Community Honors Victor Thunderchild with Legacy Project Unveiling

A special project celebrating the legacy of Victor Thunderchild was unveiled at John Diefenbaker School on the morning of September 28, 2023. Friends, family, educators, and leaders from the Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division gathered to honor Thunderchild’s dedication to the Cree Language program, which serves students from Kindergarten to Grade 5.

During the ceremony, Vi Thunderchild, Victor’s wife, expressed the significance of the project. “This was Victor’s dream,” she stated. “This is for every person who’s been in Residential School who got hit for talking their language.” She emphasized the importance of language as an integral part of identity, urging everyone to embrace their linguistic heritage.

The event featured an assembly where several speakers highlighted Thunderchild’s contributions and vision. “Be who you are. Be proud of who you are,” Vi Thunderchild reiterated, reinforcing the project’s core message.

Creating a Sense of Belonging

Orlanda Flett, the current Cree Language Support at John Diefenbaker School, reflected on the program’s broader significance. “The big meaning it has is for Truth and Reconciliation, but for me, it’s about belonging,” she explained. Flett, who was the original teacher of the Cree Language Kindergarten when it started in 2020, noted the importance of making the school a welcoming environment for Indigenous families.

Flett shared her personal experience transitioning from her community in Cumberland House to Prince Albert, highlighting the challenges posed by a lack of Indigenous representation in the city. “When we look at our Indigenous families, that’s the truth for a lot of us because schools weren’t built for us,” she noted.

The Cree Language program aims to bridge these gaps, fostering a sense of belonging for students and their families. “We want the kids to say, ‘I want to be here. I want to go to that school,’” Flett said, emphasizing the program’s role in encouraging student engagement and attendance.

A Lasting Legacy

The legacy project features art created through a Sask Arts Grant, with contributions from Leah Dorion. This initiative began in 2023 and involved extensive collaboration to bring Thunderchild’s vision to life. “We wanted his voice to be heard, we wanted to honor who he is,” Flett explained, adding that it was important for the children to be actively involved in the project.

The artwork includes a prominent painting honoring Thunderchild placed at the school entrance, along with additional pieces displayed throughout the school, particularly in areas dedicated to the Cree program. “When we first started, I was just in this little corner,” Flett recalled, reflecting on the growth of the program since its inception.

Originally starting with limited resources, the Cree Language program has now expanded, allowing for students up to Grade 5 and providing transportation for children from various parts of Prince Albert. Flett acknowledged the critical support from the Saskatchewan Rivers School Division in facilitating this growth.

The assembly concluded with a moving performance of “The Cree Lullaby” by nearly half the school’s students, led by Flett and Betty Eyahpaise.

Principal Jenna Cross paid tribute to Thunderchild, recalling how he was a mentor and friend during her early teaching career. “Victor was one of those people who was always there,” she said, reflecting on his supportive nature.

The event not only celebrated Thunderchild’s legacy but also aimed to increase awareness of the Cree Language program within the community. Flett expressed hope that the unveiling would help more people recognize the program’s existence and value. “I think just getting exposure to the community and building that pride beyond our walls is essential,” she concluded.

As the community remembers Victor Thunderchild, the legacy project stands as a testament to his enduring influence on language, culture, and education in Saskatchewan.