Students throughout the West Country region will be engaging in educational activities leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30.

In Rocky Mountain House, public schools are now in the third year of a comprehensive, Indigenous education program, says Wild Rose School Division superintendent, Brad Volkman.

That includes the hiring of a dedicated director of Indigenous education, as well as four Indigenous education specialists hired specifically to be in schools, he says.

Volkman says the new staff are planning meaningful activities designed to help students and staff reflect and honour the history and experiences of Indigenous peoples.

Planned activities include hands-on learning opportunities, cultural teaching, drumming circles and special speakers, says Volkman, all of which emphasize an understanding of the ongoing impacts of residential schools and colonization.

Volkman adds, the lead-up week isn’t a “one and done”, as Indigenous education is a priority all year long, where ongoing efforts are in place to help students understand more about Indigenous knowledge, perspectives and history.

Local catholic students will also be observing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, says Lauren MacKenzie, principal of St. Dominic Catholic High School.

Catholic students will be observing Orange Shirt Day, as well as engaging in prayerful reflection in classrooms, says MacKenzie, to reflect on the ongoing journey of reconciliation, hope and healing.

Additionally, MacKenzie says Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools (RDCRS) has an Indigenous education support team from Red Deer that comes out to Rocky to support training with staff as well as student activities throughout the year.

Landmark activities throughout the year include big round dances, as well as a cultural celebrations every June.

MacKenzie says National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and its leadup often strikes a more somber tone among students as opposed to the more celebratory tone of National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations which take place in June.