ST. PAUL - The Treaty 6 flag was raised in front of St. Paul Regional High School on June 21 - National Indigenous Peoples Day.
The morning event included a flag song and honour song by Jay Roy Makokis, prayers, and the blessing of the flag by an Elder. Frog Lake Chief Greg Desjarlais was also in attendance and offered some words to those gathered.
"I'm always a person of hope and belief that the world can be a better place. We all have it in us to make it a better place. To show our children, to show the students that we shake hands," said Desjarlais. Also in attendance were representatives from both the Town and County of St. Paul.
"Our ancestors on both sides are Treaty people, we forget that," explained Desjarlais. "Everybody just thinks that the First Nations are Treaty people but it's both parties."
The flag raising itself signifies the Treaty relationship between people, he noted.
The Chief thanked the school board and staff for moving forward and raising the Treaty 6 flag on the school grounds.
"Reconciliation is a long overdue thing," said Desjarlais, who didn't shy away from noting that what happened in the past is unfortunate. He noted that he is a victim himself, having to work backwards and learn his own language after becoming fluent in English.
"We have a beautiful way of life," said Desjarlais, adding, "Our people are kind, resilient people."
Speaking about education, Desjarlais noted that it's important to consider that everyone learns at a different pace, and students come from a variety of backgrounds.
"We have to remember we all learn at different levels. We don't know what each of our children that come to this school are going through at their home. We have to be careful how we speak... to them."
In closing, Desjarlais said he would pray that all students and their families would have a restful summer break.
