CARLYLE ARCOLA STOUGHTON — Schools in the southeast held events in conjunction with the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR).
With the NDTR falling on a Saturday this year, schools held events throughout the week, with many functions falling later on.
The Ocean Man First Nations and White Bear First Nations held a student walk on Sept. 28, while Stoughton Central School held theirs on Sept. 29.
Orange t-shirts could be seen coming down Main Street in Stoughton as they made their way to Government Road to return to the school. Most of the elementary students took part with the teachers.
Carlyle Elementary School also held a walk, with elders leading the way with flags in hand. They followed the RCMP, who escorted them down the street to ensure their safety.
A short ceremony was held before the walk began, with the traditional white sage filling the air. A few students came forward and recited the Treaty 4 pledge.
This sea of orange parade also went down Main Street and slowly made its way back to the school.
At the Arcola School, things were done a little differently. They did not have a walk but had many other activities in place.
Throughout the day, events were held, beginning with the raising of the teepee outside of the school, having elders speak to the little people in the teepee.
The Grade 11 outside education class made bannock tacos. The supplies were covered by donations from the local community, while elders tirelessly taught students how these were made.
Sept. 30 is set aside to remember those who never came home from residential schools and to remember the ones who still deal with the trauma.
“It is an ugly part of our Canadian history,” said a survivor who wishes not to be named. “We are all trying to heal from this.”
She believes society is going in the right direction.
