“On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we wear orange to honour residential school Survivors, their families, and the children who did not return home. We are called to confront the devastation that residential schools have inflicted on Indigenous communities and renew our commitment to addressing the systemic anti-Indigenous racism that exists in our society.

As Catholic teachers, we have a duty to ensure that the vital learning and discussions of Indigenous histories and perspectives are a part of our classrooms – not just on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, but throughout the school year. We are grateful to the Indigenous elders, knowledge keepers, and community members who collaborate with us to enrich our classrooms. We have so much to learn from their wisdom and insights. Together, we are called to dismantle barriers and create opportunities that support the success of Indigenous students, in ways that allow all teachers and other school staff to grow.

And we are called to reflect on the actions being taken by the Catholic Church and by all levels of government, as well as within our own Association – there is much that still must be done to meaningfully advance Truth and Reconciliation.

We call on the federal government to prioritize the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action and the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People. We also continue to urge the provincial government to restore essential resources for Indigenous education, so every student in Ontario has the opportunity to learn about the rich histories, cultures, and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, and every teacher is equipped to confidently engage in this crucial education. As an Association, we also recognize that Pope Francis has taken some first steps, including an apology to residential school Survivors. We continue to call on the Vatican to take further action in this critical journey toward Truth and Reconciliation.

We must continue walking alongside First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples in their pursuit of healing and justice. It is our responsibility to listen, learn, and create safe spaces where Indigenous students, teachers, and communities feel empowered. In our classrooms and communities, Catholic teachers commit to making space for Indigenous voices, and to championing the message that every child matters.”

- René Jansen in de Wal, President of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association