Golden Hills School Division (GHSD) has been discussing how they will be recognizing the first Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30.  

The day has been declared a national statutory holiday by the federal government, but the Alberta government is leaving the implementation of the statutory holiday up to individual employers for provincially regulated industries. 

Golden Hills School Division always knew they would be recognizing the day, but we're deciding on how to do so.  

“There has been a lot of consultation on what we should do, lots of discussions, explained the superintendent of schools for Golden Hills School Division, Bevan Daverne.  “It's really good for us here in Golden Hills because we have Siksika First Nation so close by and we have really an excellent partnership with them.” 

“What we were considering is whether or not to have kids in school and do something meaningful on that day, or recognize Truth and Reconciliation Day with a day out of school, which is where we eventually landed.” 

Due to COVID-19 restrictions and time constraints, GHSD decided that students would spend September 30 out of school but schools across the division will continue Orange Shirt Day and other events on September 29. 

“We are working currently with some elders from Siksika to support us in this work. We want to be able to offer things for students that help them to understand in a way that's appropriate for whatever age they are.” 

Daverne explained that older students will be learning about residential schools in Canada, while younger students will learn more about First Nations culture.