Orange Shirt Day

Orange Shirt Day honours the story of Phyllis Webstad, and the story of her starting her education in Residential School. She had her brand new, shiny, Orange Shirt taken away from her on her first day of school, which she was so excited to enjoy. The Orange Shirt Day movement honours survivors of the Indian Residential School System, and commemorates the children who did not come home. From the Orange Shirt Society page: "The orange shirt has become a symbol of hope, reconciliation and a commitment to a better future. By wearing an orange shirt on September 30th, you make a statement to support reconciliation and commit to the enduring truth that EVERY CHILD MATTERS."

Students across the district will be learning about the importance of this day through engaging in lessons with classroom teachers, getting involved in community events to honour this day, working with Aboriginal Education staff to learn about Orange Shirts through beading or other crafts, reading stories of Indian Residential School survivors, and watching films that honour the stories. 

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day for all Canadians to reflect on the impacts of colonialism in Canada, to learn the Truth of this story, and to engage with community to move forward in Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples of these Lands. All schools will be participating in an assembly this week to learn more about the importance of this day, and how we can all journey onward in Reconciliation.

What steps and actions are you taking toward Reconciliation?

Please see the document here to learn more about how we will be honouring Truth and Reconciliation week in SD8 schools.