Valedictory Address

UR school has been like ‘Elfinland,” joyous, happy. ‘““Graduateland” too, is interest-

ing. As we look through a “Mystery Window” we glimpse “Knowledge” and
“Success” standing quite aloof, while “Opportunity” knocks at the door. Over the cliff
“Sin,” “Temptation” smiles winningly. We wonder, do we fall? “Experience” gives a
squeal of delight for he is eager to introduce us to his friend “Life.” A birdie, “Courage,”
sings cheerfully near by. But “Hope” comes gently to greet us. As she takes us to the
“Alpine Path” we joyfully recognize two beautiful stars. They are “I live for the good
that I can do” and “No backward step.”

We've had lovely and happy hours at “Elfinland.”” The memory of our schoolmates,
teachers and Principal will always inspire us. We sense a deep gratitude and will try to
live worthily, for we take with us the high ideals and beautiful traditions of our school.

We wish the Principal and Staff every success and hope all their ambitions for us
will be realized.

We will have to choose the friends of our later life. Perhaps wisdom will not always
guide us, but we realize there is One whom we can always trust, One who will share
our troubles and joys alike and whom we can always love and who will always love us;

our truest friend—God. (signed) RutH CasTLe,

Valedictorian
President, Class 1931.

Historical

1880—First Indian Day School organized by Rev. and Mrs. C. M. Tate, at Squihala.

1886—First Day School organized at the Mission House at Coqualeetza.

1887—T welve children were taken into residence at the Mission House at Coqualeetza.

1888—Coqualeetza Home was built. Miss Elderkin was placed in charge.

1891—The Coqualeetza Home was destroyed by fire.

1893—-A new building was erected. The edifice was completed in brick, with accommodation for one
hundred pupils. This was called Coqualeetza Industrial Institute. Rev. C. M. Tate was made moral
Governor.

1920—Dr. Duncan C. Scott, after consultation with Rey. T. Ferrier and Principal Raley, decided the 1893
building had served its day and arranged for plans to be drawn up for a new building.

1920—R. Guerney Orr, Esq., Architect for the Indian Department, visited Coqualeetza, obtained data and
commenced plans for a new school.

1921—The first unit of the new educational plant was commenced.

1922—The Assembly Hall was completed.

1923—(May 27). The Rey. S. D. Chown, D.D., L.L.D., General Superintendent of the Methodist Church,
turned the first sod of the new building.

1923—(July 28). Duncan C. Scott, Litt. D., F.R.S.C., Deputy Superintendent General of Indian Affairs,
laid the corner stone of the main building.

1924—-(July). Under authority of the Indian Department, old Coqualeetza was demolished.

1924—-New Coqualeetza formally opened October 21, Rev. G. H. Raley, Principal, and name changed from
“Industrial Institute” to ‘‘Residential School.”

1925—Coqualeetza took a prominent part in the great missionary pageant, 25th to 29th November,
Wesley Church, Vancouver.

1926—Technical Building erected.

1927—Coqualeetza established a record for Indian Art in design and carving at Vancouver Exhibition.

1928—Minnie Wesley, student of Coqualeetza, awarded by the National Committee for the Diamond
Jubilee, the gold medal for the best essay from Indian Schools in Canada, on “Confederation.”

1928—Lieutenant Governor Bruce and Miss Helen MacKenzie visited Coqualeetza and each planted a tree
on the Vice-Regal Drive.

1929—Robert Gray, King’s Scout, First Coqualeetza Troop, went to the great Scout Jamboree in England.

1930—Visit of the Governor General Viscount Willingdon and Lady Willingdon. Each planted a tree on
the Vice-Regal Drive.

1931—First Indian Residential School Olympiad held at Coqualeetza to compete in athletics for Challenge
Shield, donated by the Department of Indian Affairs, Ottawa, to be contested for annually.

1931—Coqualeetza won the Department’s shield at the first Olympiad.

Ten

COQUALEETZA RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL (
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