Beyond One Day

Last week, the St. George’s community came together for our annual National Day of Truth and Reconciliation school-wide assembly; a moment to reflect, learn, and honour the history, resilience, and experiences of Indigenous peoples, and to acknowledge the ongoing process of truth-telling in Canada’s shared history. 

The assembly began with a land acknowledgement written by some of our Grade 10 students as well as a video of our elementary school students sharing personal examples of how they connect with nature. A second video featured students celebrating Indigenous culture at Pow Wow 2025 held at McGill University. Together, these pieces highlighted that learning about Indigenous history and perspectives is not confined to a single day; it is woven into the fabric of school life.

Learning on the Land: Grade 7 Nature Walk
This month, our Grade 7 geography students explored Mount Royal (Hostirà:ken/ Tekanontak) on a nature walk designed to deepen their understanding of natural protected areas. Students discussed how societies balance protection and tourism, and considered the ways Indigenous peoples were displaced when lands were designated as parks. They also learned the Kanien’kehá:ka name for Mount Royal and observed evidence of Indigenous environmental stewardship in the diversity of tree species.

While the guides from Les Amis de la Montagne offered insights, our students noted that more attention could have been given to the lives of Indigenous peoples historically connected to the land. These reflections reinforce the importance of centering Indigenous voices and histories in many learning experiences at St. George’s.

Elementary Connections: Living Culture and Daily Practices
At the Elementary School, students are building knowledge through action and routine. Grade 6 students hosted a lacrosse exhibition game for the younger grades, an energetic introduction to a sport with deep cultural roots, and a reminder that culture is lived, shared, and celebrated in community. Sit spots in Kindergarten and Grade 3 give students quiet, repeated time in the same outdoor place. This simple practice helps them notice seasonal changes, listen closely, and develop a personal connection to the land around our school.

Last year’s Grade 3 class planted a Three Sisters garden. This fall, they will harvest and pass on what they learned to this year’s Grade 3 students, integrating the cycle of planting, tending, and teaching into History classes at the Elementary School.

Science in Exploration: Beaver Lake Water Studies
In Science, students extended their studies on water quality with hands-on testing at Beaver Lake. Though separate from in-class discussions about Indigenous communities’ water challenges, this activity encouraged environmental stewardship, connecting the scientific skills our students are developing. Videos of their water quality experiments will be shared with the elementary school during Water Week, connecting younger learners to environmental science through this work.

Honouring Survivors: Through Art and Story
In Christina Phelps’ art class, students worked on a public art project inspired by Phyllis’ story and this year’s art themes. Using fence weaving, natural dyes, and early photographic techniques, students honoured residential school survivors while exploring the significance of orange, a colour symbolizing truth-telling and healing. At the Elementary School, students developed drawings as land acknowledgements, an age-appropriate way to recognize place, notice what surrounds us, and name our responsibilities to it. Together, these projects offer a tangible, reflective path for students to engage with reconciliation through art.

At St. George’s, integrating Indigenous perspectives is a school-wide commitment. From nature walks to science and art projects, our students are encouraged to critically engage with history, honour Indigenous voices, and connect with the natural environment year-round. “Truth and Reconciliation isn’t something we acknowledge once and move on from,” said Dani Jansen, Coordinator of Teaching and Learning at the High School. “It’s part of how we keep learning, reflecting, and growing together all year.”