Connaught School Honors Indigenous Voices: National Truth and Reconciliation Day and Orange Shirt Day

 

At Connaught School, we believe that education is a journey of discovery and understanding. It takes us on a path that leads to a deeper appreciation of the rich and diverse Indigenous cultures and histories that have profoundly shaped our land. As National Truth and Reconciliation Day and Orange Shirt Day approach, we embark on a meaningful educational journey to pay tribute to Indigenous voices and narratives.

 

Commemorating National Truth and Reconciliation Day:

 

On September 30th, Canadians unite to commemorate National Truth and Reconciliation Day. This day serves as a time of reflection, a day to honor the history of Indigenous peoples profoundly impacted by the Residential School system. At Connaught School, we recognize the importance of learning about this history as a fundamental step towards healing and reconciliation.

 

Indigenous Education: A Year-round Commitment:

 

Indigenous education is not just a subject at Connaught School; it's woven into the fabric of our curriculum throughout the year. We encourage our students to understand and share the influence of Indigenous ways of life, identity, practices, and knowledge on their learning experiences and growth. In addition, we nurture their relationships with the Indigenous community in various meaningful ways. This is done through various classroom teachings and discussions, learning and understanding the land acknowledgement, and embracing the CBE’s lifelong learning holistic framework. 

 

Learning from the Land:

 

Our fortunate location near numerous parks and natural spaces allows us to engage in land-based learning. This unique privilege enables our students to learn directly from the land around us. For instance, several classes have embraced the practice of sit-spots, encouraging students to observe and learn from the ever-changing seasons, plant life, and wildlife that surround our school.

 

Embracing Cultural Awareness:

 

At Connaught, students participate in traditional Indigenous practices such as sharing circles, drumming, and storytelling. These experiences foster deep understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures. Furthermore, our school proudly displays three beautiful flags - the Treaty 7, Métis Nation, and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami flags - gifted to us. These flags symbolize our commitment to honor Indigenous Treaty relationships, rights, and responsibilities, and they serve as an ongoing educational resource for our students.

 

Orange Shirt Day: Remember and Honor:

 

Orange Shirt Day, observed on September 30th alongside National Truth and Reconciliation Day, is a day dedicated to remembering and honoring Indigenous children taken from their families and sent to residential schools. By wearing orange shirts on Thursday, September 28th, our students can demonstrate their support for survivors and their dedication to reconciliation.

 

A Commitment to Healing and Reconciliation:

 

At Connaught School, we firmly believe that education holds the power to heal and reconcile. As we approach National Truth and Reconciliation Day and Orange Shirt Day, we extend an invitation to our students, parents, and community to join us in the pursuit of knowledge, active listening, and a profound understanding of the significance of Indigenous education. Together, we can contribute to a more equitable, just, and inclusive future as we pay homage to Indigenous voices and strive for meaningful reconciliation.

 

Author: Zahra Daya, grade 4/5 teacher