Public School Board went orange on Tuesday; students took part in classes designed to build community with their fellow students in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

By Pepper Parr

October 1st, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

City Hall was shut down for Truth and Reconciliation Day, but the schools were open.

Amy Collard: Chair, Board of Trustees, Halton District School Board

The Halton District School Board had a solid program that helped create a better understanding of what took place at the hundreds of residential schools that existed across the country.

The Indigenous Rights and Education Department had First Nations, Métis and Inuit students gather and work at build community with their fellow students in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Students were engaged in activities and learning in ways that allow for their gifts and authentic selves to be valued and respected. Students are engaged in learning about the diversity of nations through story and sharing with each other. 

Curtis Enns: Director of Education Halton District School Board

HDSB students and staff were invited to wear orange shirts to acknowledge the shared responsibility to learn and understand the history and legacy of Residential Schools. When sourcing orange shirts, HDSB schools have been encouraged to use resource providers who are committing proceeds to the benefit of Residential School Survivors.

The site was a school that was first built in 1831. It was burned down twice by the students. It was taken over by the federal government and used as a Residential school until 1970, when it was closed.