Dakota Plains School took part in a meaningful walk last Friday to honour the victims of Residential Schools and mark Truth and Reconciliation Day. Organized by Vice Principal Jannita Perez-Gonzalez and teacher Natasha Hunter, the event aimed to educate students and the community about this painful part of Canada's history. 

The day started with a solemn moment of silence at the former residential school grounds, setting the tone for reflection.  

"We are also walking for those who didn't make it home." Perez-Gonzalez shares, "The people that were found later in the years, and that was just the beginning of finding the unmarked graves for those who didn't make it home."

Students were encouraged to continue learning through ceremonies and demonstrations, extending their understanding beyond the school day and into the weekend with their families. 

Hunter stresses the importance of education and awareness.  

"Education begins at home, read about it. All the information is on the Internet, even sitting with the First Nation person would shed a lot of light. Every First Nation person that is here is either a survivor, or our parents are survivors, or our grandparents are survivors. This isn't something that happened a long, long time ago. It's literally just years ago." 
 
The organizers say event serves as a reminder of the ongoing impact of Residential Schools and a call for empathy, understanding, and reconciliation. It's a crucial step toward creating a more compassionate community. 

 

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