Humber is flying the flags of Indigenous nations who came before us

The Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation flags were raised

By Chris Clay on
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Four flags fly against the backdrop of the blue sky.

As part of Humber's ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, the flags of the Indigenous nations on whose traditional territories the College resides will be flown.

During a ceremony on November 30, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy flag and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation flag were raised at North Campus.  

“Some people may think of this as a small gesture, but to me as an Indigenous person it’s not small,” said Jason Seright, Humber’s vice-president of Inclusion and Belonging. “It tells me that Humber is creating a culturally safe space for Indigenous staff and students.”

Seright said there has been much discussion about reconciliation, yet many people are unaware of the original inhabitants of the lands they live and work on. He hopes that the flags flying at Humber will serve as a learning moment for the College community who will make efforts to educate themselves about both the Haudenosaunee and the Mississaugas.

Seright notes that Indigenous history, culture and worldview is lacking in Canadian elementary and high school curriculum. With Humber being an institution of higher learning, education is the College’s chief purpose and the raising of the flags is another step in its journey towards building Mino Nawendiwin, or Good Relationships.

“If we are committed to Truth and Reconciliation, then it’s important that we recognize the original peoples of this land,” said Seright.  

A person standing before a crowd speaks into a microphone.

Seright spoke about how he feels included and welcomed when he sees Indigenous flags flying in the cities he visits and how several Indigenous flags are currently flown at Toronto City Hall.  

Meanwhile, Humber has been working with Indigenous artist Patrick Hunter on a design celebrating Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ communities. The Pride Feather will be installed in the Learning Resource Commons.  

The College is also working with an Indigenous welder to create a design to be installed at the Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology on Carrier Drive that will reflect Truth and Reconciliation and Humber’s commitment to it.

There is also a plan to have a new piece of Indigenous art installed at Lakeshore Campus next year.  

Humber employees have participated in Truth and Reconciliation training, which was based on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and the Four Seasons of Reconciliation training is continuing at the College.