A Storm of Disappointment: Dufferin-Peel Catholic Board's Truth and Reconciliation Day Stance Sparks Outcry

A storm of controversy has erupted around the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) following its decision to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a regular instructional day, rather than closing schools. This move has sparked widespread disappointment and criticism from parents, Indigenous advocates, and community members who argue that the board's approach falls short in truly honouring the solemn significance of the day.

While numerous other prominent school boards across Ontario, including the Peel District School Board (PDSB), York Region District School Board (YRDSB), and Toronto District School Board (TDSB), have designated September 30th as a non-instructional day for students – often dedicating it to professional development for staff focused on Indigenous education – the DPCDSB has chosen a different path.

Their plan involves students attending classes, with the curriculum for the day incorporating lessons and activities related to Indigenous history and reconciliation. Staff, meanwhile, will engage in professional development centered on Indigenous education.

Critics contend that by keeping schools open, the DPCDSB diminishes the profound importance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

This day serves as a crucial opportunity for all Canadians to reflect on the devastating legacy of residential schools, honour the survivors, their families, and communities, and remember the children who never returned home. Many believe that an instructional day, even with an Indigenous focus, doesn't provide the same space for reflection, family discussion, and community engagement that a non-instructional day would allow.

The board's rationale cites a 2021 provincial memo that encouraged learning and reflection on Indigenous history but did not explicitly mandate school closures.

However, opponents quickly point out that this memo was not a directive to keep schools open, and other boards successfully navigated the guidance to implement non-instructional days, demonstrating that alternative, more impactful approaches are feasible.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, established as a federal statutory holiday, is intended to provide a period of pause and remembrance.

While provinces and territories determine its observance for provincially regulated sectors like schools, the spirit of the day calls for widespread recognition and a commitment to understanding the ongoing impacts of colonialism.

In response to the growing public outcry, a Change.org petition rapidly gained traction, urging the DPCDSB to reverse its decision and declare September 30th a non-instructional day.

The petition reflects a deep-seated desire within the community for the board to align its actions more closely with the national call for reconciliation.

Acknowledging the controversy, the DPCDSB confirmed that while the day would remain instructional with a focus on Indigenous education, parents who wished to keep their children home for reflection or family observance would have their absence excused.

This concession, however, has done little to quell the underlying dissatisfaction, with many seeing it as a compromise that still misses the mark on the day's true spirit.

Contrastingly, the Peel District School Board's decision to make September 30th a non-instructional day for students, coupled with dedicated professional learning for staff on Indigenous education, highlights a different model of observance.

This approach allows for a collective pause while still advancing educational goals for staff.

Even the Indigenous Education Council of the DPCDSB, while expressing disappointment with the board's choice, affirmed its commitment to advancing Indigenous education within the system. Their statement underscores the complex challenge of balancing educational mandates with the profound moral imperative of reconciliation.

The ongoing debate within the Dufferin-Peel community serves as a poignant reminder of the work that remains in fostering genuine understanding and healing on the path to Truth and Reconciliation.