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Honouring Truth and Reconciliation Day

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Honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

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Canadian Rockies Public Schools (CRPS) recognizes the profound significance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, observed on September 30. This day serves as a critical reminder of the enduring impacts of residential schools on Indigenous communities and the ongoing need for reflection, education, and meaningful action towards reconciliation.

In our commitment to this important cause, CRPS will host a series of activities throughout the end of September and into October, where students, staff, and community members will come together to learn, reflect, and honour the experiences of Indigenous Peoples. These events, organized with the guidance of Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, will include the raising of traditional Tipis, ceremonial activities, and educational sessions that highlight the role we all play in supporting reconciliation.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is observed as a federal statutory holiday, and CRPS will close schools on September 30 to allow for a day of reflection. Our assemblies, scheduled for October, will ensure that the solemnity and significance of this day are respected and that our entire community has the opportunity to engage deeply with its meaning. A common agenda across our schools will see our school communities engage in: 

Truth and Reconciliation Assembly 2024

  1. Offering of Tobacco

  2. Prayer

  3. Grand Entry - includes dancers, knowledge keepers, school administrators and central board members

  4. History of Truth and Reconciliation: Why we have the day, sharing of territory, explanation of the month of October and traditional practices: animals, harvesting, plants, etc.

  5. Guided exercise of the understanding of residential schools/day schools

  6. Knowledge keepers to speak of their experience

  7. Explanation of Jingle Dancing and how it is a healing dance - students from other schools are invited to wear their regalia and dance

Parents and community members are encouraged to attend the following assemblies:

  • Elizabeth Rummel School: Oct. 2, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
  • Exshaw School: Oct. 3, 1:30  – 2:30 p.m.
  • Canmore Collegiate High School: Oct. 7, 11 – 12 noon p.m.
  • Alpenglow School: Oct. 7, 1 p.m.
  • Banff Elementary School: Oct. 17, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
  • Lawrence Grassi Middle School: Oct. 16, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m

Reconciliation is a continuous journey, and CRPS is dedicated to fostering a learning environment where the principles of reconciliation are integrated into daily life. We encourage everyone to participate in these events and to continue the work of reconciliation throughout the year.

Suggested Parent Resources

Parents are Encouraged to Join Our Journey!

These resources are not just educational for students; they're valuable for parents too. Families can use these materials to foster dialogue and deepen their understanding, in line with CRPS' mission and vision. Remember, a more informed community is a more empathetic community. Let's make the most of these resources as we approach the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.

Picture Books

  1. “Îyâ Sa Wîyâ Wahogu-kiybi Cha (Red Mountain Woman Receives a Teaching)” by Îyâ Sa Wîyâ (Red Mountain Woman), translation by Tina Fox in the Iyethka language of the Stoney Nakoda People and illustrated by Tanisha Wesley - In this traditional Iyethka Nakoda story, Red Mountain Woman shares a traditional teaching that she learned from her Grandmother about protocol, respect, and sharing.
  2. “Watâga Wîyâ A’s, Â’s and B’s ze yuthpe îkiyabich (Grizzly Bear Woman Teaches the A’s, Â’s & B’s)”  by Tatâga Thkan Wagichi (Dancing White Buffalo) and Trent Fox, translated by Valentia Fox and illustrated by Tanisha Wesley - Translation in the Iyethka language of the Stoney Nakoda People, Watâga Wîyâ is a children’s alphabet book bringing to life a beautiful lesson in the world and words of the Stoney Nakoda.
  3. “Âba Wathtech Înâ Mâkoche (It is a Good Day, Mother Earth)” by Sheri Shotclose (Singing Across the Water), translated by Duane Mark and illustrated by Tanisha - This tale is about a young girl greeting the day and acknowledging her Stoney Nakoda family and the beautiful natural world in which she lives.
  4. “Îethkaîhâ Yawabi (Counting in Stoney)” by Îyarhe Wiyapta (Shining Mountains), translated by Natasha Wesley in the Îethka language of the Stoney Nakoda People and illustrated by  by Tanisha Wesley - This simple yet precious Îethkaîhâ book of numbers provides a beautiful narrative of counting. Author Natasha Wesley and her artist sister, Tanisha Wesley, portray the numbers 1 to 20 through their way of life.
  5. “Ne Îethka Makochî Chach (This is Our Home)” by Mînî Thnî (Cold Water) and Trudy Wesley, translated by Duane Mark in the Îethka language of the Stoney Nakoda People and illustrated by Tanisha Wesley - Ne Îethka Makochî Chach is a Stoney Nakoda story of the people and animals who live in the foothills and mountains of southern Alberta.
  6. "When We Were Alone" by David A. Robertson - This book educates children about residential schools in a gentle way.
  7. "Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox" by Danielle Daniel - This book introduces children to the Anishinaabe tradition of totem animals.
  8. "The Water Walker" by Joanne Robertson - The story follows an Ojibwe grandmother (Nokomis) and her quest to protect water against pollution.
  9. "We Sang You Home" by Richard Van Camp - This is a lovely book that celebrates family and Indigenous cultural practices.
  10. "Shi-shi-etko" by Nicola I. Campbell - A young girl is taught the importance of remembering her culture and lands before leaving for residential school.
  11. "Owls See Clearly at Night" by Julie Flett - An ABC book that also serves as an introduction to the Michif language.
  12. "Little You" by Richard Van Camp - A book that celebrates the potential of young children and embraces family and community.
  13. "You Hold Me Up" by Monique Gray Smith - Encourages dialogue about the importance of empathy and kindness toward one another.

