2 minute read
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (The Glen, Fall 2024)
from The Glen, Fall 2024
by Bayview Glen
There's a power in these lands, one that's been here many year, strong enough to make you stand and forget all your fears.
Wab Kinew from Go Show the World
On Monday, September 30, the Lower School field was an abundance of orange as the Lower, Prep and Upper Schools came together for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Since the designation of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in 2020, Bayview Glen has commemorated this day and all those affected by the residential school system with a commitment to sharing their stories and continued work towards reconciliation among the community Although this work is not limited to September 30 and is embedded both in and outside our classroom curricula, a tradition has begun at Bayview Glen where we join together on the morning of September 30 and walk the land on which the school resides On this day, students from JK to Grade 12 gather with one another, two grades together They read aloud our land acknowledgement and take time to learn about each other, the land, and connect as peers This year, as a group, the students walked the land, reflecting on the year’s theme “Taking Truth to Action” and said thank you to all those who came before us Following the walk, students were provided the opportunity to engage with stories, quotes and artwork to further their understanding Stories included “Go Show the World” by Wab Kinew and “Be a Good Ancestor” by Leona Prince and Gabrielle Prince Students also completed art pieces inspired by Métis dot art painter Christi Belcourt, where they were prompted with a guiding question such as “How do you respect the land we are on?”
Preschool students also participated in the day by making a commitment to take care of the land . Students reflected on kindness and engaged in stories by Indigenous authors Our youngest learners shared their hopes and wishes when attaching orange ribbons to the playground fence for all to see as our community stands together on our journey towards reconciliation.
