Walking Together: SMUS Ceremonies for Truth and Reconciliation

On October 3, St. Michaels University School students gathered on their respective campuses to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR). This day is honoured as a national statutory commemoration on Monday, September 30. Several students wore orange shirts to school to mark the weight of the story and movement told by survivor Phyllis Webstad.

The Friday ceremonies honoured the stories, voices, and teachings of Indigenous peoples while reflecting on our shared responsibility to listen, learn, and act. Separate events, first hosted at Junior School and later a combined Middle and Senior School event made the learnings and shared understanding connect both campuses. 

The afternoon ceremony for Middle and Senior School students, opened with words from cultural specialist Elder Willie Pierre, Sxa-li-ya, of the Katzie Nation, who then moved around the gymnasium, touching hands with every person along the perimeter, forming a circle, as he sang a moving song.

Titumels Mr. Bill White, of the Snuneymuxw First Nation came next offering his welcoming message and words of wisdom as one of our longstanding Elders, having worked with SMUS for eight years.

The Senior School choir, led by Choir teacher Christina Banman with Mr. Pierre conducting, sang a traditional song while drumming, a symbol of different cultures coming together.

An impactful story, “The Boy Who Walked Backwards” by Ben Sures was read by Grade 9 student Abi Porttris and Grade 10 student Claire Dufresne. 

Ry Moran, of the Red River Métis, was a featured guest speaker at the afternoon ceremony for Middle and Senior School students. Moran, who worked closely with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission now serves as Associate University Librarian – Reconciliation at the University of Victoria. He shared a powerful and positive message, asking the question of what we should do with the hard truths of reconciliation, suggesting focusing less on what not to do and more on establishing and maintaining respectful relationships. 

The ceremony closed with a message from Dr. Kim Recalma-Clutesi of the Qualicum First Nation.

Students at the Heart of the Ceremonies

Students also played a central role in shaping and delivering the ceremonies. Sophie De Launiere, Claire Dufresne, Mathew Nacey, Addy Newman-Ting, Haley Paetkau, Abi Porttris, and Pyper Tuohy worked with staff and Indigenous guides to craft the program, offering reflections, readings, and support throughout. Their contributions highlighted how reconciliation is a responsibility embraced by the next generation.

Learning Beyond One Day

Beyond the ceremonies, the week at SMUS was filled with opportunities for learning and reflection. Grade 9 and 10 students attended the South Island Powwow at Royal Athletic Park, experiencing Indigenous culture and resilience through music, dance, and community gathering. Grade 5 students created their own spindle whorl art inspired by the originals of Coast Salish artist Dylan Thomas. Both school libraries displayed a selection of thoughtfully chosen books — picture books, novels, and non-fiction — to encourage further exploration, and the Snowden Library extended its evening hours for Boarding students. Faculty also took part in professional development focused on Indigenous perspectives. Together, these experiences underscored that reconciliation is not confined to a single day, or even a week, but is a continual process of listening, learning, and action.

A Shared Commitment

SMUS marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with respect and purpose, guided by Elders, knowledge keepers, Indigenous leaders, and the active participation of students. The ceremonies and learning experiences reminded us that reconciliation is not a single act but an ongoing commitment — one that we honour together as a school community.

We thank all the respected speakers and guests at the ceremonies today.

Learn more about how we approach truth and reconciliation with care and respect.