Truth and Reconciliation Week … Orange Shirt Day Assembly

Work to build understanding about the generational impact of residential schools on our indigenous communities takes time. As public educators, we shoulder responsibility to provide access to instruction so that at an appropriate age and stage, our students can learn about all

facets of our history so that we can continue to repair past injustices, as
well move forward in a good way. During our recent system leadership meeting,the above image, which is located on the Government of Canada’s website for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, was shared with us. The symbolism of the image is powerful and Iwould like to share some of it with you.

The narwal, eagle and flower represent our Inuit, First Nations and Metis communities respectively.
The stars, represent the children who never made it home from residential schools
The pathway, representing the road to reconciliation
Orange smoke, represents Indigenous traditions, spirituality, inclusion and diversity

Source: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1631130192216/1631130220404)

In our classrooms, teachers often use stories, in the form of picture books, to teach children about complex topics. Our oldest students have begun to take up this work in a variety of ways. As you know, our grade 4’s are leading the Orange Shirt Day assembly. They have also created artwork that represents the Heart Domain (To Belong)/ El Corazón (Yo soy parte de…) through a beautiful collaboration across our two classrooms.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day) | Sept. 30

On Sept. 30, we observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day). This day is dedicated to honouring the children who never returned home from residential schools, the survivors, and their families and communities. Students at Escuela Eugene Coste are invited to wear their orange shirts on Thursday, Sept 28, when we will gather to learn from our grade 4 students who are hosting our Orange Shirt Day assembly.

I am appreciative of the work of our Indigenous Education and Communications Teams at the CBE for compiling a list of local events that families can consider attending. Public commemoration of residential schools' tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts is vital to reconciliation. Many events are happening in our community to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, including online events and other events in Calgary and across Canada.