Today the AECEO is acknowledging and honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day by committing time throughout the day to learning, unlearning, and critically examining our own work to continue to be better allies and take action on Truth and Reconciliation. We are grateful for the guidance of many Indigenous organizations on how to spend the day in a good way. As educators, we must hear the truth of the experiences of Survivors, it is our responsibility to learn the history of our country and education system. In our pedagogical work with young children and families we must work to disrupt the consequences of that history and of ongoing colonialism and systemic injustice.
We invite you to explore these resources as you consider how to spend your time and take action towards Truth and Reconciliation:
Visit the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society to view resources and action ideas. Their film, Spirit Bear and Children Make History, is being offered for free from September 27-October 1st, 2021.
Visit the Orange Shirt Day website. Learn about the history of the day, Phyllis’s story, and access some resources to help you honour the day with children.
If you haven’t yet, read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action. As you read the Calls to Action, reflect on where you can take action as an ECE and community member.
Take time to listen to the stories of Survivors. You can read their stories in The Survivors Speak, A Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
You can also visit the Downie Wenjack Foundation to read more about their online discussion and resources to support you in honouring the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.