September 29, 2023

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation this Saturday, September 30

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which coincides with the tradition of Orange Shirt Day, is set to occur on September 30, 2023. Since this falls on a Saturday, Bluewater District School Board students and staff were encouraged to wear orange on Friday, September 29 to symbolize our ongoing learning about residential schools, honour victims and survivors, and demonstrate commitment to reconciliation. A full slate of district-wide activities is planned throughout the week, ranging from Indigenous ceremonies and assemblies, to readings and the provision of resources.

Virtual Book Reading

On Thursday, September 28, primary and junior aged students across the district had an opportunity to attend a virtual reading of the book, Memengwaa — The Monarch Butterfly, with local author Dorothy Ladd of Saugeen First Nation. The reading is being organized by Bruce Grey Child and Family Services. Copies of the book are also being delivered to schools.

Reading Materials/Resources for Educators

Elementary and secondary schools are being provided with funding to purchase Indigenous resources, which may be dedicated to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation materials, or for use throughout the school year. Other resources are being offered through Bluewater District School Board’s Indigenous Advisor, including the following titles: Community Ties (Grades 3 to 6) on the importance of family and culture; We are the Land (Grades 3 to 8) on exploring connections to the land; Path to Wellness (Grades 3 to 8) highlighting balance for the mind, body, spirit, and emotions; and Time for Change (Grades 3 to 8) on the history of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples in Canada, and the importance of reconciliation. Previously provided to schools were the titles, With our Orange Hearts, featuring the artwork of local Anishinaabe artist and visual storyteller Emily Kewageshig, and Noodin’s Perfect Day by Anishinaabe singer-songwriter Ansley Simpson.

Scholastic’s Sharing the Message of Truth and Reconciliation discussions and guides for English and French parents/guardians, students, and educators have been updated and shared across the system for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. These web pages include a new article, How Colonialism Affects Indigenous Wellness. 


Staff Learning and Development

Bluewater District School Board is collaborating with Queen’s University to offer an Additional Qualification virtual learning opportunity for staff over the next few months. First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies: Understanding Traditional Teachings, Histories, Current Issues, and Cultures will support educators in responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action in their classrooms and schools. The Calls to Action document (2015) challenges teachers and administrators from kindergarten to Grade 12 to take a serious look at course content, classroom management approaches, teaching styles, and all other elements of the education system through the lens of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit viewpoints. To do this respectfully and authentically requires a deeper knowledge of Indigenous histories, traditions, cultures, and world views than many teachers and administrators have been able to acquire through taking an Additional Qualification course. It requires guided relearning of what was thought to be 'known' and exposure to the current reality of First Peoples in Canada. Students will be supported in cultivating an environment in which questions can be asked and answers found together through a learning circle.

Around the District

Here are a few of the many examples of events and awareness that are occurring in Bluewater District School Board throughout the week...

The Grade 5 class at Huron Heights Public School is running an event this week that goes above and beyond the simple act of wearing of an orange shirt. Various stations are being set up that showcase aspects of Indigenous history and traditions, and the students are participating in a short dramatic production about residential schools. All students throughout the school are being invited to attend, engage, and enjoy food, music, art, dancing, learn Ojibway, and more. This is a direct response to the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and takes Orange Shirt Day one step further.

On Friday, September 29, G. C. Huston Public School students and staff are attending a ceremony on the Zgaa-biig-ni-gan (“We are connected”) Bridge in Southampton with Elders and residents from Saugeen First Nation, and Saugeen Shores Council and community members. The Niin Epitendaagzid drum group from the school and Waabino Kwe (Saugeen Women) will be drumming and singing on the bridge. Students and staff will also be participating in a whole school assembly, a sacred fire, teachings on cradleboards and the four medicines, and more.

The Indigenous Alliance at John Diefenbaker Senior School has organized an orange T-shirt printing event this week. Students can bring their orange or black T-shirt and have a special feather design created by a student printed (on the shirt) at no cost.

Walkerton District Community School elementary and secondary students have been learning all about Orange Shirt Day and truth and reconciliation this week through various activities each day. Some of the elementary students were read stories from Indigenous authors by Indigenous students, which extended to learning about and taking part in a smudging activity.

At East Ridge Community School, students and staff are wearing orange as they embark on the Walk for Wenjack on Friday afternoon. The school is also accepting donations towards the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund.

Peninsula Shores District School students and staff are joining their peers from Kikendaasogamig Elementary School in Neyaashiinigmiing at Bluewater Park in Wiarton on Friday morning to hear speaker Carmen Jones from the Nawash House of Prayer.

National flags are once again being lowered during the weekend of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Bluewater District School Board schools and worksites to symbolize our board’s ongoing efforts towards truth and reconciliation.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day recognition also extends to Bluewater District School Board’s corporate and school social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

In our Communities

As referenced above, a community gathering on the Zgaa-biig-ni-gan Bridge over the Saugeen River in Southampton will occur on Friday, September 29. The bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic for three hours from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm.

On Friday evening (September 29), the M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre in Owen Sound will hold its Full Moon Ceremony starting at 6:00 p.m. with all welcome to attend and bring a lawn chair, plate, and cutlery.

Public events hosted by local First Nation communities on Saturday, September 30 will include the participation of many students and staff in Truth and Reconciliation awareness, dancing, and other events. These include the Truth and Reconciliation Fall Festival from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for families, youth, and community members at Cape Croker Park in Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, and a day of activities from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the James Mason Centre in Saugeen First Nation.

Also on Saturday, September 30, Gichi-Name Wiikwedong Reconciliation Garden at Kelso Beach at Nawash Park in Owen Sound will host a Binoojiinyag dadibaajimowag – Voices of the Children ceremony from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with a sacred fire, ceremonies, speakers, and conversation.

About the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Designated as an annual federal statutory holiday in 2021, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours residential school victims, survivors, families, and impacted communities. It is one small step in confronting the history and immeasurable damage that persists because of the residential school system and bringing awareness to Canada’s long journey in the reconciliation process. The occasion was established in response to Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action 80, which addresses the need for the federal government to work with Indigenous people to create a statutory day.


For more information: Government of Canada: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

About Orange Shirt Day

Founded by former residential school student Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, Orange Shirt Day takes place annually on September 30. It is named after an incident that occurred when Phyllis was six years old, whereby her new orange shirt was confiscated on the first day of residential school. The memory is symbolic of the treatment received by residential school students, and the attempts to diminish their culture, traditions, and worth. Canadians are encouraged to wear orange on this day to honour survivors and victims, and to raise awareness of the damaging legacy of the residential school system.

For more information: Orange Shirt Society

 

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