NCTR and CTF come together to forge a path to reconciliation

OTTAWA, Nov. 16, 2016 /CNW/ - The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) at the University of Manitoba and the Canadian Teachers' Federation (CTF) are proud to launch a new teacher resource that aims to educate students across the country about residential schools and set them on the path to reconciliation.

The goals of the new resource, Truth and Reconciliation: What is it about?, are: to increase student knowledge, foster understanding, and promote social action by youth that will lead to positive change in society. This new resource includes firsthand accounts from students expressed through words, thoughts, drawings and poems.

"We know that it will take seven generations to fix the damage done by residential schools. If we don't start with this generation, then when?" said Charlene Bearhead, the Education Lead for NCTR. "Young people are already the leading voices on reconciliation. We want them to be as informed as possible about the past so they can build a better future."

NCTR is committed to supporting educators in clearing a path of truth, enlightenment, social justice and reconciliation for our children now and in future generations.

"Teachers believe it's important for students to understand the truth and acknowledge mistakes of others, as we collectively build towards a more respectful future," says CTF President Heather Smith. "We are grateful to the NCTR for their rich contributions in the development of this resource which will help students better understand human rights and the critical importance of mutual respect."

This creative expression project was conducted in cooperation with the NCTR as part of CTF's social justice program, Imagineaction. The booklet is available for purchase at $3 per copy (discounts for bulk orders) through CTF's Publications Catalogue.

Founded in 1920, the CTF is a national alliance of provincial and territorial Member organizations that represent nearly 231,000 teachers across Canada. CTF is also a member of the 32-million member Education International. @CanTeachersFed

SOURCE Canadian Teachers' Federation

Charlene Bearhead, Education Lead, National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, 780-932-3520, [email protected]; Francine Filion, Director of Communications, CTF, 613-688-4314, [email protected]