NPSC Schools Honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Students, staff and community members from the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board (NPSC) honoured, respected, and recognized the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on Monday September 30.
Occurring on September 30 each year, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is observed to remember the children who never returned home and to honour the survivors of residential schools, as well as the many families and communities. Commemoration of this painful piece of Canada’s history is an essential part of reconciliation, which we support in our NPSC Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan. ”Orange Shirt Day”, which is also observed on September 30, serves to raise awareness of the negative impact of residential schools, and by wearing an orange shirt is a reminder to us all that “every child matters”.
In the week leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, students and staff from all NPSC schools planned and engaged in a variety of educational activities that focused on raising awareness and learning about the history of residential schools in Canada. Schools honoured residential school survivors through thoughtful reflection and deepening dialogue on specific actions our school communities can take each day to bring about positive change on the shared journey in Truth and Reconciliation.
Indigenous Student Advisory group, Mkwa Doodem, of St. Joseph-Scollard Hall Catholic Secondary School (SJSH) led a powerful educational presentation to all students in Grades 9-12 dedicated to recognizing the significance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.
This learning session was moderated by NPSC Indigenous Student Trustee Cheyney Chevrier and honoured guest speaker Elder June Commanda of Nipissing First Nation (pictured below, left). Following an opening drum song by members of Mkwa Doodem, students shared the meaning of Orange Shirt Day and the importance of learning the truth of the legacy of residential schools. Speaking to over 1,100 students in the SJSH gymnasium, illuminated by a wave of orange shirts, Elder June shared her difficult journey and lived experience as a residential school survivor.
In her poignant address, she shared the painful impact of residential schools on her life, her family, and community. Elder June also shared how important it is to recognize Orange Shirt Day as a reminder of the children who lost their lives and the impact on their families for future generations. All students and staff observed a moment of silence to honour all those impacted by residential schools. In closing, Elder June highlighted that although the past cannot be changed, understanding and acknowledging the truth of the past and using education as a tool to move forward on the path of reconciliation such as this learning session for students will provide hope for a brighter future.
Various recognition activities were held across the Board throughout the past week, which included school smudging ceremonies, orange shirt days, educational assemblies, and community gatherings to learn from Elders and honour residential school survivors.
These activities contributed to commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in a meaningful way for students and are coupled with a firm commitment to continue to walk forward together on the path of reconciliation.
“Our NPSC community continues to embrace our shared responsibility to the ongoing journey of truth and reconciliation each day to foster understanding, respect, and healing for future generations. We stand united with our Indigenous brothers and sisters to acknowledge, remember, and honour the children's lives lost and all those impacted by residential schools. We continue to work together for a bright future for all.” shares Director of Education, Paula Mann.
NPSC continues to keep all of those affected by residential schools in our thoughts and prayers, for peace and healing.
