Screenshot of Red Deer Public Schools National Day for Truth and Reconciliation video. (RDPSD)

By Red Deer Public Schools

Sept. 27, 2024

Red Deer Public commemorates National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with Division-wide video

Sep 26, 2024 | 4:55 PM

Red Deer Public Schools will remember on Friday the lost children, survivors and families impacted by Indian Residential Schools on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The day will give time and space to reflect and learn more about the history and ongoing legacy of Indian Residential Schools.

On the morning of Friday, Sept. 27, 11,000 students and 1,200 staff in Red Deer Public Schools will commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by watching a Division-wide video and participating in activities, lessons and projects related to truth and reconciliation.

“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. “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:

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Sept. 27, 2024

Red Deer Public commemorates National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with Division-wide video

5h ago

• Land recognition recited by Red Deer Public students and staff
• Drumming and Honour Song by local elder
• What Red Deer Public has done/currently does to recognize Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
• Reconcili-ACTION Across the Division
• Message from the Red Deer Native Friendship Society
• When They Buried The Children poem
• Moment of silence
• Round Dance Song

Following the video, 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.

The community is invited to watch our National Day for Truth and Reconciliation video. Our community can learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, including hearing about local stories and perspectives, by watching the video that was shown to our students, which can be found here.

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