultures, we will develop greater intercultural knowledge, empathy and a true understanding of what it means to live in a pluralistic society.
