St. Clair Catholic Honours National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

On Sept. 30, students and staff across the St. Clair Catholic District School Board came together to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The day honours residential school survivors, their families and those who never returned home.

Students wore orange shirts, took part in meaningful learning activities and engaged with Indigenous partners to deepen their understanding of the importance of truth and reconciliation.

Grade 6 to 8 students from Holy Family, Christ the King and Sacred Heart Port Lambton attended the Wallaceburg Healing Walk, beginning at the Wallaceburg Library and concluding at Civic Square Park. There, students and staff listened to residential school survivors and their families share their stories. Students also presented survivors with handmade gifts and cards.

Approximately 450 senior students from St. Angela Merici, St. Teresa of Calcutta, Monsignor Uyen, and St. Joseph’s Tilbury along with classes from Ursuline College Chatham, attended a screening of the film Meadowlarks at the Capitol Theatre in Chatham. The film tells the story of four Cree siblings who were separated during the Sixties Scoop and reunited as adults. Following the film, St. Joseph’s brought a special presentation of art for action with Cedric, Sandra, and Leighann Isaac of Bkejwanong Territory.

Students at St. Michael Brights Grove had the opportunity to hear from Jason Simon, a former NHL player, intergenerational school survivor and member of Aamjiwnaang First Nation.

On Monday, St. Elizabeth students attended the unveiling of the Residential Schools Monument at Walpole Island.

To further educate students, St. Clair Catholic also holds Truth and Reconciliation Weeks from Sept. 21 to Oct. 2. During this time, students hear from Indigenous speakers, learn in the classroom and explore Indigenous histories, cultures and perspectives.