A Social Justice class at Alberni District Secondary School has turned project into a lesson for the entire community. Through banners, plaques and a freshly painted orange crosswalk in front of the school, the ADSS Social Justice class in raising awareness of the legacy of Canada’s Indian residential school system, and - more importantly - is teaching future generations about acceptance.
On June 11 ADSS students and staff invited dignitaries and survivors of the Alberni Indian Residential School to a ceremony that not only showcased their work but also delivered a promise that their message will be passed on to future generations. AIRS survivors and other guests gathered at the entrance of the school to learn about the project and witness the unveiling of a plaque at the orange crosswalk.
Blake Sayers of the Hupacasath First Nation and Raelene Brown opened the ceremony by welcoming guests and acknowledging the event was taking place on the traditional, unceded territories of the Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations. The welcome remarks were delivered in both English and Nuu-chah-nulth languages.
Surrounded by a sea of orange shirts, AIRS survivors were given front row seats, shielded from the hot sun by students holding umbrellas for them.
In his opening remarks, Blake Sayers called it a day of celebration. He said the Social Justice class, taught by Anne Ostwald, affectionately known as Ozzy at the school, have worked hard to put together elements for this day.
“We’re gathered here today to celebrate and commemorate our new orange crosswalk, banners, poles and plaque that will be unveiled,” he told the crowd.
While the new orange symbols cannot be missed, Sayers said this day is about more than that.
“It’s about honouring the people who’ve been impacted by residential schools, ongoing colonialism and erasure, and creating something that invites reflection and action,” he stated.
The project was started the previous year by an earlier class. Student Sophie Burrows-Weber thanked the ones that started it but could not finish due to time constraints.
“Thank you, Kate Edgar, Ditidaht, Klara Hahn, Ava Lowery, Kelcie Sam, Tseshaht, Tia Watts, Tseshaht, and Abby Mazzone,” she said.
In 2025 students Sahara Oosthuyzen, Aaliya Dube, Hali Stafford, Trenton Nelson, Blake Sayers (Hupacasath) and Billy Morris (Ahousaht) continued the project, bringing the people together for this day.
The project was not only supported by the high school and School District 70, but also by the City of Port Alberni, and local First Nations, the Tseshaht and Hupacasath.
Bethany Watts of Hupacasath thanked the students and the school, saying their work demonstrates a powerful commitment to reconciliation. The banners and crosswalk are symbols of reconciliation and the ongoing commitment to continue the work is uplifting.
“The future is in strong hands,” said Watts.
Wahmeesh, Tseshaht Chief Councillor Ken Watts, acknowledged the AIRS survivors in attendance.
“There’s a reason we can get up and speak our language today, and that we can still sing our song,” said Watts, nodding to the survivors.
He praised the work of the students and the school staff. He reminded people that everyone has a responsibility to get educated, especially about the injustices of the world.
“Stand up against racism,” he said, adding that there are residential school deniers out there.
He advised students to learn about it, to stand up and speak out when they see it.
“You’re doing amazing work. You’ve made a difference. Everyone who drives by here will be reminded,” he told the students.
Speaking on behalf of the AIRS survivors, Richard Samuel acknowledged the growth of Indigenous learning opportunities at SD70s schools throughout the region before thanking the school’s administrators and staff.
Federal NDP MP Gord Johns said he flew back from Ottawa for this historic event.
“The message from the students to future generations, that we must never let this (Indian residential schools) happen again, is an important one,” said Johns. “Students are great teachers, and we are learning so much from them today.”
Students in the Social Justice class then led a brushing ceremony of the freshly painted crosswalk, while the cultural class drummed. Once complete, another student unveiled the commemorative plaque.
It reads:
“With the Survivor’s flag, Indigenous-designed banners, and orange crosswalk, this area represents the many steps we must take to Truth and Reconciliation.
“As the future leaders of our community, we the students at Alberni District Secondary School, acknowledge the inter-generational traumas to Indigenous children and communities who were impacted through the Indian residential school system.
“We honour and recognize the ongoing healing process that Survivors and Indigenous communities are pursuing, including the incredible resilience, strength, and spirit that animates and transforms each individual.
“We, the students, strongly commit to this year-round.”
