A partnership between Indigenous Education and Kwa’kwa’ka’waka carver William Henderson Jr. is furthering the path to reconciliation.

Hendersson has provided each school in School District 72 with a symbol to remind students and staff of our shared responsibilities in providing meaningful and respectful learning environments.

Henderson carved, stained, and painted 19 Feathers for Reconciliation, each one unique in its design, representing the uniqueness of children.

Henderson chose the feather as feathers hold a significant connection to honour, wisdom, trust, strength, freedom, and truth. He says the idea of a feather represents the knowledge and wisdom that is needed to create space for learning about residential schools, and  the legacy it has left behind for Indigenous peoples.

Henderson also intentionally used the colour orange to honour the survivors of the residential school systems and to remember those young children who did not return home.

Each feather also has symbols that connect to traditional designs, and handprints from Henderson’s own children, making what he says is a very personal connection between the art, the history, and his family.

SD72 says Feathers for Reconciliation is just one of the many initiatives to demonstrate its commitment to ensuring that staff and students understand the history of the residential school system