National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Orange Shirt Day was first established as an observance in 2013, as part of an effort to promote awareness and education of the residential school system and the impact it has had on Indigenous communities for over a century.

The day was elevated to a statutory holiday by the Government of Canada in 2012, in light of the discoveries of over 1,000 unmarked graves near former residential school sites.

We continue to wear orange shirts to honour and learn about the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools. Orange Shirt Day is a day of remembrance and an act of reconciliation.

During the last week of September, our students engage in a variety of learning activities that raise awareness of the very tragic legacy of residential schools, and to honour the thousands of Survivors.

View more photos in the Orange Shirt Day Gallery below.

Métis Week

Held annually during the third week of November, Métis Week celebrates the culture, history and contributions of Métis people to Alberta and Canada with events held across the province.

All St. Albert Public Schools’ sites fly the Métis flag during the week. In schools, students participate in learning activities that teach them about the uniqueness and beauty of Métis culture.

Métis week is also an opportunity for students and families to learn about the rich contributions of Métis people to the city of St. Albert as they are recognized as one of the founding peoples of the community of St. Albert.

View more photos in the Metis Week photo gallery below.

National Indigenous Peoples Day

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Aboriginal peoples, also known as Indigenous peoples.

Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs. In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice, for National Aboriginal Day, now known as National Indigenous Peoples Day.

For generations, many Indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year. June is also National Indigenous History Month.

During this month, our schools take time to recognize the rich history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across Canada.

View more photos in the National Indigenous Peoples Day gallery below.