Staff
and students across the Upper
Canada District School Board observed Orange Shirt Day on Friday,
raising awareness about the harm caused to Indigenous peoples by the Residential School
System.
Staff
and students honoured victims and survivors of the system by wearing orange
shirts. Board schools also featured presentations by Indigenous speakers, and
organized class presentations and drumming workshops with an Algonquin elder.
Superintendent
Jodie Barrett said the day was a way the Board could honour the spirit of the
Calls to Action by the Truth and
Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
“I’m
so proud of our staff and students for wearing orange,” said Barrett. “It’s
another way we can help redress the tragic legacy of Canada’s Residential
School System and move toward reconciliation and healing.
“The
day helps our staff and students gain a deeper understanding of the impact of
the system on our Indigenous partners, and will make certain future generations
are aware of it, so we can learn from the mistakes of the past.”
Several
schools held special events to mark the day including:
Pakenham Public School: Algonquin
Elder Danka Brewer addressed classes during several workshops about the Residential
School System. In age-appropriate discussions, Brewer talked about the system,
how it impacted Indigenous families, and the abuse that occurred. Brewer also
gave students a greater understanding of Indigenous culture by hosting
Algonquin drumming workshops, and explaining the meaning of different
Indigenous symbols. At the end of the day, all students gathered in the
schoolyard for a group photo wearing their orange shirts.
Athens District High School: About 40
students and staff participated by wearing orange shirts. During the days
leading up to the event, the school issued announcements that discussed truth
and reconciliation, as well as the importance and symbolism of wearing an
orange shirt.
Glengarry District High School: Bill Montgomery, Indigenous Education Lead
with the Upper Canada District School Board, brought a message of awareness and
empathy to students regarding events surrounding the Residential School System
and Indigenous peoples that have shaped the relationships that exist today.
For
more information, please call your local school principal or contact:
Jodie
Barrett
Superintendent
Upper Canada District School Board
Office: 613-342-0371 x 1159
jodie.barrett@ucdsb.on.ca