I hope the school year is off to a great start for everyone.
In visiting schools this month, I am already seeing great examples of student learning, engagement and achievement, and offer sincere thanks to staff, students and families for all their great work.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
At the end of September, we recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. On this date, we commemorate the harm done to Indigenous peoples by the residential school system. We pause to honour the victims and survivors, and we reflect on the Truth and Reconciliation calls to action.
It is incumbent upon us to understand and to teach the history of the land that we share, our treaty responsibilities, the truth about Canadian and Indigenous histories and the promise of reconciliation, particularly as an education system. By exploring the truth of Canada’s past treatment of First Nations peoples and the contemporary issues faced, we continue our journey towards reconciliation.
As we raise the Every Child Matters flag outside all of our schools and work locations, I encourage everyone to think about our ongoing commitment to truth and reconciliation. While this week is dedicated to it, the work must and will go beyond it.
In our classrooms, we will continue to engage in Indigenous ways of learning and knowing throughout the year. By embedding Indigenous Education throughout the curriculum, we will continue to learn about and celebrate Indigeneity and the beautiful and historic cultures of all Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island who have been on this land since time immemorial.
Georgina Island First Nation Pow Wow, September 28-29
One of the many actions we can take toward truth and reconciliation is attending events such as pow wows.
Georgina Island First Nation is our closest Indigenous partner and our partner in education. It is our great honour and privilege to again host the Georgina Island First Nation Pow Wow at Sutton D.H.S on September 28-29.
Pow wows are gatherings and celebrations of culture. We were so pleased to see so many staff and families from the school board attending over the past few years. Visitors are welcome to attend and should familiarize themselves with pow wow protocols to ensure you are being respectful. It’s a wonderful opportunity for celebration, learning and developing and enhancing relationships.
Bill Cober
Director of Education