Every Child Matters

Every Child Matters

Our hearts are heavy from the recent news of the 215 stolen children at the former Kamloops Residential School on Tk’emlups te Secwépemc First Nation.

Our thoughts are with the communities and families affected, the residential school survivors, and all stolen and missing children. All children deserve justice and safety.

Resources for Learners

June is Indigenous History Month and June 21st is Indigenous Peoples Day. These are opportunities for everyone to celebrate the cultural richness and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people. 

These resources are not intended to be comprehensive or exhaustive, but rather a helpful starting point for conversations with young learners. 

Orange Shirt Day - Virtual Classroom

We have expanded our Orange Shirt Day Virtual Classroom to include resources that not only address the origin and impact of the residential school system, but also introduce learners to Indigenous people who are sharing their culture and history with others.  

Author Visit with Courtney Defriend

This very special virtual author visit features Coast Salish author Courtney Defriend. 

Courtney’s book, If Instead of a Person,  imaginatively explores the wisdom to be learned from living as a tree. Using child-friendly rhyming verse, Courtney Defriend thoughtfully ponders a tree’s steadfast connection and vital contribution to life on earth.

Author Visit with Linda Grace Smith

This virtual author visit features children’s author and educator, Linda Smith.  

One Too Many kindly and capably addresses social issues surrounding poverty, education, and safety. It is hopeful, creative and empowering. By turning towards those in need instead of away, simple acts of care can make a big difference. It is the perfect launch into learning about social justice in action.

Resource Package includes lesson plans created exclusively for this event by Literacy Expert, Adrienne Gear! 

Resources for Grown Ups

Learn more about Truth and Reconciliation – Calls to Action here.

If you would like to help, please support Indian Residential School Survivors Society. Visit their website here. 

The National Indian Residential School 24-hour Crisis Line is available for Residential School survivors and those affected by this tragedy. Call the 24-hour crisis line: 1-866-925-4419.