Flags will be lowered at all schools and Board offices
Sept. 28, 2023 — From Halton District School Board
In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Saturday, Sept. 30, the Halton District School Board (HDSB) and individual schools will be honouring this important day with a number of acknowledgments and learning opportunities, in addition to lowering the Canadian flag at all schools and Board offices beginning on Friday, Sept. 29. This year, the HDSB will raise the Survivors’ Flag at the J.W. Singleton Education Centre to honour residential school Survivors and all the lives and communities impacted by the residential school system in Canada.
This day is recognized as Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Orange Shirt Day was inspired by the story of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad’s experience on her first day at a residential school. Phyllis was a student at St. Joseph Mission Residential School in Williams Lake, B.C.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation seeks to honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis residential school survivors, their families and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of their history and the legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.
One of the five areas of focus of the HDSB’s 2020-2024 Multi-Year Strategic Plan is Indigenous Perspectives and Awareness, intended to promote knowledge and understanding of Indigenous truths, rights and realities. The HDSB and Indigenous community partners have co-developed an Indigenous Education Policy, expanded the Indigenous Rights and Education department and continues to fulfill the commitments identified in the Multi-Year Plan. The HDSB regularly consults with the treaty partner and meets with the Board’s Indigenous Education Advisory Council.
“The learning for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation goes beyond this one day. It is the responsibility of the HDSB community to continue to listen, learn and reflect on the truths that survivors and voices from Indigenous communities share as we carry this learning forward,” says Jennie Petko, Superintendent of Education, with responsibility for Indigenous Rights and Education and the Human Rights, Equity and Inclusive Education Department.
“In consultation with Indigenous community partners, the HDSB Indigenous Rights and Education team works with staff across the system to build informed knowledge and understanding to enable staff to examine and apply their learning to classroom and department practices. HDSB staff and students have been provided with resources and learning opportunities to help guide them in learning before and beyond September 30.”
