The UGDSB recognizes Truth and Reconciliation Week and Orange Shirt Day
September 26, 2022
GUELPH, ON – The federal government of Canada recognizes September 26 to September 30 as Truth and Reconciliation Week, capping off the last day as Orange Shirt Day.
National Truth and Reconciliation Week is to commemorate the violent and traumatic history and legacy of Residential Schools in Canada, and to honour the children who never returned home, the survivors of residential schools, as well as recognizing the pain left with families and communities.
The last day of Truth and Reconciliation week is recognized as Orange Shirt Day to remember survivor Phyllis Jack Webstad who, on her first day at residential school in 1973, had her new orange shirt taken from her. The orange shirt symbolizes the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations. It also promotes the concept of “Every Child Matters.”
All through the week, UGDSB staff have created numerous resources to support staff and student learning, including:
- Buttons designed by local Anishinaabe artist Naomi Smith – alongside Indigenous youth – were available for schools to order, with proceeds going to residential school survivor memorial project, Geronimo’s Dream.
- The newly designed NCTR Survivors flag will be up at both board offices.
- The Indigenous Education Department prepared a slide deck for educators of vetted digital and in-school resources. The slide deck includes a brief historical context, recommended videos and books by division, and resources and opportunities for educators to learn more themselves.
- Teachers have been encouraged to register for the streamed sessions being offered by The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Some schools are hosting their own information sessions to honour the day.
- We have partnered with the Guelph Civic Museum and Naomi Smith for a special workshop for intermediate Indigenous youth, No Word for Art – Orange Shirt Day edition.
- On September 30, students in grades 6-12 are invited to view a livestream with Geronimo Henry. Geronimo Henry is a residential school survivor. He was brought to the Mohawk Institute Residential School, also known as the “Mush Hole” in Brantford, ON at the age of 5 where he remained for 11 years. Referred to by a number instead of his name, Geronimo was forbidden from speaking his native language and stripped of his culture. Geronimo now spends his time sharing his story in order to educate all people on the realities of residential schools, the impact of inter-generational trauma and why it is critical that everyone is aware of this.
We as an educational community are urged to read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report and its 94 Calls to Action. We encourage individuals to review the UGDSB’s Indigenous Education policy, which guides the board’s work going forward and helps us to learn and unlearn the truths of colonialism.
We will continue to publicly commemorate the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools because that is how we take part in the vital component of the reconciliation process and we will work with and learn from our treaty partners and Indigenous community members and organizations.
Categories: News Tags: Indigenous Education