National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day 2024
Posted on 09/23/2024
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board will recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, on September 30. It is important that we honour this day and acknowledge the impact of residential schools in Canada. Equally, it is an opportunity to learn about the resilience of Indigenous peoples and the reclamation and cultural resurgence that is happening.

HPEDSB has been a leader in the region and province in recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and has been joined by others in recognizing this day by wearing orange shirts. As in years past, we are encouraging students and staff to wear orange shirts on September 30. Schools are reminded that as September 30 is a priority day, no unrelated school events are to be planned that day.

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) Truth and Reconciliation Week will take place from September 23-27, 2024 and many schools are taking part in activities all week long, as well as on September 30. 

Some of the opportunities in various HPEDSB schools include painting with Anishinaabe Artist Moses Lundham and a webinar with Inuit Elder, educator and author Monica Ittusardjuat. Other ways our schools will be observing the week and day include special bulletin board displays, book displays in the Library Learning Commons, student-lead announcements, art and beading activities, lacrosse games, school-wide picture book read-alouds and more.