INNISFAIL - All schools and offices in the 12,000-student Chinook’s Edge School Division (CESD) will closed on Sept. 30 to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, officials say.
Superintendent Kurt Sacher says commemorating the victims of the residential school system is important to the entire CESD community.
“The day is designed as a day of reflection for everyone, for our students, our teachers, our staff and especially for our Indigenous community,” Sacher told The Albertan.
“Our schools will help bring that to life, to understand the meaning and the connection, so as a school division we can truly reflect on the legacy of residential schools and honour Canada’s residential school survivors, their families and their communities.
“It’s a time we are all encouraged to reflect. It is a very important day.”
During the recent board meeting trustees passed a motion authorizing the school and office closures.
In consultation with Chinook’s Edge Indigenous Education leaders, advisors and coordinators, plans are underway to continue student and staff learning, he said.
“This work continues to be a priority for the entire division, and Chinook’s Edge truly supports the process of reconciliation,” he said.
The division will be providing students, staff and parents with information in support of “a meaningful day of reflections and to share activities that incorporate Indigenous culture, knowledge and teaching during Truth and Reconciliation Week” which runs Sept. 27 to Oct. 1, he said.
Plans are to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in the division every year going forward, he said.
