National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a federal statutory holiday dedicated to honouring Residential School Survivors, their families, and communities, to commemorate the children who never returned home, and to recognize the lasting impacts of Canada’s Residential School system. It is the fulfillment of Call to Action #80 and is marked on September 30 each year, as that was the time of year Indigenous children were historically taken from their homes to attend residential schools.

This important day of reflection coincides with Orange Shirt Day, a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission (SJM) residential school commemoration event held in Williams Lake, BC in the spring of 2013. Inspired by Phyllis Wenstad's story of having her new orange shirt taken away on her first day of residential school, her story has helped inspire a national movement and the message that Every Child Matters.

Phyllis visited Queen Victoria Annex in 2024 to read her book: Every Child Matters. The event was a meaningful opportunity for students to connect with her on a deeper level as she shared her own stories after reading each page.

Both significant days also recognize the ongoing intergenerational impacts of residential schools; reflections which should extend beyond September 30.

Across VSB, students and staff are continuing to reflect, learn, and commit to action on the pathway of Reconciliation. 

The District's Indigenous Education Department held workshops for staff to learn how to meaningfully use a Truth and Reconciliation Resource Kit gifted to every school.

At Queen Alexandra Elementary, they hosted an Orange Shirt Day assembly open to the community followed by a Community Awareness Walk around the neighbourhood.

Gladstone Secondary and Norquay Elementary students watched a performance by Dancers of Damelahamid, an Indigenous dance company founded upon over five decades of extensive work of song and dance revitalization.

These activities are part of a commitment to continuous learning across VSB, as students and educators continue to deepen their understanding of truth, Reconciliation and the lasting impacts of residential schools not just at on September 30, but throughout the year.