National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

This year, Medicine Hat Catholic Schools will recognize Orange Shirt Day on Friday, September 29. 

We wear orange to honor residential school survivors, their families, and those who did not make it home. This is a time of reflection and education.

Our division recognizes the intergenerational trauma caused by this dark chapter in Canadian history. Education plays a crucial role in building understanding and empathy. We are committed to educating ourselves, our staff, and our students about our Canadian history and the rich Indigenous culture surrounding us as we journey on the path of reconciliation.

The year 2023 marks ten years of Orange Shirt Day! (established by Phyllis Webstad in 2013). To recognize this significant milestone, students will gather with their peers in four separate groups at four locations in the city to experience Indigenous culture and learn from residential school survivors. Details regarding each session are listed below. 

Thursday, September 28

• Morning: St. Patrick's School will gather at Notre Dame Academy with Notre Dame Grade 6 students to watch local Indigenous Jingle Dancer, Josie Saddleback.
• Afternoon: Mother Teresa School, St. Michael's School and St. Francis Xavier School will gather at Monsignor McCoy High School to enjoy special guest speaker Treva Eagle. The group will participate in a Round Dance experience led by our Indigenous Wellness Facilitator, Josh Cross. 

Friday, September 29

• Morning: Monsignor McCoy High School, Notre Dame Academy, and St. Mary's School will gather at the Cypress Centre with Walter Wirch and his mother, Bertha as they share personal residential school experiences and the effects of intergenerational trauma. 
• Afternoon: St. Louis School will travel to Ecole St. John Paul II School where the two schools will gather together to enjoy special guest speaker Treva Eagle. The group will participate in a Round Dance experience led by our Indigenous Wellness Facilitator, Josh Cross. 

Join us in observing Orange Shirt Day as a day of reflection, education, hope, and support for Indigenous communities.