Langley students and staff learn ahead of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

In the days leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, students and staff throughout the Langley School District, from elementary to secondary schools, continued learning about the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools, as well as Indigenous history, culture and perspectives.

Orange Shirt Day began more than a decade ago and is now observed annually across the district. It is a day to remember and honour children who attended residential schools, including those who did not return home, and to recognize the message that every child matters. The orange shirts worn by students and staff honour Phyllis Webstad of Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation, whose orange shirt was taken away when she was sent to residential school as a child. Orange Shirt Day has been recognized across Canada since 2013. This year is also the 11th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, which continue to guide reconciliation efforts across the country.

Langley Board of Education chair Candy Ashdown noted at the board’s regular meeting on Sept. 22 that, while wearing orange is an important symbol of remembrance and recognition, reconciliation work continues throughout the year in Langley classrooms. “For students in the Langley School District, the end of September is marked by both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day,” she said. “There are still many of the 94 Calls to Action that need to be fulfilled, including those related to education. The Langley School District and Board of Education are continuing their commitment to truth and reconciliation through personal learning and action.”

Among the district’s learning activities, Willoughby Elementary held a school-wide assembly Tuesday morning. Several Grade 5 students explained to younger classmates why the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day are observed and why they matter. One student from each class also lit a candle to honour people who attended residential schools and symbolize hope for the future.

Willoughby Elementary principal Karin Muuren said: “This is a time for us to remember those who attended residential schools, who were separated from their families and the Indigenous communities that were changed forever. We’ve heard from some of our students today about why Orange Shirt Day is important and why we observe the day. It reminds us that every child matters. These are simple words, but they carry a very powerful message.”

Peterson Road Elementary shared a similar message and theme. The school held a school-wide assembly and learning activities about how truth and reconciliation came to be and why people wear orange.

At H.D. Stafford Middle School, students watched a video about the historical treatment of Indigenous people in Canada. They then took part in an outdoor “Walk With Truth,” following a route with several information stops.

“We need to know what our country was founded on: injustices to the original inhabitants of this land,” said Angela Cowling, the school’s Outdoor Aboriginal Community and Environmental Studies teacher. “I just finished the walk with a group of kids, and one of them summed it up in one word. He just said, ‘Wow.’ It’s the kind of tone where you know it’s hitting. You know he’s getting it.”

At Simonds Elementary, students created a collaborative artwork inspired by the school’s traditional button blanket logo. The work reflects unity, shared responsibility and a commitment to ensuring every child knows they matter. School staff used a laser cutter to make wooden replicas of the hands in the school logo, and each student painted one with guidance and support from Aboriginal Support Worker Ashli Tran.

Staff at the school board office wore orange shirts and were encouraged to listen, learn and reflect in their own way in the lead-up to and on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Photos from around the district are available in the gallery below.