September 30th marks both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. A vital part of Reconciliation is learning and acknowledging the truth about Canada's history with Indigenous Peoples, including residential schools and their lasting and ongoing impacts on survivors, their families, and the communities of all children who were sent to these schools. Healing is needed not only for Indigenous communities, but also for Canada as a nation.
As educators, we have both an individual and collective responsibility to ensure that today's students learn the truth about residential schools and understand the role we all have in advancing Reconciliation. To support teachers across all grade levels, Mi'kmaw Services Branch and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development provide resources for teaching about residential schools, the lessons of Resilience, and the commitment required for Reconciliation.
By using the link below, teachers and other educators can access English and French supports appropriate for the grade levels they teach. Great care has gone into the selection of messaging, content, suggested learning experiences, and recommended resources to ensure that the cognitive and emotional development of each grade grouping was considered.
The links are active and will remain active all year round as encouragement for teachers to share these important messages throughout the school year. GNSPES Resources
Should you or any of your educators have questions about the most respectful ways to observe Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, please reach out to your Regional Mi'kmaw Education Coordinator (MEC). If there are any questions about the resources available through this link, please email Mi'kmaw Services Branch at mikmaqservices@novascotia.ca
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to advancing Reconciliation.
Wela'lioq/Thank you/Merci