SD71 is the only school district in Canada to officially sign all of its schools to help children understand the importance of reconciliation.
The Legacy School Project is a national initiative to engage, empower and connect students and educators to further reconciliation through awareness, education and action.
The Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF) announced in August that SD71 was the only district in Canada to bring all schools to the program.
SD71 Superintendent, Tom Demeo says it’s important to learn and acknowledge the history of the Indigenous Peoples.
“Embracing Indigenous ways and knowing is one of our key goals in our Strategic Priorities Plan that sets the direction for education for the next four years. The Legacy School program was the perfect fit to helps us in this journey,” said Demeo.
The DWF provides educational resources and program material for educators to develop lessons and programs that will ensure the unique interests, rights, and perspectives of Indigenous peoples are recognized and implemented in schools and communities across Canada.
Every one of the 23 schools is creating unique and creative activities to support Indigenous learning.
Many of the schools are participating in a walk during Secret Path Week (October 17th – 21st) to mark the anniversary of the passing of Chanie Wenjack.
Ecole Robb Road and Hornby Island are following the Six Cedar Trees to create a school-wide understanding and culture around reconciliation.
Valley View has embraced the Legacy School program with music by introducing songs by Downie’s iconic band Tragically Hip into music classes.
To learn more about The Legacy School Project, or to see what schools are taking part, click here.
