Honouring Truth and Reconciliation Day
Thousands of students and staff across the Abbotsford School District recognized the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Orange Shirt Day and Truth and Reconciliation Week. From a virtual assembly to classroom-based group projects, students worked with their teachers and Indigenous Education staff over the course of the last few days to build a better understanding and awareness of truth and reconciliation. Activities and lessons were developed to foster students' understanding of residential schools' impact and serve as a remembrance of the Indigenous children who survived residential schools and those who did not.
Creating a national day of recognition was one of 94 recommendations given by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Action 80 called upon the federal government, in collaboration with Indigenous people, to establish a statutory holiday "to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process."
"Our school district is committed to highlighting the importance of this day," noted Dr. Stan Petersen, Chair for the Abbotsford Board of Education. "We encourage all staff, students and families to take the time to educate, reflect and engage in conversations about truth, reconciliation and the actions that each of us can be taking - both today and on our own learning journeys moving forward."
As part of its commitment to truth and reconciliation, the Abbotsford School District acknowledges the historical and ongoing injustices Indigenous Peoples endure in Canada. As an educational institution, the school district is committed to revealing and correcting miseducation and renewing respectful relationships with Indigenous communities through teaching and community engagement. Learn more about Indigenous Education in Abbotsford Schools.
