St. Clair Catholic Marks Orange Shirt Day with Week-Long Learning and Reflection
The St. Clair Catholic District School Board is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for students and staff to learn from Indigenous voices and deepen their understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures and perspectives.
Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be observed on Sept. 30. This day is an opportunity for schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and honour residential school survivors, their families, and those who never returned home.
For the past 10 years, St. Clair Catholic schools have participated in Orange Shirt Day and engaged in week-long learning to help students understand the significance of wearing orange.
During Truth and Reconciliation Weeks from Sept. 21 to Oct. 2, schools have multiple opportunities to learn firsthand through Indigenous partnerships. This year, we are honoured to welcome the following guests to our schools:
- Cedric, Sandra and Leighann Isaac, Bkejwanong Territory
- Jason Simon, Aamjiwnaang First Nation and former NHL player
- Biindigegizhig, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
- Steve Tooshkenig, Bkejwanong Territory
- Derek and Bill Sands, Bkejwanong Territory
Students and staff will also have opportunities to learn and reflect by participating in meaningful experiences, including:
- Walpole Island Residential School Monument unveiling
- Meadowlarks film screening at the Chatham Capitol Theatre
- Wallaceburg Healing Walk with residential school survivors and family members of survivors
- Sarnia-Lambton Native Friendship Centre Orange Shirt Day Walk
- Painting with Moses Lunham, Kettle and Stony Point First Nation
The Ministry of Education has directed school boards to avoid scheduling tests, assessments, athletic games or competitions, and cultural activities such as plays or concerts on Sept. 30, unless they are directly related to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.