Flags at the Catholic Education Centre and at all St. Clair Catholic schools were lowered to half-mast on November 5, 2024, to honour the life and legacy of Senator Murray Sinclair. Known as “Mazina Giizhik” (the One Who Speaks of Pictures in the Sky), Senator Sinclair was a respected Anishinaabe leader and former senator, whose dedication to justice and reconciliation continues to inspire our collective journey. His work in leading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission brought the stories of residential school survivors to the forefront, advocating for understanding and healing across Canada.

The flags will remain lowered through Indigenous Veterans Day on November 8, as well as for Remembrance Day on November 11.

“Each year, our school communities and the Catholic Education Centre pause to honour the sacrifices of Canada’s Armed Forces, including Indigenous veterans,” says Scott Johnson, Director of Education. “We give thanks for their courage, dedication, and service to our country and to global peace, and we ask for prayers of comfort and peace for their families and loved ones.”

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
—From For the Fallen, by Laurence Binyon.

For more information on St. Clair Catholic’s observance of Indigenous Veterans Day and our commitment to truth and reconciliation, please visit the Indigenous Education Webpage.