St. Dominic School celebrates learning with Treaty 6 medal installation

St. Dominic School students, staff and community held a Treaty 6 medal installation ceremony to recognize progress along their journey of learning about treaties and the need for reconciliation and healing.

Community leaders from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, the Office of the Treaty Commissioner, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the City of Humboldt joined Board of Education Chair Diane Boyko and the Catholic-school community for the celebration on May 27.

The process of planning for this special event gave school staff and the school community an opportunity to grow in knowledge of treaty relationships. “There was a realization within our community—within our province and across the country—that we needed to know more about treaties, residential schools, and historical relationships with Indigenous peoples in Canada to move forward. We are able to bring in the expertise of our elders, knowledge keepers and members of the division’s First Nations Métis and Inuit Education team to come in and guide us, to share, and to walk along with us in the journey,” said Chad Knaus, the principal at St. Dominic School.

“From a Catholic perspective, we incorporated the act of reconciliation—with ourselves, others and with God—in making sure we take care of our brothers and sisters,” said Knaus. “We undertook studying and learning more about treaties. We brought in speakers to come and share their knowledge of treaties and how we can grow in understanding of our own treaty relationships. 

Throughout the celebration, St. Dominic students shared what they had learned—First Nations and Métis cultures and histories, the spirit and intent of treaties, treaty relationships, treaty promises and provisions, and the historical context of treaties— through music, dance, art and various presentations. 

As a multi-year initiative, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools plans to have Treaty 6 medals installed at all 50 schools in the division as a tangible sign and reminder of the commitment to truth and reconciliation.