The Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) is marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day with learning opportunities focused on Indigenous history, culture, and reconciliation.
September 30th is recognized as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. Orange Shirt Day began in 2013 with residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad, whose story helped inspire the national movement. In 2021, September 30th was also recognized as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in response to Call to Action 80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
As part of its commitment to reconciliation through education, the board says students and staff have opportunities to deepen their understanding of Orange Shirt Day through a variety of learning activities.
These include Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters assemblies promoting intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect, as well as classroom lessons highlighting First Nation, Métis, and Inuit ways of knowing, history, languages, contributions, and role models.
Educators can also take part in professional learning opportunities during Truth and Reconciliation Week, including a presentation by David A. Robertson, a member of Norway House Cree Nation and author of 52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing.
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