Flags being lowered at Halton schools to honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Published September 28, 2021 at 2:57 pm
Flags will be lowered at all Halton District School Board offices and individual schools this Thursday, Sept. 30, to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is meant to honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis residential school survivors, their families and communities.
This day has traditionally been commemorated as Orange Shirt Day, which was inspired by Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, a student at St. Joseph Mission Residential School in Williams Lake, B.C. and is inspired by her experience on her first day at a residential school.
“As we recognize this day, we must ensure that we go beyond wearing orange shirts,” said Rob Eatough, Superintendent of Education.
“Creating meaningful learning opportunities that centre Indigenous voices, focus on Indigenous rights, contributions, histories, truths and contemporary realities that are rooted in colonization helps create a more complete picture of the historical truths and realities of First Nations, Métis and Inuit. We all play a part in upholding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action.”
Along with lowering the flags, a week of learning is planned in various classrooms for students and staff, which includes resources from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
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