RS Conference

During this conference, delegates explored much about each other, the ideas that each brings, and about the peoples and challenges of the most northern regions of our planet. Although only 200,00 inhabitants of Canada’s over 38 million people live in the Arctic, 40% of Canadian territory is found in arctic regions. Seven other nations are found in the Arctic, including Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Russia and the USA. The Arctic Council involves six groups of Indigenous peoples, including the Inuit Circumpolar Council as well as non-arctic state observers and NGOs. Like the Arctic Council, much of the focus of our conference was on arctic peoples, biodiversity, climate, our oceans and the environment. The North concerns all of us. Although it may feel cold to many of our delegates, we are actually in the southern region of Canada, and arctic regions are well over 2500 km to our North. We also experienced unprecedented warm weather this winter, and the week of the conference was no exception.

As they engaged with the IDEALS of Round Square during the conference, delegates considered how two key IDEALS, the environment and adventure, intersect. The students were purposeful about being here, and this conference challenged us with perspectives and experiences that may differ from our own. If we are to affirm the outlook of global citizenship captured within the Round Square ethos, we must be intentional in asking difficult questions of each other in respectful dialogue. As a collective of Round Square schools, we have this opportunity when we break out into baraza groups and enjoy many of our winter traditions here on campus and in the city and region.

We are a nation that measures at its greatest points 4600 km from North to South and 5500 km from East to West, with Indigenous populations dating back to time immemorial - and French and English settlers arriving nearly 500 and 250 years ago, respectively. Evolving as an independent country over 150 years ago, Canada has developed with immigration from every corner of the globe – and today, as we support those who are too often forced to migrate due to conflict and strife, we continue to seek both truth and reconciliation with the first nations of these lands. The nearly 60 flags that fly on our campus today represent the diverse nationalities of our current student body – 750 students from Grades 4-12, including 110 boarders and over 100 students from diplomatic missions to Canada. Our delegates’ presence brought another 150 people to campus and an opportunity to learn together within our 200+ member Round Square Schools network.

Thank you to all the students, staff and families who took the lead in showcasing Ashbury, Ottawa and our winter themes. AN