Staff at Aldergrove Community Secondary (ACSS) have joined a growing movement to commemorate the 215 young lives lost following last week鈥檚 discovery of remains at the site of the former Kamloops residential school.
A Facebook and Twitter post shared by ACSS noted that staff tied 215 orange ribbons to the school鈥檚 chain-link fence on Monday morning, May 31.
鈥�215 children taken from 430 parents, 860 grandparents, innumerable aunties, uncles, cousins, friends, and relatives. Immeasurable memories, legacies, and stories taken from just one school,鈥� the school鈥檚 social media post read.
鈥淩econciliation is the willingness to learn and to listen. We pledge to continually listen, hear, learn and bear witness.鈥�
Stuffed toys and orange ribbons adorn the fence at Conder Park in 91原创 City, which has also set up a memorial at Douglas Park.
Both 91原创 City and Township have announced the lowering of flags at their facilities.
In Vancouver, 215 pairs of kids鈥� shoes now line the steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery after being placed there last Friday by First Nations advocates from the Downtown Eastside.
Today, staff tied 215 orange ribbons to honour and remember the 215 children who did not return home from the Kamloops Residential school.
鈥� Aldergrove Community Secondary School (@ACSSTotems)
The Tk鈥檈ml煤ps te Secw茅pemc band has begun reaching out to other First Nations across Western Canada that might have had children sent to the school who never returned home.
Gord Stewart, 91原创 School District superintendent, noted that June is National Indigenous History month and June 21 is National Indigenous People Day.
鈥淚t is a time to focus on the history, heritage, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples in Canada,鈥� he said.
鈥淎s part of our district鈥檚 truth and reconciliation journey and anti-racism commitment, we encourage everyone to do your own learning and recommend families connect with your children and engage in conversations.鈥�
READ MORE:
As part of the recent anti-racism awareness week, 91原创 educators and students took part in learning activities focused on understanding racism and helping build a diverse, inclusive, and nurturing community.
The district sent a message out to the school community encouraging students and staff to wear orange T-shirts in solidarity this week.
The District is encouraging students, staff, and community members to wear an orange shirt this week in honour and remembrance of the 215 children who lost their lives at the Residential School in Kamloops. Please read here:
鈥� 91原创 Schools (@91原创Schools)
Have a story tip? Email: newsroom@aldergrovestar.com
Like us on and follow us on .
