At Eric G. Lambert School (EGLS) in Churchill Falls, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is about more than wearing an orange shirt on September 30. It’s about education, understanding, reflection, and taking meaningful action throughout the year.

For the second consecutive year, Chelsea Nugent, a teacher at EGLS and organizer of the school’s Truth and Reconciliation activities, worked to create meaningful learning opportunities for students while encouraging participation from the Churchill Falls community.

“Orange Shirt Day is incredibly important, but I want students to understand why we wear orange, what we are acknowledging, and how we can carry that understanding into our everyday lives,” explained Nugent. “Students should understand that reconciliation is something we need to continue learning about and working toward. I want them to ask questions, learn about the past, understand why reconciliation matters, and recognize that even small actions can contribute to something meaningful.”

This year, students learned about the history and lasting impacts of residential schools, the significance of Orange Shirt Day, and the experiences of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. On September 29, the school welcomed Margaret Ford and Shannon Dicker, who led age-appropriate presentations to encourage meaningful reflection, and introduced students

The Path of Every Child: A Growing Community Tradition

One of the central activities this year was the continuation of The Path of Every Child, an initiative Nugent introduced in 2025 to create a lasting reminder of Truth and Reconciliation within the community. Students and community members paint orange stones, which are added to a growing walkway where each stone adds to a collective commitment: remembering, learning, and honouring the message that Every Child Matters.

This year, Nugent expanded community involvement in the initiative by organizing an all-day rock-painting station outside the local grocery store in the Town Centre foyer, allowing community members the opportunity to participate throughout the day and into the evening.

EGLS students visited throughout the school day to paint and personalize their stones, while children from the local daycare added their own contributions.

The Path of Every Child provides a tangible reminder, visible throughout the year and continues to grow as new students, families and community members contribute.

What began as a small project has become a growing tradition connecting students, families and community members across generations.

“One of the things I love most about this project is that it continues to grow,” Nugent added. “Every year, new students, families, and community members can contribute. The path grows with our community, and hopefully, so does our understanding.”

Left: Students welcome Margaret Ford and Shannon Dicker who lead age-appropriate presentations to encourage meaningful reflection and introduced students to traditional Inuit Games and challenges.

Centre: The Path of Every Child. Orange stones are added to a growing walkway with each stone adding to a collective commitment to honour that Every Child Matters.

Right: Community members paint orange stones to add to the Path of Every Child.