From the Senate to the House of Commons, Canada’s parliament is steeped in traditions, regalia, and symbols.  As Canadians work toward reconciliation and honouring the diverse cultures and history of the country, prominent Trent academic leader, alumnus, and Order of Canada recipient Harvey McCue (Waubageshig) has penned a thoughtful column in the Toronto Star on how we can make changes to the symbols of our governing traditions. 

“Canada is heir to three founding governing traditions — Indigenous, French, and British — and yet the design of our mace, with its roses, its shamrocks and thistles, its fleurs-de-lys, signifies and celebrates only two. We believe this must change,” writes Waubageshig. “We hold that symbols are important in the conduct of human affairs and that national symbols should reflect the cultures from which they arose.” 

“Given that the Canadian government has committed this country to a process of reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis people,” Waubageshig continues, “we believe the government should move to ensure its national political symbols reflect the histories and cultures of all our founding traditions.” 

Waubageshig is Anishinaabe from the Georgina Island First Nation. He remains actively involved in the University, currently serving as part of the Champlain Committee. He also served as chair of the Otonabee College Names Committee that recommended the theatre be named after Chanie (Charlie) Wenjack. Waubageshig is an Anishinabe consultant in Ottawa. 

Read the full column. 

Learn more about the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies and how Trent is honouring National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.