PRSD Celebrates Historic Flag Raising Ceremonies

In three ceremonies, over two days, the Peace River School Division (PRSD) partnered with local Indigenous leaders to raise both the Treaty 8 and Métis flags outside three of their buildings.

Recognizing the importance of upholding the treaty relationships that are at Canada’s foundation, PRSD restated their commitment to Truth and Reconciliation by holding flag raising ceremonies on March 12 at Fairview Jr./Sr. High School and E.E. Oliver Elementary School, and on March 13 at the PRSD Central Operations building in Grimshaw.

“We are deeply grateful that we are now able to proudly fly these flags at our Central Operations building, and outside of our schools in Grimshaw and Fairview, and soon across our division,” said Crystal Owens, PRSD Board of Trustees Chair. “We hope these flags show others that we are committed to meaningful acts of Truth and Reconciliation but also that we understand we still have a long way to go.”

The ceremonies in Fairview and Grimshaw were attended by Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi, Duncan’s First Nation Chief Virginia Gladue, Woodland Cree First Nation Chief Isaac Laboucan-Avirom, Ceremonial Elders Dustin Twin and Rod Twin, Peace River Métis District 14 Citizens’ Representative Barry Dibb and several other important guests.

“As First Nations, we don’t have a good history of education in this country. It took 125 years to raise this flag today. That is a statement, but it also shows we are progressing. We are moving forward in unity,” said Chief Laboucan-Avirom.

The ceremonies were deeply moving events inclusive of both somber moments encouraging learning, growth and celebration.

Drummers from Driftpile First Nation set the tone, grounding students, staff and other guests to the present moment, connecting their heartbeats to the music, and immersing those gathered in traditional Indigenous song. Throughout the ceremonies, the drummers performed four songs: a chief song, an honour song, a flag song and a victory song.

The ceremonies in Fairview also featured the talents of the Doig River First Nation Drummers from Northeastern BC. Staff and students were invited to participate in traditional Dene dances.