Truth and Reconciliation Week September 25 to 28 at Escuela Canyon Meadows
Estimadas familias de nuestra Escuela Canyon Meadows,
Esta semana del 25 al 28 de septiembre honramos el Día de la Verdad y la Reconciliación, el día de usar la Camiseta Anaranjada.
This week of September 25 to 28 we honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Orange Shirt Day.
Orange Shirt Day is held on September 30 annually. It began in 2013 when residential school survivor, Phyllis Webstad shared how her orange shirt was taken away on her first day at residential school. Phyllis Webstad's story provides an opportunity for our students and staff to reflect on and discuss stories of survival and strength; and to share ways we can work together toward truth and reconciliation. At Escuela Canyon Meadows we are committed to ensure that every child matters and that each student feels welcome, respected, safe, and cared for every day.
Escuela Canyon Meadows acknowledges and supports the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action, and made the following commitment to action for the 2023-2024 school year:
Escuela Canyon Meadows students and Faculty members commit to learning through land-based experiences and Indigenous stories while going out on the land to connect with:
The Spirit – To Be: our Cultural Identity
The Heart – To Belong: living in Harmony with Self, Others and the Natural World
The Body – To Do: being Independent and Collaborative
The Mind – To Know: developing a Lifelong Learning mindset
In making our commitment, Call to Action # 63 offered inspiration.
At Escuela Canyon Meadows the Indigenous Education Committee planned tasks for teachers and students to incorporate into their teaching and learning. Through these tasks our students continue to build understanding, knowledge and appreciation for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Some tasks for teachers to incorporate into their teaching and learning are:
• Read aloud a book or show a book read-aloud to connect the idea from Indigenous knowledge that the land is our teacher.
• Engage in Core Routines such as 'sit spot' to enjoy nature, use our senses, appreciate the sights and sounds that surround us, sketching the land in students' journals.
• Acknowledge and share gratitude for the land, create a class 'Acknowledgment of the Land'.
• Take a walk in our Canyon Meadows community.
• Find natural waste in the Learning Meadows or on a community walk to create a land-based piece of art.
• Read aloud of picture book: 'Phyllis' Orange Shirt'.
• Review why we will wear orange shirts on Sept. 28.
• Provide ideas for what students can do on Sept 29/30 with their families such as,
Head outside with your family in your neighborhood and say hello and thank you to nature, visit parks – Fish Creek, Nose Hill.
Thursday, Sept. 28 is Orange Shirt Day at Escuela Canyon Meadows, please encourage your child to wear orange that day. Our Escuela Canyon Meadows staff is committed to continue providing a caring, respectful and welcoming learning environment for each and every student.
Building understanding together,
Lilien Perera Pérez, Principal
Cecilia Gutiérrez, Assistant Principal
Escuela Canyon Meadows Indigenous Education Committee
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day Event
CBE staff and their families and friends are invited to attend a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event hosted by the City of Calgary in partnership with the CBE and the Calgary Catholic School District. The third annual event is on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 9-10:30 a.m. at Fort Calgary (750 9 Ave SE). This year's gathering will include in-person speakers and performers, a live stream broadcast, an aerial salute ceremony, and other events.