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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.