September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as well as National Orange Shirt Day. This is a day to commemorate the residential school experience and honour the healing journey of the Survivors and their families. On this day, everyone is encouraged to learn more about the history of residential schools and engage in meaningful discussions about the ongoing and intergenerational effects of the residential school system and its legacy. LDSB schools will honour the day on September 29, as the 30th falls on a Saturday.
 

LDSB has a commitment to both teaching and learning the truth, and taking strides towards meaningful action that reflects living in right relations with the Indigenous community in Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington that exists beyond the day, and extends throughout the school year.
  

What can you do? Wear orange on September 30, read books written by Indigenous authors that acknowledge the residential school experience, read books that celebrate Indigenous beauty and brilliance, volunteer with Indigenous organizations and not-for-profits, support Indigenous artists, watch Indigenous films and documentaries, and attend Indigenous events that are open to the public in your community.
  

All LDSB schools, education centres and sites will lower both the Canadian, Every Child Matters, or Survivor flags to half-mast from sunrise on Friday, September 29 until Monday morning, October 2, 2023, in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
 

Public commemoration and continuous learning about the ongoing impacts of residential schools are vital actions that we must all take to live in right relations with each other on Indigenous lands. Please refrain from taking and sharing pictures of yourself or others smiling in your orange shirts. You are invited to take pictures of the ways that you are honouring this day within your classrooms or school communities.
 

We understand that some students, staff and families may wish to have additional support throughout this week. If you require immediate emotional assistance, you can call the National 24/7 MMIWG crisis line at 1-844-413-6649.
 

Mental health counselling & crisis support is available through the Hope for Wellness Hotline at 1-855-242-3310 or online. Counselling is available in Cree, Ojibway & Inuktitut, on request. 
 

The IRSRHSP has a National Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line 1-866-925-4419 that provides immediate emotional support for former Indian Residential School students. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.