TRC At TAB

Written by: Madeleine Homer and Ava Puhlmann

Photo by: Ms. Turnbull, Mme Mowbray

Contributors: TRC Club

Each year, the T.A. Blakelock community comes together to honour the children who lost their lives at Residential schools, as well as the survivors, their families and their communities. This is also a day to learn the truth regarding Indigenous peoples history with colonialism and to acknowledge the generational trauma that continues to endure today.

To show our support for Indigenous communities, students and staff of TAB are encouraged to wear orange, learn the truth about the history of Canada’s Residential schools, the treatment of Indigenous people in Canada, and reflect on what we can do to reconcile these injustices.

On September 30th-- Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation-- TAB’s Truth and Reconciliation Committee (TRC)  distributed  orange ribbons to students in the “T” section of the main hallway. TAB’s TRC Team works to educate Blakelock on the importance of recognizing the ongoing effects of colonisation. 

In partnership with TRC, the Grade 11 English classes placed QR codes in the “T” leading to individual presentations on details about various aspects of Indigenous history. Examples include, Wampum Belts, youth and suicide in Indigenous communities, and Inuit icegames. Check them out next time you walk by the office!

Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day are essential to moving towards healing from a dark part of Canadian history. T.A. Blakelock is committed to remembering what happened in Residential schools, and is dedicated to providing a safe space for all students.

For more information, visit: 

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada 

If you are struggling, reach out to:

Indigenous Hope for Wellness Helpline - (1) 855-242-3310

Kids Help Phone - (1) 800-668-6868

Suicide Crisis Helpline - 988