Honouring Survivors
At Pembina Hills, we believe that reconciliation starts with education. During this Truth and Reconciliation Week, September 25-29, our staff and students will take extra time to engage in numerous learning opportunities to better understand and commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools, honouring survivors, their families and communities. We believe in Recognition, Respect and Reconciliation and fostering a strong partnership between our schools and communities as an integral part of the well-being of our students. Learning history from First Nations, Métis and Inuit knowledge keepers is an important part of reconciliation and is a shared responsibility where we strive to create supportive spaces to develop unity as we move forward.
All schools and division offices will lower flags to half-mast on Thursday, September 28 as we continue to recognize the cultural diversity and strength of the Indigenous Peoples.
Teachers continue to access a growing set of resources and content to support learning about the experiences of Indigenous People in Canada, particularly the impact of residential schools. We encourage parents to visit and explore the content on the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website.
The NCTR is also offering free daily lunch and learn sessions throughout the week. See the NCTR website to register.
September 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day
Every child matters. That is the important message of Orange Shirt Day which takes place annually on September 30, now also known as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
To honour this day, the Pembina Hills Board adopted September 30 as a non-instructional day and this year, it is being observed on Friday, September 29, 2023 (no school). Staff and students will participate in wearing orange on Thursday, September 28.
Check out the live national broadcast of the national commemorative gathering at Parliament Hill in Ottawa on September 30.
Together, we can make a meaningful difference and contribute to a more just and inclusive society.