Education and Early Childhood Learning

Truth and Reconciliation Week and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30

On September 30, the Manitoba government commemorates the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation during Truth and Reconciliation Week during the last week of September. This day is also recognized as Orange Shirt Day, a day to have meaningful conversation about the legacy of the residential school experience, to honour the healing journey of residential school Survivors and their families, and to commit to Truth and Reconciliation. It is our collective and shared responsibility during this time to honour the residential school Survivors, to educate students and ourselves, to reflect on the detrimental impacts of residential schools, and to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action.

Educators have an important role in raising awareness of the tragic and ongoing legacy of residential schools and colonialism. Educators are encouraged to incorporate and facilitate engagement in activities that teach about the true history of residential Schools and colonialism during Truth and Reconciliation Week.

Early learning and child care providers and school divisions are encouraged to recognize September 29 as a day of learning for all students and staff, to honour the tradition of Orange Shirt Day and the intent of the federal day of observance. Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning, in collaboration with the Indigenous Inclusion Directorate Advisory Council, recommends a moment of silence on September 29 across all schools. A script that may be used to accompany the moment of silence is available in both English and French.

Resources

Further resources to facilitate commemoration and support teaching and learning during Truth and Reconciliation Week, and throughout the year, include the following:

• Residential Schools: Resources for Educators
• Mamàhtawisiwin: The Wonder We Are Born With – An Indigenous Education Policy Framework supports the holistic achievements of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit learners by helping Manitoba educators incorporate Indigenous languages, cultures, and identities into their teaching and practices, setting Indigenous students up for success in school and beyond.
• The Indigenous Inclusion Directorate website, Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations as well as the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website have published a variety of resources on Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing, the histories and legacies of the Residential School System, and the histories and ongoing legacies of colonialism. Please visit these links for resources to recognize the importance of this day.
• The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation regularly hosts Truth and Reconciliation Week in the lead-up to September 30 every year. This week-long program is open to all schools across Canada with free educational programming for Grades 1 through 12.
• The Manitoba Museum regularly hosts programming and activities from September 30 to October 2 that focus on Residential Schools and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. The three-day event includes free admission to the Museum Galleries, Planetarium and Science Gallery.