Rainbow Schools mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

All Rainbow Schools will observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Thursday, September 28, 2023. This will highlight the significance of the day and may encourage students and staff to engage in learning opportunities in the community on Saturday, September 30, 2023.

Students and staff will observe a moment of silence to honour the Survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities, and remember the children who never came home. Schools will play an honour/drum song prepared by Liz Osawamick of Wikwemikoong, a professor of Indigenous Studies at Trent University.

Flags will fly at half-mast at all Rainbow Schools and the Centre for Education.

“Staff and students will wear orange as we continue to learn about residential schools and their impact on generations of Indigenous peoples,” said Rainbow District School Board Director of Education Bruce Bourget. “Schools will ensure Indigenous students, staff and families feel supported as we stand in solidarity with them during this time of retrospection and reflection.”

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation reaffirms the significance of the “Truth and Reconciliation: A Commitment to Action” plan adopted by Rainbow District School Board. The plan is dedicated to the former students of Canada’s residential school experience, the Survivors, and the many men and women, the Elders, including those who have passed into the Spirit World – whose traditional territory we now call home.

Rainbow District School Board will host a sunrise ceremony at the Centre for Education, 408 Wembley Drive on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 6:45 am. The Sunrise Ceremony will be conducted by Anishinaabe Traditional Advisor, Mr. Gerard Sagassige, who is a member of the Curve Lake First Nation.

A.B. Ellis Public School
The entire A.B. Ellis Public School community is encouraged to wear orange on Thursday, September 28th to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. A moment of silence will be observed during morning announcements to remember the children that never made it home from residential schools. Classes will engage in learning through read alouds and technology to develop an increased understanding of the story of Phyllis Webstad and will connect her experiences in Residential School with Orange Shirt Day.
Some classes will design their own orange shirt to represent their learning about the significance of this day. Select designs will be stenciled onto t-shirts. Kindergarten students will be introduced to truth and reconciliation through a knowledge building circle led by Indigenous Support Worker Hazel Fox-Recollet.

Algonquin Road Public School
Staff and students at Algonquin Road Public School are encouraged to wear orange shirts on Thursday, September 28th to recognize the important role we must all play in truth and reconciliation. Through various art, literacy and historical lessons, students will learn about individual, family and community impacts of the Residential school system locally and nationally.

Assiginack Public School
Staff and students of Assiginack Public School are encouraged to wear orange shirts on Thursday, September 28th in support of residential school Survivors and as a show of commitment towards truth and reconciliation. The story of Phyllis Webstad’s orange shirt will be shared, and a moment of silence will be observed to honour residential school Survivors and the children who never made it home.

Barrydowne College
Leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, students from Barrydowne College are invited to take part in an orange shirt art project. Staff and students are encouraged to wear orange shirts on Thursday, September 28th in support of residential school Survivors and in a show of commitment to truth and reconciliation. Students can participate in an information session about truth and reconciliation as a path forward for a brighter future. The story of Phyllis Webstad’s orange shirt will be shared, and a moment of silence will be observed to honour residential school Survivors, the children who did not make it home, and the unmarked graves across Turtle Island. Students will also have the opportunity to tour the Wabnode Centre for Indigenous Services and participate in smudging on Thursday, September 28th.

Central Manitoulin Public School
Central Manitoulin Public School is honoured to welcome Ontario Regional Chief Glen Hare to the school on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 10 am for a special ceremony to recognize and bless the grounds of the Wellness Orchard. In 2022, Central Manitoulin Public School received a grant from the David Suzuki Foundation, in partnership with the Healing Forest Foundation, to expand a space where healing had begun to take place. Students come together in the Wellness Orchard to learn about and reflect on both the legacy of Residential Schools and reconciliation. The space continues to evolve with the ongoing input of students, staff and the community. In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, all students have made orange hearts to share how each individual in the school matters, while demonstrating respect for our space and one another.

C.R. Judd Public School
C.R. Judd Public School will mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with various in-class lessons to deepen understanding about the impacts of residential schools. Staff and students are encouraged to wear orange in a demonstration of support for residential school Survivors. Primary classes will read “You Hold Me Up” by Monique Gray Smith, which describes how supporting and caring for one another can help us move forward in the spirit of truth and reconciliation. Students will talk about the meaning of a promise, being safe at school, being kind and making friends. Students will also discuss how children should feel at school and will create a bulletin board with their reflections. Junior and intermediate classes will read articles about residential schools and Orange Shirt Day. Students will create orange t-shirt designs. One class will make mini birch bark canoes, and another will paint orange rocks with positive messages to place around the school and courtyards.

