On September 30, 2026, Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) students, staff, families, and communities join together to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is a time to reflect on the memories of the children who never returned home from residential schools, as well as the Survivors, families, and communities who continue to be affected by their legacy. We collectively acknowledge the profound harm caused by Canada’s residential school system, recognize its enduring impacts, and reaffirm our shared commitment to truth, healing, and reconciliation.
In alignment with BWDSB’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan goal to continue progress towards reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, we also think about our ongoing work locally with Saugeen First Nation and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. As community partners, they represent the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, whose traditional territory includes the lands on which our schools and Grey-Bruce communities are located.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established in response to Call to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The occasion coincides with
Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots movement that encourages people to wear orange and recognize that “Every Child Matters.” The orange shirt has become a symbol of the loss of culture, identity, language, and connection experienced by Indigenous children who attended residential schools. The movement originated from the experience of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, whose new orange shirt was taken away on her first day at a residential school when she was six years old. Her story continues to inspire learning, reflection, and meaningful action toward reconciliation.
On September 30, students, staff, and families are encouraged to wear orange in the spirit of reconciliation and in recognition of those impacted by residential schools. Flags are also being lowered at all schools and work sites in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Schools will be participating in assemblies, engaging in storytelling, sharing learning resources, and joining events and ceremonies in our local communities focused on reconciliation. However, it is understood that reconciliation is a continuous journey that extends beyond a single day or week of recognition.
Resources
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Reports
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action
Learning resources about First Nations, Inuit, and Métis across Canada
Indigenous history in Canada
The Witness Blanket
Historica Canada Education Guide
The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund – Truth and Reconciliation Week
Podcasts that share various perspectives on the residential school experience:
First Nations Experiences
Inuit Experiences
Métis Experiences
Discover Chanie Wenjack’s story through videos and connected learning tools:
Chanie Wenjack Heritage Minute
Chanie Wenjack Teacher Resource
Read these Canadian Encyclopedia articles to go in-depth on the topic:
Residential Schools in Canada
Residential Schools in Canada (Plain-Language Summary)
Resistance and Residential Schools
Intergenerational Trauma and Residential Schools