09/30/2026
Today, our CMS community gathered to honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation—a day to remember how history helps us recognize the harms of the past and consider how our choices and actions can contribute to a more respectful and compassionate future for everyone.
Our school gathering today gave students an opportunity to learn, listen, and share.
After taking part in smudging with their instruments, a CMS family performed “Float,” a song in honour of the children who never made it home. Through singing and drumming, the performance offered a moving tribute to those children and their families.
Our students also shared what they have been exploring in their classrooms. These contributions took many forms, including a free-verse poem inspired by Phyllis Webstad’s story, reminding us of the personal experiences behind the history we are studying, as well as artwork celebrating our uniqueness and the importance of recognizing and respecting one another.
Some pieces incorporated orange shirts and words of remembrance, while others paired beautiful sunset paintings with thoughtful words of empathy and reflection. Other students read aloud their written responses and shared their understanding of residential schools.
After our presentation, each class received a piece of orange fabric to add to the orange shirt taking shape on our playground fence. As each class added its ribbons, the shirt grew—one piece at a time—creating a powerful visual reminder of our shared responsibility to remember and learn.
Also, as a way of exploring more about indigenous culture and art, our oldest students created Wampum-inspired beaded bracelets.
At CMS, we know that reconciliation is not about one day or one activity. It is about continuing to listen, understand, reflect, and take action.
