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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Ecole Crane

As Canadians and as Treaty People who are called to act towards reconciliation, the students at Ecole Crane recognized and were prepared for Orange Shirt Day in several different ways.

The children learned about the Indian Residential School System through age appropriate presentations. Some discussion was held regarding the Pembina Trails Ryerson school ‘What’s in a Name?’ re-naming project as one act of reconciliation as we move forward together. 

Furthermore, as a collective act of reconciliation we participated in the “Every Child Matters Memorial Art Project.” This involved the children in learning about the Indigenous tradition of tabacco ties. Each class made one tobacco tie which will become part of a sacred fire at Ma Mami Wi Chi Itata Centre. Each class also composed a short message expressing what “Every Child Matters” means to them:

“Being with family and respecting others.”

“Every child has the right to be different! Be loving!”

“No matter what culture, all children should be treated equally.” 

These messages will be incorporated with others around the province into the final monument at the Gathering Place for Truth and Reconciliation.  

Finally, on September 29 we wore orange and held a simple ceremony that included viewing a You tube video of the O Canada sung in Ojibwe/Cree and a school-created land acknowledgement video. A moment of silence was held in honour those who attended Indian residential schools.

Our hope is that these activities will help our students better appreciate and understand the meaning of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

 

Véronique Gibson and Trish Steadman

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