Students were gifted a cupcake, courtesy of Salisbury Composite High’s culinary students, which symbolized the many student birthdays that had passed in residential schools, uncelebrated.

Sherwood Park, AB. — Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) staff and students gathered in kindness to celebrate the Division’s second annual Candle Day. Organized by the EIPS First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education team, in partnership with local Elder Wilson Bearhead, the day honours the spirit of children and residential school survivors through the concept of a birthday cupcake. “Candle Day helped us remember the kids who lost their birthdays,” says Arienne Marchand, a Grade 8 student at F.R. Haythorne Junior High. “It reminded us that all children have the right to be loved, have dignity and be celebrated.”

Throughout the day, more than 300 students and staff from five EIPS schools came together at F.R. Haythorne Junior High to take part in various activities and presentations. Elder Bearhead and three drummers shared powerful stories and cultural practices—all aimed at deepening knowledge and facilitating understanding around Indigenous education. Several students also presented on the Seven Grandfather Teachings of love, respect, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility and truth. Together, they related these teachings to Candle Day and how to implement them in daily life.

“The teachings were all moving, and resonated with students and staff alike,” says Taryn Donald, a First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education consultant at EIPS. “One that especially shone through was ‘respect’ and how important mutual respect is in any relationship. The students recognized adults at residential schools did not show the children the respect they deserved, and they realized how grateful they are as students to have healthy, reciprocal relationships with teachers in their schools.”

Before ending the day, each attendee was gifted a cupcake, courtesy of Salisbury Composite High’s culinary students. The cupcakes symbolized the many student birthdays that had passed in residential schools, uncelebrated. The tradition of cupcake gift-giving originated at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada hearings in 2013. Elder Bearhead was an attendee at the Edmonton-based hearing. At the end of each hearing, children at residential schools who never had a birthday were recognized through cupcakes, which was particularly impactful. Ultimately, the gesture inspired what is now known as Candle Day.

“We sang Happy Birthday at the end of the event—it was a powerful moment,” adds Donald. “This was my first Candle Day with the Division, so I didn’t know what to expect initially. But hearing directly from Elder Wilson and the students touched my heart. We need events like these to ensure we continue honouring residential school survivors and moving forward in reconciliation together.”

Candle Day 2025 took place on March 14. In total, five schools participated, including Davidson Creek Elementary, Fort Saskatchewan Elementary, F.R. Haythorne Junior High, Salisbury Composite High and Win Ferguson Elementary. Next year, the Division hopes to continue recognizing Candle Day and expand the event to include more community members so they can join in understanding its importance in honouring the lived experiences of residential school survivors.

For more information on EIPS First Nations, Métis and Inuit education visit eips.ca.

Elk Island Public Schools is one of Alberta’s largest school divisions, serving approximately 17,950 students in 42 schools. We are proud to be an integral part of our communities, including Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Vegreville, Strathcona and Lamont counties, and the western portion of the County of Minburn.

–30–

For more information, media can contact:
Laura McNabb, Director, Communication Services, EIPS 780-417-8204 cell 780-405-4902