It was an idea five years in the making. After planning, meetings, more meetings and some challenges along the way, Silver Creek seniors Amirya Warrior, Skyla Gates, and Hailie Rybij were able to see three flags raised in the Silver Creek High School gym to represent indigenous students.
On February 6, the three Seal of Civic Readiness students prepared for the “grand finale” of this student-led initiative. Between the JV and Varsity Girls Basketball games against Eden, three flags were raised and those involved were recognized for their support.
“We wanted to raise these flags for our indigenous community in the school, so that way we had a way of representation for all of us. More importantly, we wanted to add one in the gym for our indigenous athletes who may have also thought to themselves, ‘Why don't we have our flag in the gym? Speaking for myself. I know, I always wonder why we didn't have one,” Amirya said of a conversation that started back in seventh grade. As one of many Seneca athletes who have participated in athletics at Silver Creek, she knew she was not the only one who wanted to see this happen.
Starting at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year, the three students started planning and learning to work together. Their project involved two parts – hosting an impactful Remembrance Walk on Every Child Matters Day and raising flags in the gym.
They realized the importance of educating students, staff, and the community of the atrocities committed by residential schools and the trickle-down trauma that still affects indigenous people to this day, so they worked with mentors both in the school and at the Seneca Nation to hold the Remembrance Walk in October. They invited community members, including their own family to portray the local impact of residential schools.
The event was very impactful for the school community, who appeared in a sea of orange T-shirts that day, donated by the Seneca Nation President and Council members.
During this project they have spoken to the SNI President and Council, as well as the Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner of the NYS Department of Education, but it all culminated at the flag ceremony.
The ceremony was well attended by school and community members. Each of the student representatives and their advisors wore traditional ribbon skirts for the occasion. Stepping up to the podium, Skyla presented the meaning behind each flag.
“The first is the Seneca Nation Flag. This flag represents the Seneca Nation territories and clans in Western New York. The second flag, to my right is the Haudenosaunee flag, also referred to as the Hiawatha flag. This flag has been hung to represent the union of the five nations which are Seneca, the keepers of the Western door, Cayuga, a younger brother, Onondaga as the central fire, Oneida also a younger brother, Mohawk the keepers of the eastern door, and in later addition the Tuscarora nation. This was chosen to represent all Haudenosaunee tribes as at this school there are not just Seneca students, but those from other tribes as well,” she explained. “The last flag is the Every Child Matters flag. This flag honors and sheds light on the indigenous children who were sent to residential boarding schools.”
Hailie thanked SNI Councilmembers Jonathan D. Williams, Klint Nephew and Todd Gates for their donations, Seal of Civic Readiness Advisors Amanda Austin, SCCS Native American Education Program Coordinator, and SC Middle School Native American Mentor/Tutor Samantha Scanlan for their guidance and Seneca Language Teacher Anne Tahamont for her support.
“For me this is special to my heart being an alumni here, growing up here in Silver Creek. Silver Creek has always been close to my heart. The people I met here, the teachers, life just flies by. What these girls are doing today, I had the same questions when I was here. I am glad these ladies got it done. They had my support from day one,” Councilman Williams said. “… And I’ll end with this - it’s great to be a Black Knight!”
Amirya, Skyla and Hailie have a final reflection before they officially complete the requirements for the Seal of Civic Readiness, but they have good things to say about the process.
“If you have an idea and you’re given the chance, take that opportunity. Especially if it’s something you know can bring good things,” Amirya said.
They also had advice for other students thinking of taking the path toward the seal.
“Don’t be afraid of what others are going to think about what you are accomplishing,” Hailie said. “Definitely take all the opportunities you’re given.”
Skyla added, “Don’t let others try to change your vision. Stick up for yourself.”
This isn’t the end of impressive accomplishments for the trio. They are also completing their Seal of Biliteracy projects. Amirya is creating a guide for new mothers to be able to speak/teach their babies Seneca. Skyla is making an Uno game-translated to Seneca. And Hailie is writing a children's book in Seneca, translated to English. They are showing amazing capabilities as leaders and changemakers.
These girls have been working on projects centered on history, culture, remembrance, and above all respect. This was an incredibly meaningful moment in Silver Creek Central School history. I couldn’t be more proud of them,” Austin said.