Victor Thunderchild’s Legacy Honored at John Diefenbaker School

The legacy of Victor Thunderchild was celebrated on October 5, 2023, during a special unveiling ceremony at John Diefenbaker School in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Friends, family, educators, and representatives from the Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division gathered to honor Thunderchild’s enduring impact on Indigenous language education, specifically through the school’s Cree Language program.

The unveiling featured a vibrant greeting artwork created by artist Leah Dorion, which now greets visitors as they enter the school. This artwork represents Thunderchild’s vision for educational inclusion and cultural representation. His wife, Vi Thunderchild, expressed the significance of the project, noting, “This was Victor’s dream. This is for every person who’s been in residential school who got hit for talking their language.”

Vi emphasized the importance of language in identity, stating, “Your language is a part of you. Cree just was his language, so that’s what he fought for, but he would also fight for all the other languages.”

The event included an assembly where speakers reflected on Thunderchild’s commitment to fostering cultural pride and education. Orlanda Flett, the current Cree Language Support at the school and the original teacher of the Cree Language Kindergarten program launched in 2020, highlighted the program’s role in promoting Truth and Reconciliation. “It’s about making the school a safe place where our students and families feel welcome,” she said.

Flett shared her personal experiences growing up in Cumberland House, where she felt a strong sense of belonging, contrasting it with her challenging transition to Prince Albert. “Schools weren’t built for us. We have different learning needs, different learning styles, and we need to offer that,” she explained.

The Cree Language program, which now serves students from Kindergarten to Grade 5, has grown significantly since its inception. Flett noted that the program aims to create a sense of belonging for Indigenous families, stating, “When they walk into this school, they say, ‘hey, this is me. This feels good in my heart. I want to be here. I belong here.’”

During the assembly, numerous speakers emphasized the importance of Thunderchild’s legacy. Flett remarked on the need for future generations to remember his contributions: “He is a trailblazer. He is a language warrior, and we want to honor that.”

The legacy project was made possible through a Sask Arts Grant and extensive collaboration over several years. Flett highlighted the critical role of community support, stating, “We needed that support. You can have the best teachers, but without that support from the division, we wouldn’t have made as much growth.”

The ceremony also featured a performance by the Prairie Thunder Drum Group and a prayer led by Elder Liz Settee, who reflected on the inception of the Cree Language program. Principal Jenna Cross shared her experiences with Thunderchild, recalling how he served as a mentor during her early teaching career.

As the event concluded, nearly half of the school’s students participated in a rendition of “The Cree Lullaby,” led by Flett and Betty Eyahpaise. Flett expressed hope that the event would raise awareness about the program’s existence in the community, emphasizing the need for broader recognition of Indigenous language education.

The legacy project not only honors Victor Thunderchild but also seeks to inspire a new generation to embrace their languages and cultures within the educational framework.