Students with the Upper Canada District School Board are marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.
On Monday, all schools will recognize the occasion with staff and students being encouraged to wear orange shirts and take part in activities that commemorate the tragic residential school experience, honour the healing journey of the survivors and their families, and reaffirm commitments to the ongoing process of reconciliation.
All classes will also have opportunities to take part in virtual presentations with Indigenous author and speaker Monique Gray Smith.
“We are committed to ensuring UCDSB students have a true understanding of Indigenous history and culture and ensure there are opportunities throughout the year to demonstrate a commitment to reconciliation,” says Principal of Indigenous Education Kelty Grant. “On September 30, we want to reflect on the residential school experience that those in our community have had, the residual impact, and work towards ensuring students are learning what Truth and Reconciliation means. We want to understand the past, but also celebrate the resilience and brilliance of Indigenous people.”
Board officials add that schools are taking meaningful actions towards reconciliation throughout the year by integrating Indigenous education into regular classroom learning.
