Truth and Reconciliation Day at Manitouwadge High School
Submitted by Principal Jody Kuczynski
MANITOUWADGE, ON – Yesterday, Manitouwadge High School students and staff had the privilege of welcoming some guests from our neighboring community of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg (Pic Mobert). The guests helped us with our Heart Garden Dedication, sharing their stories and thoughts around Truth and Reconciliation and what happened to our Indigenous neighbours during the time of residential schools, including during the 60’s scoop.
Last spring, when we first heard of the 215 potential graves on a residential school site, we started a heart garden memorial. Students and staff painted rocks with hearts, inspirational words and other pictures. When we were back together at the school we finished the last of the 215 rocks and asked our neighbors if they would come to speak to us and share some of their traditions. Mr. Stan Sabourin and Ms. Maggie Hill, with other members of Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg, visited MHS and shared a smudge and a healing Bear Drum song. The SGDSB Indigenous Education Lead Shy-Anne Bartlett also participated and together they shared the importance of seeing Manitouwadge High School flying the “Every Child Matters Flag” as well as the importance of understanding the truth around residential schools, and what really happened, to fully understand how we will move forward towards reconciliation.
