
G. C. Huston Public School in Southampton (Saugeen Shores) is an example of Truth and Reconciliation that is working.
With equal numbers of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students and Ojibwe being taught to students, the school has become a beacon of multi-cultural learning and connection.
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On September 30th, National Truth and Reconciliation Day, the school gathered at its amphitheatre where ceremonial drumming took place along with guest speakers, including Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau.
The school day began with the ceremonial fire and continued to the special ceremony on the Saugeen River Zgaa-biig-ni-gan – We are Connected bridge where the entire school, residents of Southampton and Saugeen First Nation, and several municipal and provincial politicians, all met in the middle.

Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau addressed the crowd saying that everyone had gathered to acknowledge the truth about what has happened to Indigenous people at residential schools and as a result of colonization.
“We are here together on the Zgaa-biig-ni-gan bridge that means ‘we are connected’. This bridge is the physical connection between our communities but, more importantly, it represents the spiritual symbolic connection of the citizens of this whole area. We are connected. We are neighbours, we are friends and we are family. Standing here today,
and although we have come through a very dark history, I think we can be hopeful and optimistic because of that connection. Through the spirit of friendship and spirit of family we can work together and walk together on a good path to a brighter future. So, I want to say in that spirit, thank you to the students of G. C. Huston school for leading us here today and every day to truth and reconciliation. Thank you to the members of my community who have come out today to show support for this important cause and, most importantly of all, thank you to the people of Saugeen Ojibwe Nation, Chief Conrad Ritchie and the Elder for meeting us here today after all that you have come through. You don’t need to do that but you do and we so look forward to working with you and walking with you on a good path going forward.”
