National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at the Lester B. Pearson School Board
by Marilyn Santucci
On September 30th, schools across the Lester B. Pearson School Board commemorated National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Every year on September 30, communities across Canada observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day honors the children who never returned home and pays tribute to the Survivors of residential schools, along with their families and communities. Acknowledging this tragic history and its ongoing impact is crucial to the reconciliation process. Many choose to wear orange, the official color of this important commemoration.
At the Lester B. Pearson School Board, many of our schools commemorated this day with activities, moments of silence, workshops, and wearing orange for Orange Shirt Day.
At John Rennie High School, students and staff were invited to participate in three engaging activities. Indigenous Mohawk singer-songwriter Aurora Finkle performed in the Hayden Garden, while bead weaver and Ashinabi artist Craig Commanda demonstrated how to create small, beaded pieces. Additionally, Charlene Tolley, an Ashinabi artist, held a medicine pouch making workshop.
Verdun Elementary, Riverview Elementary, Beurling Academy and the Rising Sun Daycare came together for a Spirit Walk. Students and staff could be seen walking the streets of Verdun wearing their orange shirts to commemorate the occasion. They made their way to City Hall, singing a warrior song Conversations and workshops were held to educate students on the history and meaning behind National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Mount Pleasant Elementary initiated its own Orange Shirt Day campaign with proceeds supporting Tasiutigiit, an organization that offers programs for Indigenous children in the foster care system through its “Camp Thrive” initiative.
At head office, staff were encouraged to take a moment to reflect on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. Participants received an orange ribbon to honor all the children who attended residential schools and those who never returned home. They were then invited to tie the ribbon around a branch of the Great White Pine Tree located near the front entrance.
To learn more about National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html
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