A new bulletin board display at St. Angela Catholic School is inviting our community to reflect more deeply on the Land Acknowledgement we recite each morning. The display began with a thoughtful question from students in Ms. Tolentino’s Grade 5-6 class: Why do we say the Land Acknowledgement every morning? This curiosity sparked meaningful conversations and an exploration of our shared history with Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
Through class discussions and research, students learned about First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples, with particular attention to First Nations communities across Ontario. The information gathered became the foundation for the display, which was thoughtfully planned and created with the help of Grade 8 student leaders who brainstormed ideas with our Junior students.
The bulletin board features Indigenous community logos and symbols from around Ontario, explanations of Indigenous identities, and children’s literature that encourages respect for the land and Indigenous voices. Thanks to our librarian, Mrs. Jupe, we can explore newly curated books written and illustrated by Indigenous authors, further enriching our understanding through authentic stories and perspectives.
A focal point of the display is a painting of Turtle Island as reimagined by the students, depicting our city resting on the back of a living being. This image serves as a reminder that the land we live on is alive and sacred, and that it deserves our care, respect, and gratitude.
As we continue learning, we hope to add to this bulletin board and deepen our understanding of the Land Acknowledgement. This display is an invitation to ongoing learning, reflection, and meaningful conversations about Truth and Reconciliation.
