
Horizon School Division held the second annual flag-raising
ceremony at central office on June 21, in recognition of National Indigenous
Peoples Day. Dignitaries raised the Reconciliation Flag and the flags of
Horizon's four First Nation partners -- Day Star First Nation, Fishing Lake
First Nation, George Gordon First Nation and Muskowekwan First Nation.
The morning began with a pipe ceremony led
by Austin Kay and Utin Machiskinic of Kawacatoose First Nation. The Grey
Buffalo Drum Group -- including Horizon Trustee, Paul Crow-Buffalo -- then
performed a victory song as dignitaries in front of the Horizon central office
building raised their flags.




Representatives from each of Horizon's four partner
First Nations spoke about our shared responsibility for reconciliation;
and how we can honour the survivors and “warriors” of Residential Schools.
Several speakers shared the thoughts and prayers of their communities for
Humboldt and area, following the tragedy of April 6, 2018.






Members of Horizon's Board of
Education, representatives from the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous
Nations (FSIN), Métis Nation Saskatchewan, Horizon’s senior leadership
and central office staff joined hands for a friendship round dance to
close the event.
This ceremony was made possible by the relationships and
support of Horizon's First Nation partners, the support of Horizon's Board of
Education and Horizon's Director of Education, Kevin Garinger, the
planning by Horizon's Superintendent of Learning Services, Crandall Hrynkiw,
Coordinator of First Nations & Métis Education Services, Lester
Gardiner, Administrative Assistant, Shelley Schell, Curriculum Coach, Larry
Mikulcik, and other Horizon staff members. This event is one of the many ways
Horizon has committed to the vital reconciliation process of truth and healing,
as part of our Safe & Caring goal.
