February 26, 2025 - In recent weeks, many Canadians have spent time reflecting upon what it means to be truly Canadian. Unlike other nations that were founded upon war, our nation was founded upon treaties that were signed with the sovereign First Nations who were already living in this territory. 

Recognizing the importance of upholding the treaty relationships that are the foundation of our country, now more than ever, the Peace River School Division would like to restate our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation by holding flag raising Ceremonies to honour both the Treaty 8 flag and the Métis flag on Wednesday, March 12 at both Fairview Jr./Sr. High School and E.E. Oliver Elementary School, and on Thursday, March 13 at our Central Operations building in Grimshaw. 

“These flag raising Ceremonies are meant to demonstrate our Division’s ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. As a Division, we feel it is important to recognize the territory our schools stand on is appropriately recognized as Alberta, as Canada, as Treaty 8 territory, and as the land base of the Métis Nation. We are excited to have our students witness the raising of these flags, which they will then see each and every day when they come to school.”

- PRSD Board of Trustees Chairperson, Crystal Owens. 

The PRSD acknowledges the harm caused by residential schools in Alberta, and across Canada, and for this reason, it is imperative that we meaningfully demonstrate that our schools are a safe place for all of our students. These flag raising Ceremonies will be a physical reminder of our Division’s ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. 

The PRSD invites all who wish to attend to witness the raising of the Treaty 8 and Métis flags to join us in either Fairview or Grimshaw. The flag raising Ceremonies in Fairview will begin at 12:30 p.m. at Fairview Jr./Sr. High School, followed by a flag raising Ceremony at E.E. Oliver Elementary School. The flag raising Ceremony in Grimshaw will take place at 8:15 a.m. outside the Central Operations building, followed by a flag raising Ceremony inside the building’s boardroom. 

“We are thrilled to be able to continue these flag raising Ceremonies after a few years of volatile wildfire seasons. We will raise these flags at three PRSD locations in 2025, and then continue to plan these important Ceremonies, in close partnership with our Indigenous communities, at all PRSD schools.”

- PRSD Board of Trustees Chairperson, Crystal Owens. 

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Background

In 2021, the Board of Trustees passed a motion to honour the Treaty 8 flag and the Métis flag at all PRSD schools. In respectful partnership with our Indigenous communities, we held our first flag raising Ceremony at the Grimshaw Shared Schools Facility on September 23, 2021. Then, under the guidance of an Elder, dates originally set for the Spring of 2023 were postponed when wildfires in many northern Alberta communities caused extensive damage and devastation. In 2024, the wildfire situation in northern Alberta remained much too volatile to confidently plan for a flag raising Ceremony months in advance.

For more information:

Kristin Dyck
Communications Coordinator
780-624-3601 ext. 10154
dyckk@prsd.ab.ca