Central Alberta school divisions mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Sept. 30 is also known as Orange Shirt Day, commemorating the story of Phyllis Webstad. Upon going to residential school in 1973, Webstad’s orange shirt – a gift from her grandmother – was stripped from her and she never saw it again.

“Residential school experiences are a hard message to deliver, and teachers want to teach on this topic correctly. We need to work together and support teachers and one another in a good, kind and loving way,” says local Kokum Donna Bishop. “Teachers delivering the message need support along with students who are receiving the message. We all need to work together and walk together and support each other.”

Red Deer Public Superintendent Chad Erickson says the decision to keep schools open was done in consultation with local elders and the Red Deer Native Friendship Society.

“Our schools have a longstanding commitment to commemorating Orange Shirt Day, with many students and staff throughout the Division recognizing the day by wearing orange, as well as honouring children who attended residential schools, and remembering the children who did not survive,” he says. “With students and staff in class on Sept. 30, it will enhance the teaching, learning and understanding of residential schools and truth and reconciliation.”

The division’s 11,000 students and 1,500 staff will also watch a video produced in collaboration with RDPS’ First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) learning coordinators, community relations department and local videographers. It will also be shared on social media.

At Red Deer Catholic, a day for truth and reconciliation carries an extra layer of weight given the Catholic church’s role in residential schools.

Ryan Sawula, associate superintendent of curriculum, admits that aspect is critical for all within the division to confront.

“As Canadians, we all play a role as treaty people to move forward on the journey of reconciliation,” says Sawula. “Our students have to understand the why, and part of that is the role the Catholic church played. Students are eager to find out more about that to learn how they can make a difference and make Canada a better place.”

Also a collaboration with elders, a livestream will start the day for students, showing Treaty 6 and Treaty 7 flags, as well as the Métis flag, going up in every school office. The bulk of the day’s learning will focus on truth and reconciliation.

At Wolf Creek, Superintendent Tim De Ruyck explains the decision to close schools was also made in consult with Indigenous leaders.

“This move by the WCPS board is a vital part of the school division’s commitment to the calls to action outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission,” says De Ruyck.

“Throughout this week, which is the National Week for Truth and Reconciliation, students and staff are learning about the legacy of residential schools through a multitude of activities, guiding questions and themes for each day and engagement with elders. Schools are marking Orange Shirt Day this week as well.”

Wolf Creek produced a video series featuring FMNI learning support coach Josephine Small, focusing on residential schools. De Ruyck says the series, as well as participation in an ‘Every Child Matters’ walk in Maskwacis on Thursday, will help further a very important conversation.

“We hope that by learning and sharing about this part of Canada’s history we can bring a better sense of understanding and build stronger connections throughout our school communities.”

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Central Alberta school divisions mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

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