Behind the Scenes of Truth and Reconciliation: Meet Alumna Audrey George

September 30th is a day of somber reflection where we students have an opportunity to hear Indigenous voices. This year, the Grade 10s, 11s and 12s travelled to Duncan to listen to leaders in the Cowichan Tribes speak about their experiences with Residential Schools and Truth and Reconciliation. Head Prefect, Matson W, Privett ‘25 noted, “It is incredible that we can look to our nearby communities to learn about the past and what we can do in the future”. 

Thanks to the incredible Audrey George, Alex ‘94, member of Cowichan Tribes and the Brentwood family, for organizing, hosting and pulling off such an engaging event - she was the glue that made it happen. The program consisted of two speakers as well as two traditional performances. 

Ken George, Elder of Cowichan Tribes and Residential School Survivor, and Emily Salmon, PhD and member of Cowichan Tribes, shared their experiences, past, present and future, with the audience of local families and schools from across the Cowichan Valley. Academic Prefect, Stella P, Alex ‘25 stated “It is so important to be able to immerse ourselves in real-life stories about the traumatic experiences that took place at Residential Schools so we can fully grasp their impact on Indigenous communities and learn from the mistakes that were made”. 

I had the wonderful opportunity to ask Audrey questions to gain insight into her perspective on Truth and Reconciliation. 

Audrey eloquently stated, “Truth and Reconciliation, to me, means learning from the mistakes of Canada’s past and ensuring the horrific events that occurred in relation to Residential Schools, Day schools, and the experimentation of medical and dental procedures does not ever happen again”. She added “For Indigenous people, truth and reconciliation means embracing our culture, language, and traditions and marrying it with the Western world in terms of education. Indigenous people must walk in both worlds to ensure that our cultural practices carry on and we are also active participants in the Western world.” 

On behalf of the Brentwood Community, I would like to extend our gratitude for Audrey’s work in organizing this event that helped further educate us students and teachers. I would also like to thank all of the performers and speakers for sharing their stories and traditions with us. Audrey stated “It is important that all generations actively participate in truth and reconciliation. The youth will be able to ensure that they are breaking the cycle to ensure we do not make the same mistakes.” 

I would also like to thank Ms Beausoleil, our Indigenous Education Coordinator, for organizing our participation in this walk. 

Ella W, Mack ‘25