Charles C. McLean Public School
Students from Charles C. McLean Public School will read the “The Orange Shirt Story” by Phyllis Webstad and will watch a video about Phyllis’ story. Students will design orange shirts, learn First Nations games, sing a N’we Jinan song with discussions about its meaning and how it makes them feel, read Indigenous literature, talk about and create Wampum Belts, and practice greetings and responses in Anishinaabemowin. Students will also participate in lessons through the University of Manitoba’s National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

Chelmsford Valley District Composite School
To mark National Truth and Reconciliation Week, Chelmsford Valley District Composite School staff have prepared daily age-appropriate lessons aimed at fostering meaningful discussions in classes. On Monday, September 25th, students dove into the book “When We Were Alone” by David Robertson. Tuesday, September 26th featured “Shi Shi Etko” by Nicola I. Campbell. On Wednesday, September 27th, students will learn about the Survivors’ Flag. The week will culminate on Thursday, September 28th with a live reading of “The Orange Shirt Story” by Phyllis Webstad.

Lansdowne Public School
Lansdowne Public School will mark National Truth and Reconciliation Week. Ojibwe classes will create a banner to hang in the school that will serve as a reminder to honor everyone in the school community. Several classes will use texts related to the history of residential schools in shared readings, including “When I Was Eight” by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton and “I Lost My Talk” by Rita Joe. Classes will design their own orange shirts and will create paper chains with links that feature reasons why all students are important. Students will also write poetry based on Gord Downie’s “The Secret Path”. Classes will take part in programming through the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation with livestreamed events, lessons and discussions about the topics covered.

Lasalle Elementary School
In the lead up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, students from Lasalle Elementary School will engage in various learning opportunities including readings and class discussions to raise awareness about the individual, family and community intergenerational impacts of residential schools. Students will create articles and exhibits for the schoolwide Traditional Harvest Celebration on Wednesday, October 4th. Everyone will join together to celebrate Indigenous perspectives by learning about our relationship with the land and the importance of protecting nature for future generations. On Thursday, September 28th, all students and staff are encouraged to wear orange.

Larchwood Public School
To commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, staff and students from Larchwood Public School will create a schoolwide art project that celebrates each child’s uniqueness. Students will create handprints for an “Every Child Matters” display in the school gym. Discussions, announcements and lessons will be used to deepen understanding and support for truth and reconciliation, and to contribute to the national effort of healing and building strong relationships with Indigenous communities. Vanessa Genier, an Indigenous mother from Missanabie First Nation in Ontario, will speak with students on Wednesday, September 27th about Quilts For Survivors. The not-for-profit, founded by Vanessa Genier, coordinates volunteers nationwide to prepare quilts for survivors of residential schools. The quilts are a symbol of support, respect and love, and  honour the lives of the children who are finding their way home, as Turtle Island releases the children back to their Nations across the land.

Levack Public School
The entire Levack Public School community will honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation through lessons, videos and dialogue about residential schools and Phyllis Webstad’s experience. A moment of silence, an honour song, and messages about their commitment to action will be shared schoolwide. Everyone is encouraged to wear orange to recognize the impact of residential schools on generations of Indigenous peoples.

Little Current Public School
Little Current Public School’s Kindergarten students will read and have age-appropriate discussions about the book “When We Were Alone” by David Robertson. Primary students will engage in stories and art. Junior students will watch a video about Phyllis Webstad’s experience and will design their own paper t-shirts and motifs with calls to action for their classroom. Intermediate students will continue to review literature written by First Nation authors, and will prepare visual representations of their understanding of truth and reconciliation to present to their class. Students will learn about First Nations inventions and discoveries through research projects. Junior/Intermediate ISP students will learn about famous Canadian Indigenous artists and will create designs inspired by their work. Students will read “Sometimes I Feel Like a River” by Danielle Daniel, and will make a local connection by writing about something in nature they feel like or relate to. Staff continue to learn about ways to create equitable education for all learners through Jo Chrona’s book “Wayi Wah!: Indigenous Pedagogies: An Act for Reconciliation and Anti-Racist Education”.

Lively District Secondary School
Several Lively District Secondary School classes will watch “Orange Shirt Day – Truth and Reconciliation in Canada” followed by lessons and discussions. History classes will learn how Confederation impacted Indigenous peoples as well as The Indian Act of 1876. An Indigenous Support Worker will share a lesson about truth and reconciliation with art students who will paint images on rocks. Grade 7 students will learn about the Wikwemikong Pow Wow, music, dance, regalia, as well as the historical significance of these events. In a symbolic gesture, ISP students will plant trees from seed in classes for Orange Shirt Day.

