September 23rd, 2022

On Friday, September 30, Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) will acknowledge the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. 

All WRDSB schools and offices will remain open for students and staff. 

What is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?

On June 2021, the Government of Canada created the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This federal holiday, held every September 30, is a response to the Truth and Reconciliation’s Call to Action #80. The day allows for time and space to reflect on the atrocities committed against First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.

Watch the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) video to learn more.

What is Orange Shirt Day?

This grassroots and Indigenous-led day of recognition honours residential school survivors, those who did not survive, and their descendants. 

Watch the Orange Shirt Day video to learn more about the history and importance of this day.

WRDSB’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation

WRDSB accepts its responsibility to work towards Indigenous sovereignty. We must disrupt anti-Indigenous racism and Indigenous erasure so that First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students and families have a sense of success and belonging. We recognize that the challenge of achieving reconciliation is the challenge of our time.

We will make sure all students have the opportunity to build intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect by learning with and about Indigenous people.

Learn more about our Strategic Plan and commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.

What can I do?

• On September 30, wear an orange shirt or accessory to honour Residential school survivors and their families.
• Donate to the Save the Evidence campaign.
• Learn about the history and enduring presence of Indigenous peoples and the legacy of residential schools.
  • Visit the at-home resource page created by the WRDSB Indigenous Education Branch.
  • Learn about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action. 
  • Read Spirit Bear’s Guide to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action. It is a child-friendly version of the Calls to Action.
  • Participate in the virtual Truth and Reconciliation Week (September 26 to 30, 2022) events. Registration is free and required.

We invite you to share how you are honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day by using #OrangeShirtDay and tagging @wrdsb on Twitter or @wr_dsb on Instagram.

Categories: School News