Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Programming Supports for Schools

With the recent announcement of September 30th as a federal statutory holiday, some schools may provide Orange Shirt Day programming on days other than September 30th.  

To allow for a robust day of authentic learning no matter when schools choose to honour the day, Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortium (ARPDC) are pleased to provide these pre-recorded events.

Pre-recorded materials are appropriate for Kindergarten to Grade 12.

Opening Prayer and Smudging Ceremony

Start your day of programming off in a good way with this prayer and smudge ceremony for schools and classrooms provided by Elder Wilson Bearhead.

Length: 12:34

Opening Teaching

Elder Wilson Bearhead shares a teaching for students discussing treaty, reconciliation, and the legacy of residential schools.

Length: 30:06

Virtual Tours and Traditional Teachings

Áísínaiʼpi / Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park

Elder and Provincial Park Interpreter Saa’kokoto takes students on a journey exploring the Áísínaiʼpi / Writing-on-Stone provincial park, found in the centre of Nitawahsin – known as Blackfoot original land. In this journey, Saa’kokoto interprets First Nations Rock Art (petroglyphs and pictographs) in the Milk River Valley to share the stories and history of the Blackfoot People (Niitsítapi).

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site, located in the Porcupine Hills of Southern Alberta, near Fort Macleod, is one of the oldest, largest and best preserved buffalo jump sites in North America. This program will introduce native buffalo hunting culture. Students will get to see tools, games and more.

Language Education

Members of the ARPDC Partner Circle provide greetings and farewells in traditional languages. Click here or the image for this classroom guide.

Closing Circle Guide

This guide provides classroom support for educators to conduct a closing sharing circle with students. Click here or the image for this classroom guide.