National Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30th will remain an instructional day for Red Deer Public Schools.

“In partnership with the Red Deer Native Friendship Society and local elders, it was agreed through consensus that September 30 remain as an instructional day in Red Deer Public Schools,” said Chad Erickson, Superintendent. “Our schools have a longstanding commitment to commemorating Orange Shirt Day, with many students and staff throughout the Division recognizing the day by wearing orange, as well as honouring children who attended residential schools, and remembering the children who did not survive. With students and staff in class on September 30, it will enhance the teaching, learning and understanding of residential schools and truth and reconciliation.”

On September 30, 11,000 students and 1,500 staff will watch a Division-wide produced video commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Grade appropriate lessons will also be provided to teachers from Red Deer Public’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit Learning Services team. Extra support, including those from Red Deer Native Friendship Society, will be available for students and staff on September 30 for those who need additional emotional support or debrief in dealing with the subject matter.

“Residential school experiences are a hard message to deliver, and teachers want to teach on this topic correctly. We need to work together and support teachers and one another in a good, kind and loving way,” said local Kokum, Donna Bishop. “Teachers delivering the message need support along with students who are receiving the message, we all need to work together and walk together and support each other.”

Red Deer Public’s Division-wide video will be posted on social media channels on September 30 for the community to view.

Red Deer Public Schools’ First Nations, Métis and Inuit Learning Services has been working across the Division for more than two decades, and is a recognized leader in the teachings and implementation of First Nations, Métis and Inuit culture and history in each of our schools, across all grades. Much of this work is guided by the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. In doing so, our Division’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit Learning Services has earned a reputation across the province for the quality and authenticity of its work in advancing the Calls to Action.