Delta School District held its third annual Truth and Reconciliation Walk and Ceremony

On the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 29, students and staff with Delta School District took part in the third annual Walk and Ceremony for Truth and Reconciliation. South Delta Secondary School (SDSS) students began outside the school, walked around the neighbourhood and returned to the school theatre. Students from several local elementary schools joined them for a ceremony livestreamed to every school in the district. Other schools organized walks in their own neighbourhoods.

The SDSS ceremony was hosted by Nathan Wilson, Indigenous Cultural Mentor. Speakers included sxʷamisaa Chief Laura Cassidy of Tsawwassen First Nation and Kevin Paul, an award-winning poet and advocate for Indigenous languages. The South Delta Choir performed, and several students gave presentations. Coursework by students studying Paul’s work was displayed in the foyer outside the theatre.

Carly Desouza, District Principal, Learning Services – Equity and Success, said the walk and ceremony give students and staff an opportunity to gather in honour of children who never returned home, residential school Survivors, and their families and communities. She said the strong participation across Delta was encouraging. Wearing orange shirts and walking together in their communities demonstrates a commitment to learning, reflection and reconciliation, she said. As Sept. 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, approached, Desouza encouraged Delta residents to recognize the lasting impacts of residential schools and continue their own journey toward understanding, respect and meaningful reconciliation.

Delta Board of Education Chair Joe Muego said the walk remains a powerful opportunity for students and staff across the district to come together in solidarity, reflection and learning. He said the event reflects an ongoing commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and a responsibility to foster understanding, respect and healing. Walking together creates space for meaningful conversations and deeper awareness while honouring Indigenous Peoples’ histories, experiences and voices, he said. Muego thanked everyone helping advance reconciliation in schools and communities.

The programme began with a welcome from Connie Adams of Tsawwassen First Nation, followed by an introduction from Kaanaax Kuwoox Nathan Wilson, Indigenous Cultural Mentor with Delta School District. Student emcees Claire (Grade 11), Luke (Grade 12) and Ethan (Grade 12) introduced the event. sxʷamisaa Chief Laura Cassidy of Tsawwassen First Nation spoke, the South Delta Choir performed “The Gift,” and Sidney (Grade 12) read “Walking Together.” Kevin Paul then spoke, Ethan read the poem “Through the Broken Doorway,” and Luke (Grade 12) and Will (Grade 11) shared personal reflections. Mrs. Carola Schaub explained the student-designed logo for this year’s walk, and cedar was passed to representatives from Seaquam Secondary School, host of next year’s event. Kaanaax Kuwoox Nathan Wilson led elementary students in drumming to close the ceremony.

Special guests included members of the Delta Board of Education and its Executive Committee, Tsawwassen First Nation, the Delta Teachers’ Association and CUPE 1091, as well as staff and students from local elementary schools.