In recognition of the National Truth and Reconciliation Week happening from September 23 to September 27 and September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, all of our elementary and secondary schools, as well as Board Office staff, will be participating in learning opportunities.
Each site will be recognizing this week and day in different formats, however, a number of resources have been provided to support educators and principals in creating meaningful learning about Truth and Reconciliation, our responsibilities, and our path forward with First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples. We share a collective responsibility to reflect upon our role in reconciliation with First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples by educating ourselves on the First Nation, Métis and Inuit history, cultures, the legacy of systemic discrimination and the residential school system and their ongoing impacts on First Nation, Métis and Inuit children, families and communities.
All students and staff are encouraged to wear an orange shirt to stand in solidarity with First Nation, Métis and Inuit Peoples on September 30.
Please remember that content associated with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation can be triggering for First Nation, Métis and Inuit students, families and communities. Access to mental health and well-being services should be integrated into planning and can include the sharing of the Indian Residential School Crisis line: 1-800-721-0066. Indigenous people can connect with an Indigenous volunteer crisis responder, when available, by messaging FIRST NATIONS, INUIT or MÉTIS to 686868 for young people and 741741 for adults or through Facebook Messenger. Supports are also available in each of our schools. Students can access this support through their teacher, principal, vice-principal, guidance counsellor, child and youth worker, social worker or clinician. They can connect you with the support staff whom you feel comfortable speaking with.
In addition to the learning opportunities that will be provided, flags across the school board will be flown at half-mast in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
To learn more outside of the classroom, please visit the following resources: