Angela Gladwin
Regional Executive Director
South Shore Regional Centre for Education Regional Office
69 Wentzell Drive, Bridgewater, NS,
B4V 0A2
March 25th, 2025
RE: Flags
Dear Ms. Gladwin:
I am disappointed to read of the recent decision made by the South Shore Regional Centre for Education to discontinue flying the Mi'kmaq flag. I understand that you will only be flying the Canadian and Nova Scotia flag outside your schools and move other flags, such as the Mi'Kmaq, African Nova Scotian and LGBTQ+, inside.
We would remind you that each school and office on the South Shore sits on the unceded land of the Mi'kmaq. The removal of our flag is not only disrespectful to our students but our residential school survivors and the community of Wasoqopa' q First Nation. We have fought long and hard for recognition, respect and reconciliation within the school system.
Now more than ever, we need to celebrate our diversity and reject discrimination. We must provide an all-inclusive environment for our youth. We fear your decision to remove our flag along with the others, will send a message to the community that we are no longer open to diversity and inclusion.
We would ask that you revisit your decision and would encourage consultation within the communities you serve when making such significant decisions.
Sincerely,
Chief Deborah Robinson
Wasoqopa' q First Nation
