GNS: ReconciliaACTION begins with Education

Truth and Reconciliation Week, September 25th to 30th is a 5-day national event that includes important conversations about the truths of the Treaties, First Nation, Métis, and Inuit land claims, and the Residential School System. Recognized in this week is also the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th which is also recognized as Orange Shirt Day. Orange Shirt Day recalls the experience of residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad, who at six was stripped of her new orange shirt on her first day attending the St. Joseph Mission Residential School near Williams Lake, BC. The date of September 30th was chosen because it was the time of year when Indigenous children were typically taken away from their families and forced to attend residential schools.

GYPSD is committed to highlighting the importance of this week and encouraging all staff and students to take the time to learn, reflect, and engage in conversations about truth, reconciliation, and the actions that each of us can be taking.

All of GYPSD schools will find their own unique way to show support and recognition for this important week led by the Division's Indigenous Pathways Lead teachers. We are also grateful to the Division's Indigenous staff, students and their families, as well as Elders and Knowledge Keepers in our communities who continuously share their voice and their stories and provide their counsel in relation to the Division's programs and services.