ID 262498465 © Wirestock | Dreamstime.com

By Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools

Sept. 30

RDCRS recognize Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Sep 29, 2024 | 10:43 AM

As we approach National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Monday, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools remains committed to fostering understanding, reflection, and reconciliation in our school communities.

Each school has been empowered to work within their local community to create meaningful and unique programs to guide them through Orange Shirt Day, which was recognized in RDCRS schools on Friday.

All Central Office staff at Montfort Centre were also given the opportunity to take part in a professional development session to discuss the truth of residential schools and opportunities for everyone to move reconciliation efforts into reconciliACTION.

“The recognition of the intergenerational harm that residential schools inflicted, and to honour all those that have been impacted by this injustice, remains a critical part of the reconciliation path in our school communities. Each of our schools works to develop a program that resonates within their own community. This is part of our ongoing commitment to reconciliation and fostering understanding across our division,” said Ryan Sawula, Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Inclusion.

“Our goal is to create spaces where the voices of Indigenous peoples are heard and respected. The opportunity for each school to tailor its programming ensures that the day is not just a commemoration, but a learning experience rooted in the history, culture, and experiences of Indigenous peoples. This is an important step toward fostering reconciliation and ensuring that the legacy of residential schools is understood by all,” said Jonathan Mauro, Indigenous Education Coordinator, highlighting the importance of collaboration and inclusivity.

LIKELY SHEPHERD'S FINAL TERM

2024 wrap up: Success grows in Lacombe County

40m ago

Looking back

Year in Review: Red Deer County Mayor Jim Wood proud of community growth

6h ago

2024 reflection

Year in Review: Olds Mayor Judy Dahl thanks community following challenging year

Dec 24, 2024

Each of the division’s schools has embraced this opportunity to reflect on Canada’s history and honour the survivors, their families, and the countless Indigenous children who never returned home. As we move forward, we continue to learn, listen, and walk together on the path toward reconciliation.

—

For local news delivered daily to your email inbox, subscribe for free to the rdnewsNOW newsletter by visiting rdnewsNOW.com. You can also download the rdnewsNOW mobile app on Google Play and the Apple App Store for all the latest updates on this and other stories.