Statement regarding National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Orange Shirt Day and Lowered Flags for Sto:lo Nations

September 29, 2023

Dear Parents/Guardians, Students, and Staff:

As we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, we are sharing this important message with the community. As a school community, we are saddened by last week’s news of the initial findings linked to the former residential schools and hospital sites in the Fraser Valley, on the traditional territories of the Sto:lo Nations. It was confirmed that at least 158 children deaths occurred at these locations including the St. Mary’s Residential School in Mission. This is heartbreaking and we recognize the impacts of this information is far-reaching.

In response, the District has lowered flags at all sites to honour the many children who did not return home, those who endured atrocities and continue to be impacted, and their families. The District, in solidarity with other school districts in the Fraser Valley located on the traditional territories of the Sto:lo Nations, have lowered flags through to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on September 30th. The lowering of flags on this day is also part of the province’s half-masting protocol.

As stated in our District Vision, the Langley Board of Education and District fosters an inclusive and nurturing culture, and we are committed to our journey of Truth and Reconciliation. Our administrators, teachers and staff will continue providing learning opportunities for students on our colonial history, residential schools, the long-lasting effects of trauma resulting from the past, and emphasize what actions we can take as a compassionate learning community moving forward.

Education is key to ensuring we, as a society, prevent history from repeating itself. We encourage everyone to find time this week, on September 30th, and throughout the year to listen, learn, and reflect on teachings around Truth and Reconciliation and Indigenous Worldviews and Perspectives.

We recommend doing one or all of the following:

• Wear an orange shirt to honour those affected by the residential school system. The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations, while also promoting the concept of “Every Child Matters”.

• Read a book by an Indigenous author. The District’s SORA app or your local library are ways to access literature highlighting Indigenous voices and their lived experiences.

• Participate in a community event. On September 30th, the public is invited to gather at the Derek Double Day Arboretum on 21559 Fraser Hwy, Langley from 5pm – 7:30pm, to reflect, and recommit to reconciliation through guided activities including a candlelight walk. See more information here.

We recognize this is a difficult time for many members of our community. Our staff will continue to support our students, staff, and families who are impacted. If you or someone you know needs additional support, please see the following resources below:

• Former residential school students can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada.
• Indigenous Peoples across Canada can also go to The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counselling and crisis intervention at 1-855-242-3310.
• Indigenous Peoples can call the KUU-US Crisis Line Society (BC) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-588-8717.
• Individuals (ages 5-20) can also call the Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT 686868.

Langley is a compassionate community. Please continue to care for one another during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Mal Gill

Superintendent of Schools