The McNair Truth and Reconciliation Day Walk on September 29, 2025 was a powerful moment of remembrance and community. Students and staff came together to honor Survivors of residential schools, reflect on Canada’s history, and commit to building a more inclusive future. 

This walk, the First Annual Truth and Reconciliation Day Walk, marks a significant step in the school’s ongoing journey toward fostering belonging and empathy. The event was scheduled on the eve of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a statutory holiday observed across Canada on September 30, which coincides with Orange Shirt Day.

The day began with students and staff gathering in the main gym at noon. A Land Acknowledgement was offered, grounding the event in respect for the Indigenous peoples whose lands the school occupies. At 12:20 p.m., the walk commenced, weaving through the surrounding community. Participants were encouraged to wear orange shirts, a symbol of solidarity and remembrance for the children who were taken from their families and communities to attend residential schools.

The walk was not simply a physical journey but a collective act of reflection. As students and staff moved together, they were invited to consider the legacy of residential schools—the trauma endured by Survivors, the children who never returned home, and the lasting impact on Indigenous families and communities. Walking side by side symbolized unity, respect, and the shared responsibility of reconciliation.

This event was deeply connected to the broader national context. Across British Columbia and Canada, ceremonies and gatherings were held to honor Survivors and commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report in 2025. McNair’s walk aligned with these efforts, demonstrating how schools can play a vital role in educating youth about history while cultivating empathy and understanding.

The significance of the walk extended beyond remembrance. It was also about belonging and community connection. For McNair, where survey data has shown challenges in peer belonging and feelings of loneliness among students, the walk provided an opportunity to strengthen bonds. By engaging in a shared act of reflection, students experienced a sense of unity that transcended individual differences.

The event also highlighted McNair’s commitment to inclusive school culture. In recent years, the school has celebrated cultural events such as Diwali and planned assemblies to mark Truth and Reconciliation Day. The 2025 walk added a new tradition—one that will likely grow in importance as the school continues to embrace diversity and foster belonging.

McNair Truth and Reconciliation Day Walk on September 29, 2025 was more than a symbolic gesture. It was a meaningful act of remembrance, education, and community building. By walking together, students and staff honored the past, acknowledged the present, and committed to shaping a future rooted in respect, empathy, and reconciliation