National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Friday, September 30, 2022 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada.

The federal government has proclaimed this statutory holiday to remember and honour the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. We encourage everyone to set aside the day to find out more about the legacy and impact of residential schools in Alberta and in Canada.

September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day. Please consider wearing an orange shirt or the colour orange on that day, to honour the children who survived residential schools, remember those who did not survive, build bridges for reconciliation and affirm that Every Child Matters.

The Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta (PSBAA) believes that reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is long overdue. However, before there can be reconciliation, we must first know and acknowledge the truth.

That’s why we believe learning about residential schools and their impact on Indigenous Peoples is so important. The PSBAA Board of Directors and staff have personally committed to learn more through Indigenous Canada’s 12-lesson, Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta through Coursera that explores the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada. You can find out more about the course here.

The PSBAA has made truth and reconciliation a strategic priority for the Association, and it is committed to fostering positive relationships, based on mutual respect and goodwill, with all First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples in Alberta.

We also support the implementation of all 94 Calls to Action of the federal Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). The PSBAA also affirms the Alberta government’s commitment to Education for Reconciliation by including First Nations, Métis and Inuit perspectives and experiences throughout Alberta’s K-12 education.

You can find out more here about our commitment to truth and reconciliation and through our award to honour an individual(s) or organization(s) in Promoting and Advancing in Alberta One or More of the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada in Relation to Education.

Many steps still remain on the path to reconciliation, but we are grateful to have embarked on the journey.

Dennis MacNeil, President