UVic creates permanent memorial in honour of Residential School Survivors

On May 27, 2021, Canada watched in horror as news spread about the confirmation of more than 215 unmarked graves on the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, located on the lands of the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation. This discovery was a painful reminder of the ongoing history of colonial violence inflicted by Canadian educational institutions—institutions that have long been complicit in their harm towards Indigenous peoples.

Closer to home, at UVic, the response across the campus community was an overwhelming: What can we do? How can we support Indigenous students, staff and faculty, as well as Elders, knowledge keepers and others from our community? How do we recognize the children who never came home and the Survivors who continue to be impacted by their past experiences at residential schools?

Very quickly, the campus came together to create an action plan, including lowering the university flags, lighting a Sacred Fire and installing memorial banners on light standards across the UVic campus designed by Kwakwaka'wakw/Coast Salish artist Hayalthkin'geme, Carey Newman. The artwork titled "Hearts and Hands” is a design to honour the children who never returned home from the residential schools.

“Universities aren’t often known for their nimbleness; however, UVic’s response to this discovery was an example of what’s possible when everyone is pulling in the same direction. Frankly, the response was refreshing,” says Newman.

Moving from initial response to committed action

After flying for more than three years, the 215+ banners began showing signs of wear and tear, and it was time to consider replacements or to look for space for a permanent recognition on campus. During the 2023 Orange Shirt Day ceremony, Survivor and Elder Klith-wii-taa, Dr. Barney Williams, gifted President and Vice-Chancellor Kevin Hall with a Survivors' Flag.

To honour this gift and the university’s commitment to truth, respect and reconciliation, UVic identified a permanent location for the flag outside the Mearns-McPherson Library and adjacent to the area where previous National Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day ceremonies were held. The site was also selected for its nearness to water – the Petch Fountain. Preparation for this work began with a land blessing by Elder, May Sam and her son Scott Sam.

Inaugural raising of the Survivors’ Flag

On Friday, Sept. 27, President Kevin Hall, Survivor and Elder Klith-wii-taa, Dr. Barney Williams, Chancellor Marion Buller, Qwul’sih’yah’maht, Dr. Robina Thomas, Vice-President Indigenous and other community members and Survivors will gather for the inaugural raising of the Survivors’ Flag.

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s Survivors’ Flag honours all individuals, families and communities impacted by the residential school system in Canada. Each element on the flag was carefully selected by Survivors from across Canada who were consulted in the flag’s creation. 

The flag will permanently honour the strength, courage and perseverance of Survivors who fought with determination to carry on their cultures, traditions and languages and knowledge systems for generations to come.

I think it’s really important that UVic has a Survivors’ Flag. It’s an opportunity to recognize the challenges we Survivors went through and to make sure that we will always be remembered. It’s also important that this flag honours all Indigenous people by representing First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.” 

–Survivor and Elder Klith-wii-taa, Dr. Barney Williams

By raising the Survivors’ flag, we are acknowledging our colonial past and the harms it caused and vow not to repeat these historic wrongs. We will do this by pledging to support and honour Indigenous rights and demonstrating our commitment to ʔetalnəw̓əl̓ | ÁTOL,NEUEL – respecting the rights of one another and being in right relationship with all things.”

–President and Vice-Chancellor, Kevin Hall

Remembering our responsibilities  

Once the flag is raised, the 215+ banners will come down to make room for the installation of new Indigenous artwork by internationally renowned Lək̓ʷəŋən master carver and artist Dr. Butch Dick.   

The 215+ banners were never intended to be a long-term visual acknowledgement of truth and reconciliation. They were part of an immediate and collective reaction to a moment in our history. With the raising of the Survivors’ Flag on campus, the work of the banners has concluded, and I like to think that they held space until this more permanent response could be found.”   

–UVic’s Impact Chair in Indigenous Art Practices, Carey Newman

Both Newman, and Ry Moran, Associate University Librarian – Reconciliation, are the main driving forces behind creating a permanent place of remembrance on campus. Together, along with a broad team across campus, they feel strongly about the ongoing need to honour Survivors.

The creation of this permanent honour to Survivors is a powerful opportunity for the entire community at UVic to renew our commitment to truth-telling and the establishment of respectful relationships. By placing this memorial right in the heart of campus, we are creating an invitation to each member of our community to keep walking on the path of collective healing and human rights.”

–Associate University Librarian – Reconciliation, Ry Moran

The campus community is encouraged to attend the flag-raising ceremony and reflect on how they can contribute to the ongoing work of reconciliation and relationship building with Indigenous peoples. This special ceremony will take place as part of UVic’s Truth and Reconciliation Week and Orange Shirt Day events, on Friday, Sept. 27 at 11:00 a.m. in the Quad near the Mearns-McPherson Library.

Supports will be available in the Indigenous Student Lounge (Sŋéqə ʔéʔləŋ | Sngequ House) for Indigenous students, staff and faculty. There will be stations for beading, crafting and colouring and a comfortable space for relaxing. Indigenous Counsellor Roger John and Elder Gerry Ambers will also be providing additional support in the First Peoples House.

Learn more about:

National Truth and Reconciliation Week and Orange Shirt Day

Supports and resources

Survivors’ Flag