Students, staff and community at École Laura Secord School attended the school's presentation of Answering the Calls: A Child's View of the 94 Calls to Action to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on June 24.
The book is the result of many hours of work by the children in the Grade 4, 5 and 6 English and Alternative classes at École Laura Secord School. The Canadian Commission for UNESCO provided funding for this work to be shared in book format and on its website because they believe that the work toward reconciliation for this country is vital and, if we are going to be successful, we all need to understand the task that lies before us.
"Our students and staff are learning that we need to educate ourselves about the problems in our society and that we must do the work necessary to implement the solutions proposed by the TRC," says Rhona Churman, Principal, École Laura Secord School. "This book started out as a much smaller project to make it easier for young people to fully understand what the TRC Calls to Action meant, and it has grown as we've learned more, and recognized the need for understanding among a much larger audience."
In their classrooms, students had plenty of time to explore the 94 Calls to Action and get familiar with the text.
"Our teachers helped up understand the Calls to Action, and we wrote them so that someone younger could understand them," said student Kalvin Keating.
Along with providing a translation for younger readers, students also wrote about the reasons why each Call to Action existed.
"The book actually has the kids' explanations of the problems that each Call to Action addresses; I think that is beneficial to kids and adults alike who may not know the history behind why these calls exist," said teacher Jacqueline Cleave.
Laura Secord students learn about smudging from former Laura Secord student Sarah Fontaine-Sinclair and teacher Jill Jonette.
Students said it was important for all Canadians to be familiar with the 94 Calls to Action and the legacy of residential schools in Canada.
"People actually had to go through residential schools, it's not just a story book," Kalvin said.
"Even if you weren't there when it happened, you still live here that's Canadian history," added student Hassan Hassan.
Answering the Calls: A Child's View of the 94 Calls to Action will be made available in all Winnipeg School Division libraries to further facilitate understanding of the TRC Calls to Action. WSD is also working with a local publisher and distributor to make the book available to a broader audience.
"We've already had requests from lots of diverse places for copies of the book," Ms. Cleave said.
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