Books for Youth

  1. "Indian Horse" by Richard Wagamese - This book explores the life of a young Ojibway boy who discovers salvation through ice hockey. It tackles heavy topics like the impact of residential schools.
  2. "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie - This semi-autobiographical novel explores the experiences of a Native American teenager.
  3. "The Marrow Thieves" by Cherie Dimaline - Set in a dystopian future where people are hunted for their bone marrow, this book explores themes of survival and the importance of cultural heritage.
  4. "Those Who Run in the Sky" by Aviaq Johnston - This coming-of-age story involves Inuit beliefs and traditions.
  5. "Tilly: A Story of Hope and Resilience" by Monique Gray Smith - Tilly tells the tale of a young Indigenous woman growing up in British Columbia, touching on themes of identity and resilience.
  6. "Fatty Legs" by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton - This memoir describes a young Inuit girl's experiences at a residential school.
  7. "Moon of the Crusted Snow" by Waubgeshig Rice - This is a post-apocalyptic novel that deals with a northern Anishinaabe community's struggle to survive when the outside world ceases to function.
  8. "Three Feathers" by Richard Van Camp - This graphic novel deals with the topic of restorative justice, guided by Indigenous traditions.

Other Educational Books

  1. "The Inconvenient Indian" by Thomas King - An informative and critical overview of North America's Indigenous Peoples. Suitable for adults.
  2. "21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act" by Bob Joseph - An accessible guide for understanding the Indian Act and its impact on generations of Indigenous Peoples.

Podcasts

  1. Stoney Podcast - Build your foundational knowledge of the Stoney Nakoda through this series of 13 podcasts.
  2. Unreserved - Hosted by Rosanna Deerchild, "Unreserved" offers listeners a journey into the Indigenous stories from across the country. The show touches on topics ranging from arts, culture, and language to politics, events, and personal narratives.
  3. The Secret Life of Canada - While not exclusively about Indigenous issues, this podcast delves into Canadian history, revealing untold stories and hidden facts that many Canadians might not know. It often explores the histories of Indigenous Peoples and their interactions with settlers.
  4. Media Indigena - A weekly roundtable podcast, "Media Indigena" is about Indigenous issues hosted by Rick Harp. It features a diverse group of Indigenous thinkers and commentators who dissect current events and issues facing their communities.
  5. Stories from the Land - This podcast is focused on sharing and celebrating Indigenous histories. By doing so, it contributes to revitalizing connections to land and place. Each episode tells a unique story, capturing personal experiences and insights from various Indigenous contributors.

Other Resources

  1. Stoney Nakoda Dictionary - Build your Stoney Language through the Stoney Nakoda Dictionary.