September 25th, 2023
On Friday, September 29, Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) will acknowledge:
- The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
- Orange Shirt Day
These days are recognized annually on September 30. As September 30 is a Saturday, WRDSB will be acknowledging the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on Friday, September 29, 2023.
What is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?
In June 2021, the Government of Canada created the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This federal holiday, held every September 30, is a response to the Truth and Reconciliation’s Call to Action #80. The day allows for time and space to reflect on the atrocities committed against First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.
Watch this Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) video to learn more.
What is Orange Shirt Day?
This grassroots and Indigenous led day of recognition honours residential school survivors, those who did not survive, and their descendants.
Watch this Orange Shirt Day video to learn more about the history and importance of this day.
WRDSB’s Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
WRDSB accepts its responsibility to work towards Indigenous sovereignty. We must disrupt anti-Indigenous racism and Indigenous erasure so that First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students, families, and community-members have a sense of success and belonging. We recognize that the challenge of achieving reconciliation is the challenge of our time.
We will make sure all students have the opportunity to build intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect by learning with and about Indigenous people.
Learn more about the WRDSB Strategic Plan and commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.