The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day) Resources from SRTA
From SRTA Indigenous Education Committee Chair Jenna Desilets:
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, is being observed on September 30th. As we use this day to reflect on Canada’s past and present, may we also be hopeful for a future where truth and reconciliation are front and center.
As teachers, we play a vital role in educating students and helping them take action and move forward down a path towards reconciliation. The honourable Murray Sinclair’s powerful words on education speaks to this. He said…
“Education is what got us into this mess …but education is the key to reconciliation.”
As educators, we have the responsibility, but also the honour, to be part of truth and reconciliation in Canada.
It is easy to see this as a huge undertaking and duty, one that can seem like a lot to take on. The important thing to remember though, is that with each new activity, lesson or discussion, we are taking those steps, even if they seem small to us at the time. These steps work in the spirit of reconciliation, and they do make a positive impact!
As the Indigenous Education Chair of SRTA, I would love to work with you, brainstorm ideas, and offer suggestions for resources you can use in your classroom. Exploring Indigenous perspectives with fellow educators is something I truly value and prioritize, not only right now as we get closer to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, but throughout the school year. If you would like to connect to discuss what truth and reconciliation and Indigenous perspective/education in general could look like in your classroom, please email me at indigenous@srteach.org. In the meantime, if you would like some ideas and resources to get you started, please reference the following pages.
Wishing everyone a wonderful start to the school year!
Download The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day) Resources from SRTA (PDF)