National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Added to Calendar

On August 3, the B.C. Government formally recognized September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in alignment with legislation passed by the federal government in June.

As part of this formal recognition, the Abbotsford School District will be closed to all students and staff on Thursday, September 30, 2021. District employees usually entitled to federal and provincial statutory holidays will receive this day off.

September 30 has recently been known as Orange Shirt Day, a day meant to recognize the lasting effects of Canada's residential school system. It honours Indigenous residential school survivors, their families and communities as a vital part of the process of reconciliation. Throughout our schools and district sites, this day is historically one of learning and listening.

As a public education institution, Abbotsford School District recognizes the importance of officially honouring September 30, aligning with the district's ongoing commitments to reveal and correct miseducation around residential schools' shameful legacy and the ongoing need for Truth and Reconciliation.

This year, school events and activities to commemorate Orange Shirt Day will take place during the week of September 27. Planning for the statutory holiday closure and Orange Shirt Day programming is underway. More information will be shared in the weeks to come.