The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is this month, and the City of Edmonton is observing it as a day “for reflection and commemoration, bereavement and support.”
On September 30, Edmonton, along with the rest of Canada, will “honour the survivors of and the children who never returned home from residential schools, as well as their families and communities.” According to the city, “Public commemoration of this tragic and painful history and the ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.”
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a federal statutory day of commemoration, and there are several ways to observe the day in Edmonton.
2nd Annual Orange Shirt Day Run/Walk – Every Child Matters
Run/Walk various distances in support and awareness of those who did not survive the Residential school era and for those who did. Help raise funds for the Orange Shirt Day Society and local grassroots movements and to promote and support Indigenous athletes.
When: September 30th
Time: 3:00- 6:00 PM
Where: Kinsmen Park
Calling on Spirit Back
Join the Indigenous Congress of Alberta Association (ICAA) to pay respect on the day of Truth and Reconciliation. This free event begins with a Pipe Ceremony, and will include Courageous Conversation, and a Round Dance.
When: September 30th
Time: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Where: Boyle Street Plaza – 9538 103A Ave
Root For Trees – National Day for Truth & Reconciliation – Plant Giveaway
To recognize the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, The City of Edmonton states that Root for Trees is giving away 1500 native species of trees, shrubs and wildflowers as a way to honour the victims, families, friends, and inter-generational survivors of Residential Schools. The City is encouraging Edmontonians to show their support by wearing an orange shirt to the event.
When: September 30th
Time: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Where: Kinsmen Park
Orange Shirt Day Walk
On Friday, the Orange Shirt Day Walk will begin at the Wetaskiwin & District Heritage Museum before going to the Peace Cairn and then move over to Jubilee Park for more activities.
When: September 30th
Time: 4:00 PM
Where: Wetaskiwin and District Heritage Museum
Teaching & Learning Walks
Two land-based teaching and learning walks are scheduled on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Each considering the histories of these lands and its people from different vantage points. Morning Walk: ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11∞Indigenous Arts Park to Rossdale Burial Grounds. And the afternoon Walk: MacEwan Treaty Marker to Twin Burial Grounds (Saint Joachim & Edmonton Municipal). Advanced registration is required.
When: September 30th
Time: 9:00 AM- 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Where: MacEwan Library, Norquest Library, UofA Library & NEOS Library Consortium
For additional resources, head to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Canada website.
For additional support or information, these services are available to help:
- Indian Residential School Crisis Line 1-866-925-4419 (toll-free)
- First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness 24/7 Help Line 1-855-242-3310; Support can be provided in English, French, Ojibway, Cree and Inuktitut.
- Alberta Health Services Mental Health Help Line 1-877-303-2642 (toll-free)
- Canadian Mental Health Association – 24-hours Distress Line Call 780-482-4357 (HELP)
