This week at Alpha, we have invited our school community to engage in a week of events, reflections, and action as we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This week we acknowledge the intergenerational impact of colonization and Indian Residential Schools, and honour and remember the thousands of children and families that were, and continue to be impacted by injustices. We are all learning in this work, and we encourage those to enter in as they see fit.
On Thursday, September 29th we will be having a school-wide assembly during Block 4, with Brad Baker from the Squamish nation as our honoured guest. Staff and students are encouraged to wear orange shirts on Thursday at school, and Friday in the community.
On September 30th, there are various opportunities to participate in public and online events in the community. We encourage all members of our community to attend, if they are able.
- Drum for the Children – an online drumming and singing event at 2:15 pm led by Tk’emlups te Secwepemc to honour the missing children of residential schools. There is a video with a song to learn in advance.
- In-person gathering in Vancouver – 9 am march from the Aboriginal Friendship Centre at Commercial and Hastings; 10:30 ceremony at Grandview Park on Commercial Drive.
- Pipe Ceremony honouring Residential School Survivors in New Westminster – 4-6pm
- Vancouver Mural Fest – Take a walk through the city to different spots that highlight Indigenous artists
- Watch the virtual live-stream of the national event ‘Remember Me’ that is taking place in Ottawa