Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) held its third annual Reconciliation Flag Raising Ceremony in the KPU Surrey courtyard Sept. 12.
The gathering, in advance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30, honours the survivors of Canada’s residential school system and demonstrates KPU’s commitment to Indigenization and reconciliation.
Gayle Bedard, Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Leadership at KPU, and Dr. Asma Sayed, Vice-President, Equity and Inclusive Communities, presided over the ceremony.
KPU Elder in Residence Lekeyten, of the Kwantlen First Nation, raised the reconciliation flag along with elder Thelma Sankey of Lax Kw’Alaams and elder Barbara Bell of the Haida Gwaii Nation.
“By raising this flag we acknowledge the importance of Indigenous voices and perspectives,” says Bedard. “We affirm our dedication to building a more inclusive and equitable society.”
“In the cause of reconciliation we recognize our commitment to address and reduce the ongoing systemic colonialism, oppression and racism that Indigenous peoples continue to experience,” says Sayed. “Reconciliation is a journey of learning and it is important that Kwantlen Polytechnic University, a place of learning bearing an Indigenous name, plays its part in educating people about the truth of colonialization.”
The flag-raising event was also an opportunity to announce the official renaming of Surrey Main— the only major building on campus not to share a name with a tree — to Maple.
“The original name, Surrey Main, translates to the ‘Big House,’ a term historically associated with the longhouse,” says Bedard. “Recognizing the significance of the Big House in First Nation culture, the name Surrey Main was deemed appropriate. However, this change ensures that KPU respects the cultural heritage of the nations and avoids any perception of cultural appropriation.”
A Douglas Maple will also be planted on the Surrey campus to mark the occasion, a native coastal species that is suited to the local environment.
“For Indigenous communities, maple trees were deeply revered for their cultural and spiritual importance,” says Bedard. “The act of gathering sap and producing maple syrup was not merely a practical task but a sacred tradition, often marked by ceremonies and rituals. These practices served to deepen the bond between the people and the land, highlighting their profound respect and connection to nature.”
Maple now joins the theme of the other buildings at KPU Surrey: Arbutus, Birch, Cedar, Fir and Spruce.
The ceremony also featured indigenous drumming and singing from Love Medicine. Lana Bedard performed a side step and healing dance and led attendees in a line dance.
Many attendees were wearing orange shirts designed by KPU student Sylvia Simpson, depicting a bear claw and salmon egg with the words “Every Child Matters.” The official KPU orange shirts are available at all KPU bookstores for $21.95 each, with all proceeds going toward Indigenous student bursaries.
Sept. 30 is the annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, honouring the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities. KPU will be observing Monday, Sept. 30th as a statutory day for remembrance, reflection, action and learning.