Hayley Christen, First Nations, Métis, Inuit Learning Services Coordinator at Red Deer Public Schools, is seen in a screenshot from a NDTR video students and staff across the division are watching on Sept. 28. (Supplied)

By rdnewsNOW staff

every child matters

Red Deer Public Schools observes National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Sep 28, 2023 | 11:32 AM

Red Deer Public Schools is recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Thursday.

Kids have the day off Friday and then the actual observance, also known as Orange Shirt Day, is on Saturday, Sept. 30.

To learn about the day, 11,000 students and 1,200 staff across the division are watching the following video:

“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 Indian Residential Schools, and remembering the children who did not survive,” said Chad Erickson, Superintendent.

Last seen March 31

Missing: Eugenie Headman, 66, of Maskwacis

Apr 04, 2026

mayor hopes to meet housing minister this month

Alberta demands Ottawa back off on housing funding stripped from Red Deer

Apr 02, 2026

Last seen Jan. 15

Missing: Courtney Cattleman, 17, of Maskwacis

Apr 02, 2026

“National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a call to action, and a reminder of our collective responsibility to create a better future for all. Together, as a school division, we embrace this opportunity to learn, grow, and work towards a future where every student feels valued, heard, and empowered to make a positive difference in our community.”

The video includes various elements such as:

• Land recognition recited by Red Deer Public students and staff
• Drumming and Honour Song by local Elder
• The 10th anniversary of Orange Shirt Day and the story of Phyllis Webstad
• Orange Shirt design by Red Deer Public student
• Local Elder remembering his father’s time at The Mohawk Institute Residential School
• Message from the Red Deer Native Friendship Society
• How Red Deer Public has commemorated Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
• Jingle dance

Following the video, the division says, students will participate in grade appropriate activities, lessons and projects, which have also garnered interest from other school divisions, including those from out of province as they look to Red Deer Public for leadership in this area.

Over at Hunting Hills High School, a tipi was raised in the field, and some classes partook in a smudging ceremony. An English class enjoyed some Indigenous readings.

“Each student received a blank feather and colored or wrote a positive message of hope as a gesture of reconciliation,” the school notes. “Students had the freedom to write or colour on the feather from how they see truth and reconciliation. The digital arts lab used their creativity to do this activity on the computer.”

The FNMI program hosted a bake sale earlier this week and sold items during lunch hour. The proceeds will be used towards culture-building Secret Path week activities later this month within the school.

READ MORE

• Oriole Park Elementary opens Outdoor Learning and Indigenous Gardens
• Shopping for something to wear on Orange Shirt Day? Here’s what you need to know