BWDSB Marks First National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Posted on 09/29/2021
September 30, 2021 marks the first ever National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which also coincides with Orange Shirt Day. National flags are being lowered at Bluewater District School Board schools and worksites, while students and staff wear orange and broaden their learning in honour of residential school victims and survivors.
The occasion is the culmination of a week of Truth and Reconciliation themed activities in Bluewater, which have focused on initiating crucial conversations and awareness on Indigenous history and culture in Canada, and the detrimental impact of residential schools.
To lead off the itinerary, several employee groups attended an anti-racism/anti-discrimination themed live virtual presentation with Dr. Niigaan Sinclair during the September 24 professional activity day. An assistant professor at the University of Manitoba and renowned commentator and writer on Indigenous issues, Dr. Sinclair addressed the collective responsibility of all members of our education system to leverage our influence and power to educate, and how to be an ally.
In addition to Orange Shirt Day participation, here are some of the many examples of school-based activities occurring in Bluewater this week. We will add to this list as new information becomes available: