Members of the Saskatoon Survivors Circle gathered in Civic Square on Monday for the raising of the Survivors’ Flag ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The flag was designed by residential school survivors across the country, including Eugene Arcand, a member of the Saskatoon Survivors Circle. He spoke at the flag raising ceremony and explained the meanings and significance of each illustration on the bright orange flag.

Arcand says it depicts two children, honoring the ones who didn’t make it home. There are also seeds on the flag, representing a new future, and the Tree of Peace which symbolize the people of the north. The center of the flag is an incomplete circle, symbolizing the damage done in the residential school era.

“That circle, we hope, will be completed again in some point in the future, not while we’re still here. That’s a job we leave with you, to complete that circle again that was broken,” said Arcand.

He also stated that “nice words and icing on the cake just doesn’t do it for me anymore,” when referring to reconciliation. Arcand believes that the idea of reconciliation is a cop out, and that apologies and kind words have taken the place of assistance and action.

“I have a hard time dealing with reconciliation when the truth is, every one of those (residential school) staff members, settlers, and the clergy have descendants that are in this province,” he added. “If I insulted anyone, that’s too bad, because I am not apologizing anymore. The truth is what I just shared with you. That’s how we feel, that’s how we think, and we are wounded.” A round of applause answered his comment.

Although he appreciates the support from allies, friends and family members, he claims there are many groups in Saskatoon that receive money from the government for working with Indigenous people. He says these groups don’t come to events such as the flag raising ceremony, or the Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation.

Irene Sharp, another residential school survivor, said it was a beautiful day for her and the other survivors.

“We’re proud to be survivors and have friends of the survivor’s group to be with us and understand us. I have so much comfort in being with my people, and I want the other people to understand where we’re coming from and why we’re doing this,” she stated. She urges the public to take part in the Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation, which takes place on September 30th as part of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.