Every Child Matters

9 October 2025Kionah W, Allard ‘27

Reconciliation lies not just in words, but also in actions. For Brentwood and its students, this commitment has been honoured in many meaningful actions, both within the school community and abroad. Through relationships and connections, “the school has been working in partnership with the Malahat Nation for the Every Child Matters Walk and BBQ, and participating in Duncan’s Every Child Matters walk since 2022,” shared Ms Beausoleil, our Indigenous Studies Coordinator. She adds that this is the second consecutive year that Grade 12 students have participated in the South Island Powwow at Royal Athletic Park in Victoria.

Grade 10 and 11 students traveled to Duncan to participate in the Every Child Matters walk. There were many speakers, including the mayor, Michelle Staples, who described how the city of Duncan has been working in unison with the Cowichan Tribes band, and that the Cowichan Tribes flag will be raised for the first time at City Hall. There were also Tzinquaw Dancers, who showcased their talent and the beauty of Indigenous culture. When reflecting on this performance, it was “lively with strong emotion, and it was amazing to see everyone gathered to share this special moment. I got to spend time with friends while also being part of an important moment for the Indigenous people of Duncan” reflected Danni C, Allard ‘27.

With Brentwood students walking around downtown Duncan, everyone got to experience different things. Some ate a lot of food at the Every Child Matters walk, and others learned new things while listening to the speakers or watching the dances. “I left feeling great about myself and the experience I got to have. I just think movements like this one are so important towards reconciliation and remembering the bad, but also creating the good at the same time,” says Cooper F, Allard ‘27. Cooper is a strong advocate for Metis and Indigenous rights; she is a member of BIPOC and is a proud representative of Allard House.

While there were hundreds of people gathered for the walk, from young to old, non-indigenous to Indigenous, and of course, many cute dogs, Brentwood students had this opportunity to be a part of something special this day. A huge thank you to Ms Beausoleil! We deeply appreciate all of your hard work in organizing our Truth and Reconciliation Day, not only for us, but also for the community of Mill Bay and the Malahat Nation. Spread across three different events, Brentwood had the privilege to honour Indigenous people and their history. As a school, we look forward to continuing to be a part of this vital movement for many years to come.

Honouring the past and building the future, Kionah W, Allard ‘27

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