School boards recognizing ‘Orange Shirt Day’ across the region

Two local schools boards are set to recognize the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation – Orange Shirt Day – this week with a myriad of events and learning opportunities.

St. Clair Catholic observes National Truth and Reconciliation Week – September 26 to 30

During this time in late September, St. Clair Catholic District School Board officials say they will honor all those who were impacted by residential schools.

This year’s theme for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, Orange Shirt Day, on September 30, is “Remember the Children”.

“At St. Clair Catholic, we stand in solidarity with Canada’s First Nations and we commit to learning and action, as we understand the history we were never taught, on our journey of reconciliation through education, with students and staff,” stated Scott Johnson, Director of Education, for the St. Clair Catholic District School Board, in a media release.

The Every Child Matters flag, which is a symbol of our commitment, is designed by Cedric Isaac, Bkejwanong Territory.

Every Child Matters flags will fly all week at all schools across the system to raise awareness and to honor the memory of the children who never came home.

From September 26 through September 30, students will engage in first-hand, age-appropriate, learning opportunities, St. Clair Catholic District School Board officials say.

On September 30, students and staff are encouraged to wear orange, as a show of support.

Students and staff across the district will learn from survivors of residential schools and their family members, as they discuss ways to raise awareness about the injustices of the past.

Events planned by the St. Clair Catholic District School Board for the week include:

– All schools will participate in an opening with reflection and song on Orange Shirt Day from elders Deb and Barry Milliken, Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, Biindigaygizhig, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, and a moment of silence with Andria Dyer, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation.

– Former NHL hockey player, Jason Simon, Aamjiwnaang First Nation, will join schools to share his story of resilience and inspire youth to make a difference and achieve their dreams.

– Students in different grade levels will have sessions geared to every division. They will have the opportunity to paint with artist Moses Lunham, Kettle and Stony Point First Nation and create art works that inspire further conversations.

– Dr. Judy Peters, Bkejwanong Territory, will bring poetry to the youth to inspire how words impact the journey together.

– Classes will engage in learning first-hand from survivors with the Woodland Cultural Centre, which is also known as the Mohawk Institute Residential School museum, and think about reconciliation in action.

– Author David Robertson, will join classes virtually to connect his picture books to classroom conversations.

– Phyllis Webstad, whose story of the Orange Shirt originated from, will have a special session with classes to share her story.

For more information, including learning resources, can be found on the Board website at:
Indigenous Education Webpage on Residential Schools

LKDSB recognizes National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on Sept. 30

​Beginning in 2021, the Government of Canada formally designated September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

This day is federally observed to honour First Nations, Inuit and Metis survivors and their families and communities, and ensure public commemoration of their history and the legacy of residential schools, Lambton-Kent District School Board officials say.

This legacy and complex relationship between the Crown, Canadians and the Indigenous people of Turtle Island demands everyone’s understanding of our collective history and the urgent need to take action towards reconciliation.

The LKDSB recognizes the historic and ongoing impacts of residential schools on survivors, their families, Indigenous students, staff and the broader community.

“We acknowledge the devastating truths outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report and understand the ongoing legacy of trauma and harm of colonialism and residential schools on survivors, their families and communities,” LKDSB officials said in a media release.

“We commit to taking steps to learn the history, current realities and ongoing effects of residential schools and advocate for change. Students and staff are encouraged to wear orange shirts on Friday, September 30, 2022 for Orange Shirt Day. This is a meaningful way for school communities to join together in the spirit of reconciliation and is a symbolic reminder that “Every Child Matters.” Flags at all LKDSB schools and facilities will be lowered on this day.”

This day of recognition will be part of the activities occurring during Truth and Reconciliation Week (September 26-30), which will also include discussions about Indigenous treaties and First Nation, Metis and Inuit land claims, and further understanding Indigenous languages and culture.

All schools and Board facilities will also be displaying an “Every Child Matters” flag during Truth and Reconciliation Week, September 26-30, 2022.

For additional information, check out the following links:

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