Truth and Reconciliation Week- Day 2

The High-Level Bridge will be lit orange to recognize the day and to encourage the city to reflect upon the legacy of Indian Residential Schools.

In this article, you’ll read about

Act One- Truth
Watch videos: What does the word Indigenous mean and how to be an ally to Indigenous Peoples in Canada?
Things to do in Edmonton on September 30

Truth

BETWEEN 1879 AND 1996, the Government of Canada took First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children away from their families and homes and put them in residential schools. At residential school, children were not allowed to speak their language or celebrate their culture and were often treated badly by the adults in charge of the schools. Many of the children who went to residential schools became sick and died because the schools were poorly built and didn’t get enough money from the Government of Canada to keep the children healthy. The children who survived residential school returned home with great sadness and hurt that has been passed on to current generations.

What does the word Indigenous mean? How to be an ally to Indigenous Peoples in Canada?

These two important questions are beautifully explained by Sid, Ruby, and Isabel at CBC Kids News. Let’s learn together how we can do our part in being an ally to Indigenous peoples.

Events happening on September 30 in the City of Edmonton:

Roots for Trees– Plant Giveaway: Kinsmen Park from 11 am to 3 pm
To recognize the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, 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.
Help raise funds for the Orange Shirt Day Society
Orange Shirt Day Run/ Walk: Kinsmen Park | Register for Run/ Walk here
Calling on Spirit Back – Boyle Street Plaza – 9538 103A Ave
Please join us on this very important day of the Truth and Reconciliation event.
7:30am – Pipe Ceremony
9am – Courageous Conversation
5pm – Feast
6pm – Round Dance
Register for this free event here.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Past, Present and Future
Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society is organizing this event. The in-person event is FULL.

To register for the online portion, click here on this Facebook event.
1:00- Elder Prayer
1:10- Why we commemorate Orange Shirt Day.
1:20- Residential School Survivor Speaks
2:00- Song
2:10- Teaching on the 7 Sacred Teachings Video
2:30- Performance by Dallas Arcand Jr
3:30- Closing remarks Bent Arrow ED Cheryl Whiskeyjack
More events happening in and around the City can be explored here: Featured Events

Courtesy: National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, CBC Kids News, Orange Shirt Society, the City of Edmonton