Prince Arthur Community School hosted its Treaty 4 Flag Raising Ceremony as a gesture and acknowledgement of truth and reconciliation with the First Nations of Canada on Oct. 18.
The program began with an introductory speech made by school principal Sandra Baldwin who welcomed everyone by honouring and respecting the First Nations traditions and treaties made on all territories.
“We acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past, and we are committed to moving forward in partnership with Indigenous Nations in the spirit of reconciliation and collaboration,” she said.
Before the ceremony began, students of grades 3 & 4 presented formal tobacco offerings to Elder Shirley Wolfe-Keller, Mr. Hassler, and the Red Dog singers.
“Tobacco is one of the sacred gifts the Creator gave to the First Nations people. It has been used traditionally in ceremonies, rituals, and prayer for thousands of years for its powerful spiritual connections,” said Sheena Mullens, student support teacher and program coordinator of this event.
She says it is very important for the school to introduce more culture in their school and be more aware of truth and reconciliation.
Elder Shirley then shared a prayer for the event, and then explained the importance of Treaty 4 and the vision of Elder Gordon Oakes who wanted a flag to fly like any other flag here in Saskatchewan.
She also said that he believed the land is to be shared and for everyone to understand the teachings and meaning of the flag.
“Treaty flags remind us about the past, present, and future,” said Wolfe-Keeler. “Respect of sharing the lands and building relationships is part of truth and reconciliation’s cause to action.”
Elder Shirley is a residential school survivor, mother, stepmother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is also the first woman to become Chief of two different Bands Fishing, Lake First Nation and Muskowekwan First Nation in Canada.
She has a College and University degree and has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 by the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism.
After her speech, Veteran Deon Hassler from Carry the Kettle First Nation was introduced. Hassler was born in 1962 in Orange County, California.
He served in the United States Navy for six years to enable him to pursue his education at university. Hassler requested help from Indian Affairs, but they denied him. He then came to Canada upon leaving the U.S. Navy. He now works and mentors water treatment operators in 11 First Nations communities for the Five Hills Qu’ Appelle Tribal Council.
Principal Baldwin invited Veteran Hassler to perform the flag-raising ceremony while students of grades 3 & 4 narrated the flag’s symbol saying,
“For As Long as the Sun Shines, Grass Grows, Water Flow, and Buffalo Are on The Prairies.” The meaning of this symbolism is that a strong community is one that works together for this common goal and is a reminder for all people in the Treaty area.
The Red Dog Singers performed the ‘Flag and Victory’ song.
Baldwin says, “Education week is the perfect time to incorporate [this event] with our school,” in support of the theme, “Reaching for Tomorrow Today.” She believes an important part of what the school is doing for truth and reconciliation is to learn more and implement ceremonial activities into their school programs.
At the end of the program, Principal Baldwin thanked all the guests, volunteers, and participants for making this formal ceremony successful. She then asked students to present Elder Shirley, Mr. Hassler, and the Red Dog Singers with small tokens of appreciation for their valuable time.
Everyone was invited to stay and partake in some traditional Bannock.
The Treaty 4 was first signed in 1874, with some changes following in 1877. The establishment of this treaty was between Queen Victoria and the Cree and Saulteaux First Nation bands and is also known as Qu’Appelle Treaty.
