National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Sep 29th

Dear Parents and Guardians,

On Monday, September 29th, Dr. Folkins Community School will recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This is an important day in Canada to honour the Survivors of residential schools, remember the children who never returned home, and reflect on the ongoing journey of reconciliation.

Students will follow their regular class schedules throughout the day. However, our teachers will be weaving in conversations and learning opportunities that connect to Indigenous perspectives, stories, history, and ways of knowing. These lessons will be part of our core programming and are meant to help students deepen their understanding of the past, while also recognizing the importance of building a more inclusive and respectful future.

We encourage all students to wear orange on this day as a visible symbol of support and commitment to reconciliation. Orange Shirt Day grew from the story of Phyllis Webstad, who shared how her new orange shirt was taken away on her first day at a residential school. Wearing orange reminds us all that “Every Child Matters.”

Thank you for supporting these important conversations at home as well as at school. Together, we can help our students understand the significance of reconciliation and the role they play in it.