We have erected this wall to create more awareness about Aboriginal Realities including our history and our future. But most importantly, we are giving our Aboriginal students a sense of pride and belonging when they see themselves reflected in their school, their community and in this honouring wall.
The 1613 Two Row Wampum records the meaning of an agreement, which declared peaceful coexistence between the Haudenosaunee and Dutch settlers in the area. The pattern of the belt consists of two rows of purple wampum beads against a background of white beads. The purple beads signify the courses of two vessels — a Haudenosaunee canoe and a European ship — traveling down the river of life together, but without interfering with the other vessel. The three white stripes denote peace and friendship.
Our wall has been erected to honour that agreement, but to also display the people who have persevered through history to make sure that we abide by it. The pictures and portraits are of community members, Chiefs, historians, Elders, advocates, and other people of significance to our history in North America.