National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30 is Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a federal statutory holiday.  All schools in the Richmond School District will be closed on Monday, October 2.  This day provides an opportunity for all Canadians to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools. This may present itself as a day of quiet reflection or participation in a community event.

At McMath we are dedicated to learning, understanding, healing, and reconciliation.  We will observe Orange Shirt Day on September 29, and we encourage everyone to show their support by wearing orange. 

Throughout the week we have been highlighting things being done in and around our school to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Some of our student annoucements.

1. Do you know on whose traditional land McMath resides?  Can you name the nations that have lived in parts of Richmond since time immemorial? In honour of Canada's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Block B English First Peoples 12 students have shared their Land Acknowledgements.  Students and staff are encouraged to come by upper C-Wing this week to see their statements which are posted in the hallway. 

2. Students and staff are encouraged to come by the Lower C Textiles wing to see the Red Dress Display to honour missing Indigenous Women and Children.  The Red Dress initiative is a response calling for justice and accountability for those who have been harmed or lost.

3. How can Canada reconcile with the damage done to Indigenous communities? In honour of Canada's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Social Justice 12 students have written out the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 calls to action.  What are these?  Students and staff are encouraged to come by upper C-Wing this week to see these calls to action which are posted in the hallway. A QR code will let you know which ones have been completed and which are still things we need to work on.

As a school we are going to create a TREE OF RECONCILIATION on the Rotunda Stage doors on Thursday and Friday.

The Arbutus Menziezii  is a native tree found on the gulf islands, and South Vancouver Island. It a Coast Salish sacred tree.  It grows in rocky outcrops, does not easily transplant, and has a dense uneven wood, with exfoliating bark. The tree provided an anchor for the Coast Salish canoes to hold steady and not drift away during the great flood.  It's not used for firewood because of this.  

Students will be provided an Orange Post-It Note to write their reflection or action for Reconciliation.  Students will put the Orange “Leaves” on the tree. 

Schools and EDUCATORS are key to making the 94 Calls to Action.  We inspire our students to create action and move forward with reconciliation and create an equitable and inclusive world for EVERYONE. We encourage all members of our community to find meaningful ways to recognize and raise awareness about the history and legacies of the residential school system in Canada. 

If anyone would like to make their own donation to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) as an act of reconciliation, here is the link:https://www.irsss.ca/donate-online

The Story of Orange Shirt Day:  https://www.orangeshirtday.org/about-us.html
TRC Calls to Action:                     https://ehprnh2mwo3.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf