From September 23 to September 27, 2024, the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) recognizes Truth and Reconciliation Week. During this significant week students and staff are encouraged to engage in reflection and learning of the history and current realities of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Truth and Reconciliation Week takes place the week before the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30. This is a day of solemn reflection and DCDSB school communities will be honouring the children who never returned home from residential schools, and offer thoughts and prayers to the survivors, their families and all those impacted by this painful history. To learn more about Truth and Reconciliation Week, please visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website.
DCDSB prioritizes Indigenous Education across the system and every student and staff member has a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. The DCDSB community demonstrates this by learning about the impacts of colonization, collaborating with First Nation, Métis and Inuit community and partners, and utilizing holistic approaches to student success.
The DCDSB community will be wearing orange shirts on September 30 to honour the children who did not return home. This day is also Orange Shirt Day to recognize the efforts of Phyllis Webstad, from Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation, who had her new orange shirt taken from her on the first day of residential school in 1973.
This day may be triggering for some students, including First Nation, Métis and Inuit students. Some students may have personally experienced losses like being removed from their homes, communities, or culture due to factors locally or in other areas of the world. Please visit our website for mental health supports and resources for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students, including toll free 24/7 crisis lines and online chats. Additionally, DCDSB has compiled resources for further learning on residential schools in Canada on our website.
Recognizing the truth is a step needed to achieve the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and we are committed to this learning and walking the path together. For further information, please visit dcdsb.ca/IndigenousEducation.
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