Truth, Healing, and Allyship: LCS Observes Truth and Reconciliation Day
On September 30, the Lakefield College School community gathered in Chapel to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Led by DEI Club members, Mia ’25, Aniece ’25, Edna ’25, Hannah ’25, Riko ’26, Susie ’27, Maia ’25, and Hansen ’25, the presentation aimed to educate, reflect, and encourage action in light of Canada’s history of residential schools and their lasting impact on Indigenous peoples.
Mia ’25 opened the program, reminding us that the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is not only about the injustices faced by Indigenous communities but also about celebrating their strength, resilience, and vibrant cultures. As a part of a Land Acknowledgment, Aniece ’25 emphasized the importance of recognizing the land's history and the responsibilities we all share as treaty people.
As the presentation unfolded, Hannah ’25 and Riko ’26 guided us through the historical context of residential schools, providing insight into the abuse, trauma, and lasting intergenerational impacts experienced by Indigenous communities. "Reconciliation is crucial because it fosters understanding, restores dignity to those affected, and promotes a shared path forward based on respect and equity," Hannah ’25 stated. Their words underscored that healing will take time, but the work must continue.
Susie ’27 introduced the powerful poem We Are Gathered by Rebecca Thomas, highlighting the unity and resilience of Indigenous peoples. Later, Maia ’25 introduced survivor stories, giving voice to the deeply personal and painful experiences of those who were placed in residential schools. The student speakers encouraged the audience to reflect not only on Canada's history but also on parallels within their own countries, reminding us all of our collective duty to prevent history from repeating itself.
Mia ’25 closed the presentation with a message of allyship, encouraging students from around the world to stand up for the rights of Indigenous peoples. Hansen ’25 echoed this, urging the community to continue the fight against discrimination and to uphold human rights for all.
We thank the entire LCS community for wearing orange t-shirts in support of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and for engaging in this important conversation. Together, we can keep learning, reflecting, and taking meaningful steps toward reconciliation.
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4391 County Road 29, Lakefield Ontario K0L 2H0 705.652.3324 admissions@lcs.on.ca
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Lakefield College School is a private, coeducational boarding and day school for students in grades 9 through 12, located in Lakefield, Ontario, Canada.
We respectfully acknowledge that Lakefield College School is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations. Lakefield College School respectfully acknowledges that the Williams Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.
We respectfully acknowledge that Lakefield College School is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations. Lakefield College School respectfully acknowledges that the Williams Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.
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