Truth and Reconciliation Week in September offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the legacy of the residential school system and to come together in the spirit of hope, Truth and Reconciliation. Throughout the week and over the school year, there are many learning activities.
Parkcrest Elementary students have been working with Squamish Nation Elder and artist Latash Nahanee, forming deep connections with both the artist and the history of the land. They spent many months together on a mural while Elder Nahanee shared stories connected to local Indigenous territory and other teachings. The mural, unveiled through ceremony this September during Truth and Reconciliation Week, depicts the legend of the Two Sisters, a significant story to the Squamish people.
During Truth and Reconciliation Week, Nelson Elementary had a ceremony in celebration of their new school logo, which was developed in collaboration with the school community by Coast Salish artist Austin Aan’yas Harry. He is of the Wolf Clan from the Squamish Nation and Thunderbird Clan from the Namgis Nation. The former Byrne Creek Community School student was joined by his father and mentor Squamish Nation Elder Xwalacktun, who led the local protocol for the ceremony.
Moscrop Secondary hosted assemblies to mark Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation that were led by Indigenous students at the school, as well as student allies – all with the support of Elder Doctor Roberta Price from the Coast Salish Territory of Snuneymuxw and Cowichan Nations. The assembly theme was: Honouring the Past, Healing the Present, Inspiring the Future. The day of learning culminated with a panel discussion featuring Indigenous community members alongside current and past Moscrop students to discuss the significance of Truth and Reconciliation.
Students in the Industry Connect Film and Broadcast Program, which is a Program of Choice held at Burnaby North Secondary, worked on a cross-curricular project. They interviewed Indigenous students and members of their families about Truth and Reconciliation. The video was shared within Burnaby North as a part of learning about Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Watch the video here.
Students at Byrne Creek Community School came together for a lesson to learn about Truth and Reconciliation. Many chose to create an “I statement” which is an opportunity to share a personal commitment to Reconciliation.
As part of ongoing learning, schools strive to support Indigenous Education opportunities. At the start of the school year, Alpha Secondary’s Leadership students organized the Grade 8 retreat with an Indigenous Amazing Race. It included experiential activities with learnings about Indigenous greetings, lacrosse, blanket tossing, Inukshuk, west coast herbs and plants, story stones, and making cordage.
Earlier this month, children at Twelfth Avenue Elementary explored how local plants were used by First Nations as part of their learnings about building connections with the land. At Confederation Park Elementary, students looked at the symbolism of the journey toward Reconciliation and the salmon’s journey.
In the lead-up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Squamish Nation Elder Sam George Senior shared his childhood experience at residential school with staff at the District Administration Office. His son, Elder Sam George Junior from the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, reflected on the importance of educators hearing hard truths about Canada’s dark history.
Posted September 29, 2025