🧡 Learning, Listening & Reconciliation
On, September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, our Grades 1–8 students had the opportunity to take part in a meaningful and hands-on learning experience with two wonderful guest speakers.
We were honoured to welcome Dr. John Ward, a MĂ©tis and Non-Status Indian from the Algonquin territory of Kitchisibi. Dr. Ward specializes in Indigenous holistic knowledge, ethics, disabilities, learning disabilities, and dyslexia among Indigenous Peoples in Canada. He also serves as a Special Advisor in disability and Indigenous knowledge with the Government of Canada.
We were also pleased to welcome Véronic Mageau-Gachnac, a Kanien’kehà woman from the Mohawk Nation of Kanehsatà near Oka, Québec. Véronic is a human resource professional, reconciliation advocate, educator, and Indigenous leadership practitioner whose work focuses on Indigenous engagement, leadership, relationship-building, mentorship, and cultural learning.
Our students learned about the Seven Grandfather Teachings, Indigenous knowledge and perspectives, and the story of Phyllis Webstad and the origins of Orange Shirt Day. Through conversation and hands-on activities, students were encouraged to listen, ask questions, reflect, and deepen their understanding.
It was also especially meaningful to welcome Dr. Ward back to Heritage, as he was our very first student. Today, he returned to his former school to share his knowledge and experiences with our students.
We are grateful to both John and VĂ©ronic for helping our students understand that Truth and Reconciliation is about learning the truth, listening to Indigenous voices, building understanding, and taking meaningful action.
🧡 We remember. We listen. We learn. We move forward together.
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