Friday, Aug. 5, 2022
Statement regarding the damage to the Shaptotaun at Parry Sound High School
Near North District School Board (NNDSB) shares the pain caused by the vandalism of the Shaptotaun at Parry Sound High School (PSHS) and wishes to provide an update regarding these incidents. NNDSB is proud of the relationships it continues to cultivate with many First Nations. In the Parry Sound area, the board works with the First Nations of Moose Deer Point, Wasauksing, Shawanaga, Magnetawan and Henvey Inlet. Students of these First Nations and other Indigenous communities attend PSHS.
NNDSB is aware of two incidents where the Shaptotaun at PSHS was damaged. Immediately upon discovery of the vandalism, NNDSB took action. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was contacted by the PSHS principal. In situations where any facility within NNDSB has been the target of an act of vandalism, a thorough investigation is conducted. NNDSB conducted an internal investigation that has not turned up any further information. These incidents happened on school property outside of school hours, and there have been no leads to share with the OPP. Although there is a lack of suspects, the OPP continues to investigate. NNDSB’s internal investigation remains open at the school and board level, and it continues to cooperate and support the OPP.
It is important to NNDSB to ensure meaningful reparations are brought about to the Shaptotaun, Indigenous students and staff, the PSHS community, and the board’s relationships with all rightsholders. In consultation with various members of Indigenous communities including the Board’s First Nations Trustee, letters of acknowledgement about the hurt caused by the vandalism and our follow-up actions were issued to the five area First Nation Chiefs indicating we stand with them regarding this disrespectful incident. Plans are underway to coordinate a talking circle to acknowledge the requirement for culturally safe spaces and healing in the new school year when the Shaptotaun arrives back at the school and is set up once again.
NNDSB is guided by the firm principle that it does not condone actions that are harmful to NNDSB property or disrespectful to any race, colour, creed or identity. The board is disheartened by these incidents and shares the impacts felt by PSHS’s Indigenous students, staff, families and community members. We regret that the process is taking a considerable time to resolve thus we are issuing this statement as an update while we patiently await the results of the investigation. NNDSB will continue to consult and engage with a range of Indigenous partners to guide us with Indigenous wisdom, knowledge, and ways of knowing.
