Grade 5 and 6 students in Ms. Nielsen's class write messages to residential school survivors at AE Perry Elementary (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

ORANGE SHIRT DAY

Students reflect on residential schools ahead of first truth and reconciliation holiday

Sep 29, 2021 | 4:47 PM

KAMLOOPS — Ahead of the country’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Thursday (Sept. 30), schools across the Kamloops-Thompson School District commemorated Orange Shirt Day.

Ms. Nielsen’s Grade 5/6 class is thinking about how they can make a difference in reconciling with First Nations people in Canada. After all, it’s the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Thursday. On Wednesday, students across the Kamloops-Thompson School District recognized Orange Shirt Day.

Students in Ms. Nielsen wrote a message to First Nations people, including those who suffered through residential school.

“I’m so sorry for what happened to you,” said AE Perry student Will Mackey.

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Brody Exner added, “Sorry that they changed you. I would do anything to help you get your language back.”

“The Indigenous people are strong, brave. We hope you guys are okay and can recover from what we have done to all of you,” noted student Gavin Mugford.

Even the kindergarten children are learning about residential schools in an age-appropriate way.

Mrs. Abate read Phyllis Webstad’s children’s book ‘Phyllis’ Orange Shirt.’ She also had the students draw a picture of what a safe school meant to them — in contrast to what Indigenous children experienced at residential schools.

Mrs. Abate reads Phyllis’ Orange Shirt to her kindergarten students at AE Perry Elementary (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

On Monday, teachers had a professional development day that was geared towards Indigenous education.

“First of all, it was great team-building, but it also really gave and empowered our teachers to learn a little bit more and do a little bit better in their classrooms and with their students,” said AE Perry principal Katrina Sewell.

It’s given them ideas about how to educate their students all-year round, not just on Orange Shirt Day. “So we have teachers, they’re planning to go Isabelle Lake to learn from the land,” noted Sewell. “Just to dig a little bit deeper and do a bit richer of activity.”

AE Perry has started to put up First Nations art and symbols. It hopes to add to the collection and also continue the education beyond September.

Down the road at the Twin Rivers Education Centre, their First Nations art is on full display. There’s a historical timeline of residential schools as well as new art that welcomes students at the door.

“I believe it’s important for all learners to learn about the history within Canada and the history of the Indigenous people within Canada. We were the first people here in Canada, and so a lot of young people, even older people, don’t necessarily know the truth around our history.”

With this year’s inaugural National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, following 215 unmarked graves found on Tk’emlups te Secwepemc, the district, its teachers and students are putting extra emphasis on furthering the conversation towards reconciliation.