Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board Marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board (SWLSB) joined communities across Canada today in honouring the children who never returned home from residential schools, as well as the survivors, their families, and Indigenous communities.
To mark the day, the Truth and Reconciliation flag is being flown at the school board’s administrative centre, while the Canadian and Québec flags are at half-mast.
Across schools and centres, students and staff are participating in activities such as assemblies, classroom discussions, and the wearing of orange shirts. These initiatives aim to help students better understand the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools, while also highlighting Indigenous cultures, perspectives, and the importance of reconciliation.
The SWLSB’s Pedagogical Services Department plays a central role in supporting these efforts, providing schools with resources, lesson plans, reading suggestions, and professional development opportunities. The department also coordinates activities such as the Blanket Exercise and offers direct guidance to educators to foster meaningful learning experiences.
“Although only federally regulated workplaces are closed today to observe this statutory holiday, the Council of Commissioners is proud that our schools and centres are using this moment to sensitize students to the importance of truth and reconciliation,” said James Di Sano, Chairperson of the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board. “Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to build a better future, and we all have a role to play in this process.”
With more than 2,000 employees, the SWLSB is the third-largest English-language school board in Québec. It serves over 14,000 students across 36 schools and 4 centres in Laval, the Laurentians, and Lanaudière, in addition to offering adult, vocational, and business training programs.
