The Halton District School Board (HDSB) has shared its plans for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Friday, September 30th.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation seeks to honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis residential school survivors, their families and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of their history and the legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.
In a release, the HDSB says that in recognition, it will be honouring this important day with a number of acknowledgments and learning opportunities, in addition to lowering the Canadian flag at all schools and Board offices.
One of the five areas of focus of the HDSB’s 2020-2024 Multi-Year Strategic Plan is Indigenous Perspectives and Awareness, intended to promote knowledge and understanding of Indigenous truths, rights and realities. The HDSB and Indigenous community partners have co-developed an Indigenous Education Policy, expanded the Indigenous Rights and Education department and continues to fulfill the commitments identified in the Multi-Year Plan. The HDSB regularly consults with treaty partners and meets with the Board’s Indigenous Education Advisory Council.
“In consultation with Indigenous experts, the HDSB Indigenous Rights and Education team works with staff across the system to build informed knowledge and understanding to enable staff to critically examine and apply their learning to classroom and department practices,” says Jennie Petko, Superintendent of Education, with responsibility for Indigenous Rights and Education and the Human Rights, Equity and Inclusive Education Department.
READ: Catholic schools across Halton to acknowledge National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
“The learning for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation goes beyond this one day. HDSB staff and students have been provided with resources and learning opportunities to help guide them in learning before and beyond September 30. The HDSB stands behind and upholds the Indigenous Perspectives and Awareness area of focus in the 2020-2024 Multi-Year Plan. Together, we must do more than just talk about reconciliation, we must learn how to practice reconciliation in our everyday lives, within ourselves and our families, our schools and communities.”
September 30th was traditionally recognized as Orange Shirt Day. The day was inspired by the story of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad’s experience on her first day at a residential school. Phyllis was a student at St. Joseph Mission Residential School in Williams Lake, British Columbia. Orange Shirt Day will be recognized by the HDSB once again.
The Director of Education for the HDSB, Curtis Ennis, has shared a video message. Watch it here.
