On Monday, September 29, SJS students, faculty and staff came together for Orange Shirt Day and the Truth and Reconciliation Assembly on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) nations. It was a day of reflection, student voice and hope for the future.
Student Voices
Student representatives from each of the IB programmes shared some of the Indigenous teachings they had explored in class, the lessons that resonated with them and their reflections on the experiences.
PYP students Sebby, Mackenzie and Ellie in Grade 4 spoke about their outdoor education trip to Camp Cheakamus last year where they learned about traditional Indigenous technologies. They learned how the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) people use natural resources like cedar bark and wool to make clothing and blankets, along with traditional hunting methods and architectural building. The students spoke fondly of the teachings and expressed enthusiasm about continuing their learning of Indigenous cultures.
MYP students Kieran and Julian from Grade 6 reflected on their lessons about residential schools and the Sixties Scoop, when indigenous children were taken from their families and adopted into white, European families. The students reflected on the trauma and fear those children must have experienced.
We were both pretty shocked that this happened, and we should remember those kids. Now, we all say that every child matters but I don’t think that’s what happened in the Sixties Scoop. — Julian
DP student Iona in Grade 12 spoke about a project in which her group partnered with a local organization for the Palette to Palate project, an art exhibition fundraiser featuring Indigenous artists from across Vancouver.
“This experience made me feel both grateful and hopeful. Grateful, because I was able to learn and take inspiration from artists who demonstrated how art is important to their culture. Hopeful, because I saw how art can bring people together to support causes that might not be brought to attention otherwise.” — Iona
Thank you to the students for their honest and thoughtful reflections.
Why We Gather
The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation was created as a response to Call to Action #80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission: to create a national holiday providing space for those affected, directly or indirectly, by the legacy of the residential schools system to share their stories and experiences.
Orange Shirt Day commemorates the loss of culture and freedom, and honours the survivors of residential schools. Each orange shirt is a reminder that Every Child Matters.
This day calls on all of us to walk together on a path toward righting relationships with Indigenous communities and to ensure all children receive an education that is just, inclusive and caring. Reconciliation requires ongoing time, effort and intention. Coming together in assembly to confront the truths of our shared history is a vital step in this journey.
Further Conversations
In the weeks leading up to the assembly, teachers have shared resources with students through lessons, assemblies and activities centering Indigenous voices and highlighting the resilience of communities across the country.
We invite families to join in the conversation. Below are just a few resources to support year-round dialogue and learning as part of the ongoing work of reconciliation.
Resources:
- 52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing by David A. Robertson
- 52 Ways to Reconcile poster
- Seven Sacred Teachings by David Bouchard
- Today is Orange Shirt Day by Phyllis Webstad
- “Got Land?”: The Controversial T-shirt Slogan
Thank you Mr. Ferguson, Ms. Gardecki and Ms. Hunter for their thoughtful planning of the assembly, to the student presenters for sharing their connections and experiences, and to our community for engaging in these important conversations.
We are confident that most of us are likely already taking steps towards reconciliation and encourage you to do even more as we keep in mind that we are a stronger society when everyone can thrive.
