Black Gold School Division’s Board of Trustees passed a resolution at a special meeting on September 3 to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a way to recognize and honour Canada’s residential school survivors, their families and communities.

“As a school community, we welcome this opportunity to formally commemorate the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action number 80,” said Board Chair Devonna Klaassen. “We are committed to continually working to further our understanding, engage in reflection, and raise awareness of the devastating impact of residential schools as we all work together toward healing and reconciliation.”

All schools and Division buildings and facilities will be closed Thursday, September 30, 2021, to publicly commemorate truth and reconciliation across the Division. School websites will be updated to reflect this change.

Staff and students will continue to recognize Truth and Reconciliation Week (September 27 to October 1) by incorporating Indigenous culture, knowledge and education within our classrooms and learning about the tragic history and painful legacy of residential schools.

As usual, schools across the Division will observe Orange Shirt Day on September 29 by lowering our flags to half mast and wearing our orange shirts in the spirit of reconciliation and hope because every child matters. We invite the greater school community to join us by wearing their orange shirts too.

Find out more about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action.