CANORA - Sept. 30 was the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, with no school for students. The week before, from Sept. 23-27, students and staff at Canora Junior Elementary School brought into focus the significance of this special day, according to Shawna Stangel, principal.
“Students at CJES spent time learning and reflecting on the importance of Truth and Reconciliation Day by reading and listening to stories, watching videos that highlight why this day is one of reflection, and having discussions about why every child matters,” said Stangel.
“As a staff we believe that this is a topic of learning that goes beyond it only being recognized on one day. Any day can include Truth and Reconciliation teachings and learning that supports the Saskatchewan Curriculum Treaty outcomes.”
The week included a variety of different related activities.
Grade 1 students were given the opportunity to highlight the theme “Every Child Matters” creating their own artwork
Students in all grades expressed their creativity by designing and creating Truth and Reconciliation T-shirts.
Students also heard the story of Phillis Westad and how her residential school experience aided in the establishment of Orange Shirt Day. Westad’s story, in her own words, is found at orangeshirtday.org.
“I went to the Mission for one school year in 1973-74. I had just turned six years old. I lived with my grandmother on the Dog Creek reserve (near Williams Lake, B.C.). We never had very much money, but somehow my granny managed to buy me a new outfit to go to the Mission school. I remember going to Robinson’s store and picking out a shiny orange shirt. It had string laced up in front, and was so bright and exciting – just like I felt to be going to school!
“When I got to the Mission, they stripped me, and took away my clothes, including the orange shirt! I never wore it again. I didn’t understand why they wouldn’t give it back to me, it was mine! The colour orange has always reminded me of that and how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared and how I felt like I was worth nothing. All of us little children were crying and no one cared.
“I was 13 years old and in Grade 8 when my son Jeremy was born. Because my grandmother and mother both attended residential school for 10 years each, I never knew what a parent was supposed to be like. With the help of my aunt, Agness Jack, I was able to raise my son and have him know me as his mother.
“I went to a treatment centre for healing when I was 27 and have been on this healing journey since then. I finally get it, that the feeling of worthlessness and insignificance, ingrained in me from my first day at the mission, affected the way I lived my life for many years. Even now, when I know nothing could be further than the truth, I still sometimes feel that I don’t matter. Even with all the work I’ve done!
“I am honored to be able to tell my story so that others may benefit and understand, and maybe other survivors will feel comfortable enough to share their stories,” concluded Westad.
Don't count on social media to deliver your local news to you. Keep your news a touch away by bookmarking Canora Courier's homepage at this link.
Bookmark SASKTODAY.ca, Saskatchewan's home page, at this link.
