KPDSB kicks off Treaty Recognition Week with special assembly and Living Library at Beaver Brae Secondary School

November 5, 2018

Staff and students of Beaver Brae Secondary School were honoured to welcome Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh, Grand Chief of Treaty No. 3, and Greg Rickford, Federal Minister of Indigenous Affairs, to the school today for a special assembly and Living Library in recognition of Treaty Recognition Week (November 4-10).

The goal of Treaty Recognition Week is to promote public education and awareness of treaties and treaty relationships to facilitate greater understanding of treaty history and current issues.

Following an opening prayer by Elder Bert Landon, Grand Chief Francis Kavanaugh, and Minister Rickford spoke, encouraging students and staff to learn more about treaties and their history, while stressing the importance of Treaty Recognition Week and corresponding events and activities, particularly involving children and youth. Students, staff and guests were then part of a Living Library session by Elder Robert Greene. Greene shared a history of local treaties, and the historical and current impact of those treaties.

Grand Chief Kavanaugh stated “Treaties with Indigenous people are the foundation of Canada; honouring and upholding these sacred and everlasting commitments should be the upmost importance to all Canadians. I am pleased to participate in the initiatives held during the third annual Treaties Recognition Week, which I hope will foster greater awareness and serve as a reminder of our relationship to our treaty partners.”

Tracey Benoit, Principal of Beaver Brae Secondary School, added “We were honoured to host an event like the Living Library as a kick off to Treaty Recognition Week for the region. Thank you to the Elders who were an important part of today’s events and to Grand Chief Kavanaugh and Minister Rickford for sharing in this event with our students. As a school and school board, we are committed to reconciliation and are proud of the work we do every day in our schools.”

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