On the eighth Orange Shirt Day and the second annual Day of Truth and Reconciliation September 30, the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario (CDSBEO) started students on building awareness and understanding of Canadian history through First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives.
“While reconciliation calls us to teach our students about the traumatic history of Indigenous colonization, we wanted to reassure parents that such learning would be age-appropriate and sensitive to the individual needs of our students,” said Indigenous Consultant Melissa Mader-Tardif. “Grade specific resources and professional development opportunities were also distributed to teachers.”
Students across the board made posters, videos, and murals to honour the commemoration, and teachers held class discussions and did readings of Indigenous literature. Staff and students were invited to wear orange shirts to show their commitment, and high school students listened to the stories of Elders from the local Akwesasne community.
“We appreciate you being here today to share all of these initiatives and student learning, facilitated by the work being done by your department, and through our board partnerships. Thank you so much for an outstanding presentation,” said Vice-Chair Sue Wilson.
