Families,
On September 30, Nova Scotia will observe the first annual Truth and Reconciliation Day. The purpose of this day is to honour those who attended Residential Schools in Canada and to acknowledge the harm and intergenerational trauma experienced by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Survivors, their families and their communities.
All public schools will be closed on September 30. The HRCE calendar has been updated to observe this day of reflection.
Leading up to Truth and Reconciliation Day, schools will participate in various learning opportunities about Canada’s history of residential schools. September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day – a national movement to recognize the experiences of residential school survivors and to demonstrate a collective belief that every child matters. This day calls for all Canadians to wear orange in the spirit of healing and reconciliation. If you are unfamiliar with the story behind this movement, click here. This year, Orange Shirt Day will be honoured on September 29 in HRCE.
What can you do?
Truth and Reconciliation Day is an opportunity for Nova Scotians to learn more about Canada’s history of residential schools and their ongoing legacy. I encourage you to use this day to lean in, to listen and to learn about our shared history.
Here are a just few suggestions:
- Ask your children what they are learning in school about residential schools.
- Attend Reconciliation on the Waterfront events (September 30-October 2), organized by the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre.
- Take time to explore the resources available through the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
- Review the 94 Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and commit to at least one.
We are all treaty people!
Elwin LeRoux
Regional Executive Director
Halifax Regional Centre for Education