The Every Child Matters flag is set to fly across the area this week.
Designed by Cedric Isaac of Bkejwanong Territory, the symbol honours the memory of Indigenous children who never returned home from residential school.
It’s in keeping with the Orange Shirt Day theme of ‘Remember the Children’ to be held Sept. 30, marking Canada’s National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
The day is part of a week’s worth of activities planned by St. Clair Catholic District School Board from Sept. 26 to 30 as part of National Truth and Reconciliation Week.
According to education director Scott Johnson, the board stands in solidarity with Canada’s First Nations and “we commit to learning and action, as we understand the history we were never taught, on our journey of reconciliation through education with students and staff.”
On Sept. 30, all schools will participate in an opening with reflection and song from elders Deb and Barry Milliken of the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation and Biindigaygizhig of the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation and a moment of silence with Andria Dyer of the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation.
Poetry, painting, motivational speaking with an Indigenous former NHLer, and talks with residential school survivors, including Phyllis Webstad, whose story is where Orange Shirt Day originated from.
More information on the calendar of activities can be found on the SCCDSB webpage.
