The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an important way to honour both the lost children and survivors of residential schools, but also a reminder of the need to move our country toward healing throughout the entire year, according to Director of Education Emelda Byrne.

“As part of our commitment to healing, we will solemnly recognize this day as a school board community,” Byrne said, “however, we also recognize the need for ongoing learning and sharing of the truth by educating our students about reconciliation in age appropriate ways. And healing relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians is really a central part of our vision of building communities of faith, hope and service.”

On Sept. 30 staff and students will be asked to wear orange to demonstrate their support and honour for the children who were lost, the survivors, their families and their communities. Educational activities will be happening that day and throughout the week at schools throughout the system.

We have also created a new section of our website devoted to Indigenous Voices, which contains some great information about Indigenous education and Truth and Reconciliation.

“The section is really a work in progress and we’ll be adding more great content as it becomes available,” said Superintendent Rosemary Lo Faso, whose portfolios include Indigenous Education and Equity and Diversity. “In the meantime, we hope our students, staff and community use this information to learn more about the truth so we can move towards reconciliation.”
This week Bishop Fabbro issued a personal apology to Indigenous Peoples. You can read that apology here.
Today Stephen Lecce, Ontario's Minister of Education, announced plans to strengthen mandatory Indigenous Learning in school curriculum. You can read the full announcement here.