June 30th, 2021

Canada Day is tomorrow, and the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) encourages students, staff, and families to pause and reflect on the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples who have been tragically impacted by the recent unearthing of the bodies of Indigenous children at former Indigenous Residential Schools across Canada.

We continue to mourn those children, their families, and the Indigenous communities whose lives have forever been negatively impacted by the imposition of assimilation and genocide including through the residential school system.

On July 1, many people recognize and celebrate the anniversary of Canadian Confederation that has shaped what we now know as Canada. It is important to be aware that acknowledging Canada Day holds different meanings – escape from war, new opportunities, etc. – for various people and communities, and these are all valid.

We encourage you to think about those who may not be experiencing Canada Day in the same ways. Those who are settlers have a responsibility to take some time to learn about the history of Canada, and become aware of the Indigenous roots on which this country was built.

The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of a residential school experience. Support is available at 1-866-925-4419.

In the spirit of the Two Row Wampum, may we work towards a future of peace, friendship and respect.

Some suggestions on how to Honour Residential School Survivors

  • We invite our community to wear orange on July 1st, whether that be a shirt or an accessory, to honour Residential school survivors and their families.
  • Donate to the Save the Evidence campaign. Save the Evidence is a campaign to raise awareness, support the restoration of the former Mohawk Institute Residential School, and develop the building into an Interpretive Historic Site and Educational Resource. Located in Brantford, ON, it is the closest former residential school to Waterloo Region, which stopped operating as a school in 1970, and is one of only a few residential school buildings still standing in Canada.
  • On July 1, visit the City of Waterloo’s Public Art Installation. Please make sure to follow all COVID-19 public health and safety guidelines.

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