Listening and Learning on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
In the days leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, students and staff throughout the Langley School District – from elementary schools to secondary – continued their learning journeys to better understand the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools, as well as Indigenous history, culture and perspectives.
Orange Shirt Day, which began more than a decade ago and has become an annual observance across the District, is a day to remember and honour the children who attended residential schools and those who did not return home. It is also a day to recognize the message that “Every Child Matters.”
Orange shirts worn by students and staff across the District are in honour of Phyllis Webstad of Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation, who had her orange shirt taken away when she was sent to residential school as a child.
Orange Shirt Day has been recognized across Canada since 2013, and this year is the 11th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, which continue to guide reconciliation efforts across the country.
While wearing orange is an important symbol of remembrance and recognition, the work of reconciliation continues throughout the year in Langley classrooms, which Langley Board of Education chair Candy Ashdown noted at the Sept. 22 regular meeting of the Board of Education.
“For students in the Langley School District, the end of September is marked by both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day,” she said. “There are still many of the 94 calls to action that need to be fulfilled, including those pertaining to education. The Langley School District and Board of Education are continuing their commitment to truth and reconciliation through personal learning and action.”
Among the many learning opportunities that took part, Willougby Elementary held a school-wide assembly Tuesday morning, during which a number of Grade 5 students spoke – explaining to their younger classmates why the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day are observed, and why they are important. As well, one student from each class lit a candle to honour residential school attendees and serve as a symbol of hope for the future.
“This is a time for us to remember those who attended residential schools, who were separated from their families and the Indigenous communities that were changed forever,” said Willoughby Elementary principal Karin Muuren. “We’ve heard from some of our students today about why Orange Shirt Day is important and why we observe the day. It reminds us that every child matters. These are simple words but it carries a very powerful message.”
At Peterson Road Elementary, a similar message and theme was shared. The school also gathered in a school wide assembly and took part in learning about how truth and reconciliation came to be, and why people wear orange.
Over to H.D. Stafford Middle School, students watched a video on the history of how Indigenous people were historically treated in Canada, and followed that with an outdoor ‘Walk With Truth’ where students were led on a walk that features various stops for information along the way.
“We need to know what our country was founded on, injustices to the original inhabitants of this land,” said Outdoor Aboriginal Community and Environmental Studies teacher Angela Cowling. “I just finished the walk with (a group) of kids and one of the kids kind of summed it up in one word. He just kind of said, ‘Wow.’ And it’s the kind of tone where you know it’s hitting. You know he’s getting it.’”
At Simonds Elementary, students created a collaborative artwork inspired by the school’s traditional button blanket logo, reflecting unity, shared responsibility, and the commitment to ensuring every child knows they matter. School staff used a laser cutter to cut wooden replicas of the hands from the school logo and each student got to paint a hand, guided and supported by Aboriginal Support Worker, Ashli Tran.
Staff at the school board office wearing orange shirts were encouraged to listen, learn and reflect in their own way leading up and on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
To view photos from around the District, see gallery below:
