Honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Every Child Matter!

Tuesday, September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

On Monday, students and staff will be wearing orange shirts to honour the children who never returned home, the survivors of residential schools, and their families and communities. Orange Shirt Day is a time for all of us to reflect on the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools close to home and across Canada. It is our opportunity to declare, loud and proud, that every child matters.

Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation

This important day serves as a reminder of our ongoing commitments to truths, reparation, and restoration as outlined in the Strategic Plan. Gulf Islands School District is dedicated to listening, learning, and walking alongside Indigenous communities in a spirit of reconciliation, respect, and partnership.

Let us stand together in remembrance and in hope as we honour the past, reflect on our responsibilities, and work towards a future built on respect and reconciliation.

Acknowledgement and Gratitude

We respectfully acknowledge and express our deep gratitude to the local Indigenous rights holders — the Coast Salish SENĆOŦEN and Hul’qumi’num speaking peoples. In particular, we honour the BOḰEĆEN, SȾÁUTW̱, W̱JOȽEȽP, W̱SÍKEM, MÁLEXEŁ, Quw’utsun, Spune’luxutth, HALALT and LEEY’QSUN, Nations — who have been stewards of these lands and waters since time immemorial.