News
Illuminating Indigenous Voices
At BSS, we continue to deepen our learning about Indigenous culture, history and perspectives. Recently, this journey took shape through a powerful new stained glass window, an enduring symbol of reconciliation and shared learning.
Nearly three years ago, our Head of School, Dr. Angela Terpstra, shared a vision to create a work of art at BSS that would reflect our commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, spark deep learning and leave a lasting legacy. Drawing on the centuries-old tradition of using glass to tell stories through colour and light, this vision was realized through the teamwork of many people.
The journey began with Leslie BOYD ’75, a curator who has spent more than 40 years working with Inuit artists in Kinngait, Nunavut. Drawing on her deep connections in the world of Inuit art, Leslie introduced us to Ningiukulu “Ning” Teevee, a celebrated graphic artist and children’s book author known for her playful illustrations of owls, walruses and seabirds. Ning created a work of art depicting an Inuit legend to feature as a stained glass window in our Chapel. We then partnered with expert glassmaker Norbert Sattler from Nova Scotia and glass artist Sue Obata from Toronto, who worked skillfully to translate Ning’s drawings into the medium of glass.
The design is Ning’s interpretation of the legend of the Owl and the Raven which explains how these birds got their distinct colouring. Like many Inuit tales, it carries a lesson: while the raven’s mischief and impatience are highlighted, the values of focus and patience are celebrated.
The window was made possible by the contributions of many generous donors, including the family of Grace Peebles, a former BSS student who passed away in 2020 and whose passion for Chapel, the North and social justice provided inspiration for the project.
On Monday, October 6, Grade 9 - 12 students gathered in the Chapel for a service to dedicate the window, joined by members of the Peebles family, Sue Obata and Indigenous sculptor and filmmaker David Hannan.
John Geoghegan, Curator of Canadian Art at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, spoke about the vital role of Indigenous women in Canadian art. He highlighted how they have transformed traditional skills into innovative art forms, drawing on rich traditions of storytelling and design. He also reflected on their depictions of the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples past and present, and their contributions to dialogue on political and ecological issues and cultural renewal.
Archbishop Christopher A. Harper, the Indigenous Anglican Archbishop of Canada and a Cree member of the Treaty 6 First Nation, offered a prayer of dedication underscoring the window’s power to inspire a renewed commitment to justice. Bishop Kevin Robertson, an assisting bishop in the Diocese of Toronto, then shared a prayer of thanksgiving for those who helped create this work, as well as those who would be inspired by it.
The service was rounded out by a rendition of “Ipsiciwin,” arranged by Cree composer Andrew Balfour and performed by our senior vocal class. As BSS Chaplain Mother Claire noted, this musical offering mirrored the window’s representation of “an old form filled with a new, beautiful design.”
To support ongoing age-appropriate learning about truth and reconciliation in a Canadian context, Dr. Kristen Clarke, Dean of Teaching and Learning, Jill Spellman, BSS Archivist, and equity facilitator Pam Strong have developed a range of resources that have been made available to teachers. As we deepen our learning and share this project with our broader community, we are reminded of what can be achieved through collaboration, cultural connection and a shared commitment to honouring Indigenous knowledge.
The Legend of the Owl and the Raven
Two old women, the owl and the raven, were chatting together. The owl said, "I wish you could make my eyes very sharp." And the raven said, "I should like to trim your dress." The owl agreed, and the raven took some soot from her lamp and made the spots which we now see on owl feathers. The owl was very patient until she was told that the decoration of her dress was finished. Then the owl asked permission to decorate the raven's dress. First, she made for her friend a pair of whalebone boots. The raven agreed to be fitted for the boots, but soon began to hop about. The owl told the raven that she could not do her work well if she did not sit still, but still the raven would not listen. The raven would move from one foot to the other and jump about. Finally the owl said, "I am going to spill all the oil in my lamp over you if you do not sit still." Since the raven continued to hop about, the owl became impatient and emptied the lamp oil over her. Thus the raven became black all over, and flew away, crying "Qaq, qaq!"
