Truth and Reconciliation Day 2023: How to participate in and around Edmonton

Pictured left: Elmer Waniandy wears both an orange and red piece of cloth on his shirt to symbolize the Indigenous children forced to attend and assimilate into residential schools as well as solidarity with the missing and murdered Indigenous women while at a rededication ceremony for Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples on Sunday, July 17, 2022, in Edmonton, Alta., where Pope Francis would meet with parishioners at Sacred Heart. (AP Photo/Jessie Wardarski)

There are a number of ways Edmontonians and those around the capital city can participate in National Day for Truth and Reconciliation this year.

The federal statutory holiday is recognized on Sept. 30 and was created in recommendation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) as a way to commemorate residential school victims and survivors, as well as their families and communities.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation coincides with Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots initiative to raise awareness of the impacts of residential schools.

EDMONTON

•  The Alberta Legislature’s reconciliation garden, Kihciy Maskikiy / Aakaakmotaani, will host its grand opening on Friday at 1 p.m. The name is derived from Cree and Blackfoot words meaning “sacred medicine / save many people.”
•  Traditional pow wow dancers, drummers and hoop dancers will perform in Churchill Square on Friday between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. As well, Edmonton Police Service members will be serving bannock and soup.
•  Late Mi’kmaq director Jeff Barnaby’s feature Rhymes for Young Girls will debut at the Stanley Milner Library on Friday(opens in a new tab). Set in 1976, the film follows a 15-year-old girl who tries to keep herself out of the residential school system. Also at the library from Sept. 25-29 and Oct. 1 is an art exhibition by Sharon Rose Kootenay illustrating the history and legacy of the residential schools. Throughout the week, the library is hosting a series of concerts by Colten Bear and other Indigenous music artists.
•  The Royal Alberta Museum is hosting storytime readings in the Children’s Gallery, Indigenous film screenings, and other activities on Saturday all day. Among the films that will be shown is Round Up, directed by Narcisse Blood, the third part of a trilogy about a man who has sought pride and belonging in his southern Alberta community(opens in a new tab). Visitors are encouraged to wear an orange shirt.
•  The University of Alberta is hosting events throughout the week: On Tuesday and Wednesday, artist Jerry Whitehead will be painting live in the University of Alberta book store. On Thursday, Indigenous elders will be speaking at the book store, where the public is also invited to paint and “Cree-ate” throughout the day. On Friday, traditional standers and drummers Black Thunder from Kehewin will perform.
•  The Art Gallery of Alberta will be offering free admission for all on Saturday with the support of the Capital Power Indigenous Art Fund.
•  Telus World of Science is hosting a range of activities on Saturday, including a tipi raising, an Indigenous vendors market, crafts, and activities.
•  Walk alongside and in support of residential school survivors from Mary Burlie Park to Giovanni Caboto Park on Saturday. Event organizer Standing Together will be providing orange shirts and bagged lunches.
•  CO*LAB is hosting a space for story sharing on Saturday. Organizers are inviting the public to participate in a healing gathering.
•  The Indigenous Peoples Experience at Fort Edmonton Park will be open on Saturday for Truth and Reconciliation Day. A portion of proceeds will be directed toward more Indigenous programming in the park.
•  On Thursday, artist Lance Cardinal will bless the opening of a new decorative city sidewalk at ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11∞ Indigenous Art Park and also perform.
•  The city and Indigenous Runner are putting on the third annual Orange Shirt Day Run and Walk on Saturday. Other Indigenous organizaions will be there, providing information about cultural practices, art and community supports. As well, the city will be giving away 2,500 native trees, shrubs and wildflowers to honour victims and survivors of the residential school system.

LEDUC

•  Learn more about the history of residential schools while creating a custom orange shirt under the leadership of artist Katherine Swampy. A youth event is being held on Tuesday and an all-ages event on Wednesday. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Maskwacis services.

SHERWOOD PARK

•  In Strathcona County, guest speakers, Indigenous elders, knowledge keepers and performers will perform a smudging ceremony at Broadmoor Lake Park and Gallery @502 on Saturday. The event’s activities include an honour walk around the park and free snacks.

STONY PLAIN

•  Stony Plain is also hosting a community walk on Truth and Reconciliation Day. A free barbecue lunch will be provided after the 1.5-kilometre route.

DEVON

•  Devon will put on a full day of activities on Saturday, including a community walk, guest speakers, a story telling by author Shelly Nelson, crafts and more.

By Alex Antoneshyn

Published on the CTV News website