St. Clair Catholic will recognize Orange Shirt Day 2020 with a number of learning opportunities for students across the district. 

Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity for First Nations, local governments, schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for the future. The Canadian Catholic Bishops urge all Catholics to commit to continuing our walk together with Indigenous peoples and to build a more just society, where their gifts, and those of all people, are nurtured and honoured. This learning will also support the themes of anti-racism, anti-bullying, and most importantly foster a sense of belonging and inclusion in alignment with our Pastoral Plan. 

“By wearing Orange Shirts on September 30 and participating in learning through hands-on and interactive sessions throughout the week of September 28, we are helping our communities to hear and understand the stories of the survivors of Residential Schools,” says Deb Crawford, Director of Education.  “This is an important step in reconciliation.”

Classes from JK to Grade 12 will also be signing up for age appropriate live virtual events during the week of September 28 to bring learning into the classroom.  Live events include:

• The Orange Shirt Story with Phyllis Webstad.  Phyllis shares her story and teaches the importance of coming together as a community by treating all people with respect – September 22 – all grades.
  
• Residential School Survivor Geraldine Robertson, from Aamjiwnaang First Nation, will lead a discussion for students about her residential school experience – September 28 – Grades 5 to 8.
  
• Cecil Isaac and Cedric Isaac, Knowledge Keepers from Bkejwanong Territory, will lead a discussion for students about the legacy of residential schools. The Isaac family will also share their family story – September 28 – Grades 7 to 12.
  
• Rhonda Snow, Northwestern Ontario artist, will share her artwork and storytelling with classes with follow-up sessions as students continue to think about the importance of land, reconciliation, resilience and belonging – September 29 and 30 – Grades 5 to 8 and Grades 9 to 12.
  
• The Isaac family will also lead a discussion for younger students and connect the importance of belonging and inclusion – September 30 – Grades 2 to 4 and K to Grade 1.
  
• Moses Lunham, artist and storyteller from Kettle and Stony Point First Nation will lead a reflection and art lesson with students to think about the importance of recognizing Orange Shirt Day – September 30 – Grades 1 to 4.

• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation event provides an opportunity to learn first hand from Residential School Survivors, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, artists and leaders from nations and cultures across the country – September 30 – Grades 5 to 12.
  
• Woodland Cultural Centre Virtual Tour – includes a resource package of activities to prepare classes for participation, follow-up activities and further resources – October 1 – Grades 7 to 12.
  
• Moses Lunham, artist and storyteller from Kettle and Stony Point First Nation will lead a reflection and art lesson with students to think about the importance of recognizing Orange Shirt Day – October 2 – Grades 5 to 12.

Classroom learning will also include the use of readings and a number of other resources, such as documentaries.  Teachers in both in-person classrooms and the online Remote Learning School are invited to participate in these virtual events.

A special evening session has also been arranged with Moses Lunham on Thursday, October 1, 2020 at 7:30 p.m.  Moses is an artist and storyteller from Kettle and Stony Point First Nation who will be leading a reflection and art lesson on ReconciliACTION, belonging and inclusion.

Classes are also encouraged to create a display to inform others about Orange Shirt Day and why it’s important to recognize the legacy of residential schools.  The Secondary Youth Leadership Groups will select two classes to receive a class set of Orange Shirts.

“I want to thank all of the members of our local First Nations communities, who give of their time and their gifts, as they share their stories with our students and staff,” says Mrs. Crawford.  “By speaking with and to each other, we are helping future generations to understand the lasting impacts of Canada’s Residential Schools system.”