This release was issued under a previous government.

“Orange Shirt Day, on Sept. 30, is an opportunity for all Albertans to wear an orange shirt to show their support for an estimated 12,000 residential school survivors in our province. Reconciliation is a positive way forward—bringing light and hope to the dark chapter of Indian residential schools.

“Shortly after taking office, Premier Rachel Notley apologized for Alberta’s silence in the face of 25 federally run Indian residential schools which operated in our province. Our government has committed to implementing the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a framework for reconciliation.  

“Our government is enhancing curriculum to ensure all K-12 students and teachers learn about the history of residential schools, along with First Nations, Metis and Inuit history, perspectives and contributions.

We know how important it is to build understanding of the tragic history of residential schools. As we move forward on the path of reconciliation, our education system can become a place that contributes to healing through knowledge and learning.”