Marking Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Sep 30, 2024

Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. On this day, As-Sadiq Islamic School joins millions of Canadians, to honour the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital  component of the reconciliation process.

The As-Sadiq Islamic School community came together to commemorate Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by honouring survivors of Canada’s residential school system, reflecting on its lasting impact on Indigenous communities and recommitting to reconciliation on Monday, Sep 30, 2024. Our students and staff wore Orange shirts and hijabs joined a commemoration assembly, providing an opportunity for us to come together to learn more about this day and why it matters.

It was a Sea of Orange in our gymnasium as all our students, from our youngest Casa students to our oldest Grade 12 students, attentively listened and learnt together.

The truth is not yet fully told.

Our Grade 3C students led a heartfelt assembly, reciting a powerful poem that reflected on the importance of truth, healing, and reconciliation with Indigenous communities. Our assembly also included a meaningful Land Acknowledgement, recognizing the traditional territories on which we live, learn, and grow.

Like thousands of classrooms across the country, our students are also learning about Indigenous history, Indigeneity and the beautiful and historic cultures of all Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island who have been on this land since time immemorial.

We encourage everyone to think about our ongoing commitment to truth and reconciliation. While this day is dedicated to it, the work must and will go beyond it. Every action counts toward building a better tomorrow.