National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day are held annually on September 30.
This day invites us to engage intentionally in learning about the Residential School System, and the true history of relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. It is a time to mourn the children who never returned home, and to honour the Survivors, their families, and their communities.
This day is part of a broader conversation about colonization and systemic inequities. As we learn, it is essential to recognize and uplift Indigenous resilience and resistance, which continue to shape and strengthen communities across the country.
On September 30, all LDSB schools, education centres, and sites will lower all school flags to half-mast, in observance of this day.
The LDSB Indigenous Education team has put in significant work for supporting a wide range of learning across the system, including the recent launch of Limestone's access to On-Core.
On-Core is an online learning platform that provides teachers with high-quality, curriculum-aligned resources. This site will help ensure that all staff have access to meaningful tools that support culturally responsive and inclusive teaching.
In addition, LDSB Indigenous student-designed shirts were being sold this past weekend at the Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest, located at 218 Concession Street, during their Maawnjiding Market. Shirts will also be available today at Confederation Park 1:00-5:30 p.m. for Kingston National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
In addition to wearing an orange shirt on September 30, you can:
- Review the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: 94 Calls to Action.
- Read books that share authentic Indigenous voices and experiences.
- Volunteer with Indigenous-led organizations that support community healing and empowerment.
- Support Indigenous artists by purchasing their work and sharing their stories.
- Watch Indigenous films and documentaries to deepen your understanding through storytelling.
- Attend public Indigenous events in the community to listen, learn, and build respectful relationships. A list of events can be found on the Queen's University Office of Indigenous Initiatives web page.
We understand that some students, staff, and families may wish to have additional support throughout this week. If you require immediate assistance, you can call the support lines shared below:
- The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families toll-free at 1-866-925-4419.
- Individuals impacted by the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls are encouraged to contact the MMIWG Crisis Line toll-free at 1-844-413-6649.
- First Nations, Inuit and Métis seeking immediate emotional support can contact the Hope for Wellness Help Line toll-free at 1-855-242-3310, or by online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.
For more information about Indigenous Education with Limestone, please visit the Indigenous Education page.