Lockerby Composite School
Throughout the week, staff and students from Lockerby Composite School will reflect upon and acknowledge the history and lasting impacts of residential schools. On Thursday, September 28th, the school community is invited to wear orange to honour residential school Survivors and the children who never made it home. To encourage moments of reflection, orange ribbons will be prepared and distributed by members of Student Council. Classes will engage in various lessons, readings and discussions in support of truth and reconciliation including “The Legend of the Three Sisters”. To signify their commitment, the entire school community is invited to take part in beading projects during lunch.

Markstay Public School
Darren McGregor from Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services will visit Markstay Public School on Wednesday, September 27th to speak with students and further their understanding of the ongoing impacts of Canada’s residential school system. Students will also wear orange to show their collective support, and will make a tie blanket to give thanks.

Monetville Public School
Students from Monetville Public School will wear orange on Thursday, September 28th to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Students will engage in various lessons connected to the history and truths of Indigenous peoples. Students in Grades 5 to 8 will continue to work with Nathalie Restoule of Dokis First Nation to deepen their understanding and respect of Indigenous peoples and their culture. The entire school community will join together in a moment of silence to acknowledge the unmarked graves that continue to be discovered across Canada, and to reaffirm their commitment to truth and reconciliation through unity and new beginnings.

N’Swakamok Alternative School
The N’Swakamok Native Friendship Centre will host various workshops and learning opportunities on Wednesday, September 27th including a sharing circle, Teachings from the West, and Understanding the Sacred Circle through the Medicine Wheel. A catered lunch will also be offered. Staff and students will walk in unison at 9 am on Thursday, September 28th from the Friendship Centre to Bell Park for a community observation for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Queen Elizabeth II Public School
On Thursday, September 28th, students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 will gather in the gym for an assembly to deepen their collective support for residential school Survivors. Students will also build their understanding of the ongoing impact of Canada’s residential school system. All staff and students are encouraged to wear orange on this important day.

R.H. Murray Public School
To commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the entire school community is invited to wear orange on Thursday, September 28th. Students in all grades will learn about the experiences of residential school Survivors in an age appropriate manner. Each student will write a message of hope for Survivors and their families on an orange ribbon. These messages will be tied to the fence in the schoolyard.

R.L. Beattie Public School
Students and staff from R.L. Beattie Public School will wear orange to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This small gesture will help to raise awareness about individual, family and community intergenerational impacts of residential schools. Conversations and learning opportunities will take place in all classes about how we can heal as a nation, as we honour, respect, and learn together.

Redwood Acres Public School
Students from Redwood Acres Public School will hear a land acknowledgement for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The entire school community is invited to wear orange. Age-appropriate dialogues will take place in classes about the importance of commemorating this day. Students will also discuss what it means to be an ally. An “Every Child Matters” banner will be on display in the school’s front entrance.

Remote Learning
At the Remote Learning Secondary School, students will participate in virtual activities from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Students will learn directly from residential school Survivors, Indigenous artists, athletes and experts. Topics include the gifts Indigenous peoples bring to the world, language, culture, the history of residential schools, and how learners and educators can take action towards reconciliation. Visual art students will learn about famous Indigenous artists from Canada and will create works of art in Woodlands style.

S. Geiger Public School
Students from S. Geiger Public School will engage in classroom lessons and discussions to deepen their understanding of the significance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Students in the Grade 2/3 class will read “With Our Orange Hearts” by Phyllis Webstad and “Shi-Shi-etko” by Nicola I. Campbell. Students will also attend a live virtual reading of “When We Were Alone” with author David Robertson, and will paint rocks in memory of the children that did not make it home. Students in the 1/2 class will create friendship bracelets that symbolize unity – to recognize and honour the differences among friends and how we can understand, respect, and learn together. Students and staff are encouraged to wear orange to commemorate the Survivors, children, families, and communities affected by the residential school system.

Sudbury Secondary School
Ojibwe and Indigenous studies classes at Sudbury Secondary School have begun beading Orange Shirt pins. Students are completing studies on identity and are tentatively scheduled to view the film “Bones of Crows.” Ojibwe language students have been reading Language Revitalization quotes that reference the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s calls to action from Indigenous authors Richard Wagamese and Elder Dr. Shirley Williams-Pheasant. Indigenous art students will create mosaic art with each student’s work serving as a piece of a larger picture. This represents diversity and demonstrates that we are all a part of a community – connected through relationships, culture, ancestry and land. Students will use inspiration from Patrick Hunter, an Ontarian Ojibwe and 2Spirit artist and graphic designer. A group of students will watch videos and short films related to truth and reconciliation and the history of residential schools including a media segment with Murray Sinclair, former senator and Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Math classes will watch “Residential Schools in Canada: A Timeline” by Historica Canada, and media arts students will watch “Where the Spirit Lives” by Bruce Pittman.

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171 ext. 7217.