• a virtual reading for primary and junior aged students of the book Nipugtug, delivered by author Emma Metallic
• distribution of The Water Walker (Joanne Robertson) to primary classes, thanks to Bruce Power
• a variety of ON-CORE curriculum online digital resources for classroom sharing
• Scholastic – Take Action for Reconciliation resources for schools to borrow: Community Ties (Grades 3 – 6) on the importance of family and culture; We are the Land (Grades 3 – 8) on exploring connections to the land; Path to Wellness (Grades 3 – 8) on balance for the mind, body, spirit, and emotions; Time for a Change (Grades 3 – 8) on the history of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada and the importance of reconciliation
• financial support for elementary and secondary schools to purchase materials for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, or for use throughout the school year
• K-12 online resources, such as the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, Orange Shirt Society, and Downie Wenjack Fund Legacy Schools Program
• information on community events hosted by Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation
• an invitation for schools to attend the Indian Day Schools: The National and Local Story exhibition (September 16 to November 30) at Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre, and Indian Day School historical timeline online resource

Across the District

A few examples of the many school-specific activities that will be occurring include:

Peninsula Shores District School will offer a smudging ceremony for students and staff, Grade 12 students will distribute orange shirts to those in junior kindergarten to symbolize the importance of truth and reconciliation, and a community walk will occur.

G C Huston Public School is planning a sacred fire, morning assembly, ceremony on the Zgaa-biig-ni-gan bridge, singing and drumming, learning stations, and more.

National flags are being lowered once again at all Bluewater District School Board schools and worksites to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day recognition also extends to Bluewater District School Board’s corporate and school social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

About the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was designated as an annual federal statutory holiday in 2021. According to the Government of Canada, this observance “honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.”

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established in response to Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action 80, which called on the federal government to work with Indigenous people to create a statutory day.

For more information: Government of Canada: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

About Orange Shirt Day

Orange Shirt Day coincides with the annual observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30. It was named after an incident that occurred when former residential school student Phyllis (Jack) Webstad was six years old. On her first day attending residential school, Phyllis’ new orange shirt was confiscated by staff. This painful memory is symbolic of the treatment received by residential school students, and the diminishing of their culture and traditions. Canadians are encouraged to wear orange on this day to honour survivors and victims, and to raise awareness of the damaging legacy of the residential school system.

For more information: Orange Shirt Society

Additional Resources

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action
Government of Canada: Delivering on Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action
Ontario Public School Boards’ Association: Truth and Reconciliation
Turtle Concepts: New Programs
Reconciliation Education
Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation / Orange Shirt Day
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Education Resources
Resources from Scholastic Canada
Every Child Matters – Book Resources and More
Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario Truth and Reconciliation Resources
Goodminds.com – First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Books (Truth and Reconciliation)