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Clearview schools hosted a variety of activities to recognize National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

‘Clearview teachers are up to the opportunities this day offers and we will not forget’
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To recognize the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30, Clearview schools hosted a variety of activities to recognize the day, reflect on the past, and look ahead to the future.

Starting in 2021, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a new federal statutory day of commemoration for the lost Indigenous children, residential school survivors and all the lives and communities affected by the Indian residential school system in Canada.

Commemoration of the painful history and ongoing impact of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.

Honouring First Nations peoples, their history and their truth, is embedded in our schools. Clearview schools are comprised of over 185 self-identified Aboriginal learner students or 8.5 per cent of the non-colony student population. For the past six years, Clearview has taken the opportunity on Sept. 30, Orange Shirt Day, to teach students about the history and legacy of residential schools, noted a release.

“Clearview believes having our teachers, staff, and students learning and talking about these important issues for this year provides benefits for all concerned, and ensures that the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools is never forgotten.”

Superintendent Brenda MacDonald said, “Today, in honour of the National Truth and Reconciliation and also Orange Shirt Day, our Clearview community has come together to honour the thousands of residential school survivors and to remember those who are no longer with us. We stand for hope and change.“

Schools created the opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the effects of residential schools and the legacy they have left behind. Many engaging and meaningful activities were offered to build First Nations, Métis, and Inuit foundational knowledge providing staff and students with a multitude of opportunities to continue their learning journey.

“As we embrace our work around truth and reconciliation, Clearview will be BRAVE and share the truth. What I know about Clearview teachers is that they have a great responsibility to move our society forward. Teachers love learning. They love their students. Teachers shape minds and societies. Clearview teachers are up to the opportunities this day offers and we will not forget,” said MacDonald.