Written by Helena Neveu, Indigenous Knowledge Keeper
Aanii, Boozhoo,
Welcome, we are excited to talk about the upcoming Downie Wenjack Legacy Spaces that will be installed on all three of our St. Lawrence College campuses. Inspired by Gord Downie’s – Wicapi Omani – Man Who Walks Among the Stars – call to build awareness and understanding of the Residential School System, legacy spaces build connections of friendship, love, and kindness in reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada.
Legacy Spaces welcomes people to come together to talk about making positive changes in education, by learning, hearing, and telling their story, you create the change. The legacy and message of hope live on through the legacy spaces.
What is so wonderful about the legacy spaces is that each one of them is different in its graphics and invitation to all who come together in their conversations. Gord created this legacy in hopes of created lasting positive change.
“Telling Her Brother’s Story”
The quilt on the Kingston campus was created by Molly Hartin, an expert quilt maker and retired educator from Snow Road Station. Molly has created the quilt in the image of the Seven Grandfather Teachings.
Gord reminds us that Chanie Wenjack was an Ojibway boy of 12 years old from Ogoki Post who while trying to walk home after running away from the Cecelia Jeffrey Residential School, died from starvation and exposure. These feelings are represented with Gord’s hat and the silhouette of Chanie, both emotional features of the quilt.
A collective symbol in Indigenous Art is shared through the turtle. Art is a discovery for many people and the Seven Grandfather Teachings guide this quilt through the wisdom of the Beaver, the humility of the Wolf, the love of the Eagle, the respect of the Buffalo, the courage of the Bear, the honesty of Sabe and the truth of the Turtle.
Here, Here, Here are precious words written in the Secret Path. Here you are. This quilt and legacy space are in honor of all the children who attended the residential school system, their families and their communities.
It is the hope of the creation of these legacy spaces that they bring healing, hope, sharing and learning. Legacy spaces provide safe cultural areas to gather to have ceremonies, provide educational opportunities and build strength in honoring communities and resilience, all the while promoting truth and reconciliation.