Canadians honour residential school survivors, children who never returned home and Indigenous peoples’ many cultures on Wednesday for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day began as a call to action to the federal government by The Truth and Reconciliation Commission to create a statutory holiday recognizing survivors, their families and communities. Bill C-5 established Sept. 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in 2021. Orange Shirt Day – Every Child Matters, a grassroots movement dating back to 2013 in Williams Lake, B.C., is also commemorated in conjunction with the federal day. The orange shirt symbolizes the loss of culture, freedom and self-esteem that Indigenous children experienced in Canada’s history. Edmonton is located on Treaty 6 territory, home to First Nations including the Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Sioux and Métis people. The city is home to the second largest Indigenous population in Canada, behind Winnipeg. Most schools and public buildings will be closed on Wednesday save for specific events related to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. All Government of Alberta and City of Edmonton Flags will be lowered to half-mast. Here are some ways people in and around the city will mark the day: Métis Cultural Community Centre The centre on 95 Street will host a viewing of short-form documentary The Forgotten People, which focuses on the experience of Métis residential school survivors. Attendees will also hear survivor testimony and take in Louis Lavoie’s mural depicting the lost children of residential schools. MacEwan University Classes are cancelled but campus buildings remain open for community reflection. The school’s kihêw waciston Indigenous Centre will be open for opportunities to speak with Knowledge Keepers and partake in traditional medicine smudging in the campus Gathering Room. University of Alberta Classes are also cancelled at this university on Wednesday. The U of A bookstore has collaborated with the First Peoples’ House Collection to offer orange shirts, the proceeds of which go to community initiatives. Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society Bent Arrow’s annual event takes place on Wednesday at its 85 Street location. The theme of this year is “Honouring the Walk of Healing Through Stories” and will feature keynote speakers, storytelling sessions, smudge and prayer and family-friendly crafts and entertainment. The group has offered educational and mental health resources to Indigenous children, youth and families since 1994. Edmonton Public Library Libraries across the city are hosting beadwork and Cree language classes, Elder in Residence visits and story times throughout the week. A full list of events can be found on the EPL website. Fort Edmonton Park Fort Edmonton Park attractions are closed on Wednesday except for the Indigenous Peoples Experience, which is $5 per adult. Attendees will learn more about Indigenous life before and after the formation of Canada. Royal Alberta Museum The RAM will host a film screening of the documentary WaaPaKE (Tomorrow), created by Jules Arita Koostachin, at the Amiskwaciy Theatre. The story features a deeply personal reflection on intergenerational trauma in Indigenous families and communities. Cost is free with admission. Art Gallery of Alberta The AGA hosts Indigenous Creativity curator Alaynee Goodwill-Littlechild on a tour of their exhibition, What Shapes Us. Goodwill-Littlechild is then joined by Sara McKarney for a conversation and reflection in The Reciprocity Garden. Alberta Legislature The Kihciy Maskikiy/Aakaakotaani Garden, which translates from Cree and Blackfoot to “sacred medicine/save many people,” will be open as a space for healing and reflection. The garden is a monument to honour survivors of Canada’s residential schools and was designed and named by Indigenous Elders. Edmonton Short Film Festival Audreys Books on Jasper Avenue is hosting a smudge and prayer by Elder Terry Lusty as well as screenings of short films by local Indigenous filmmakers. Admission is free, but attendees are asked to register due to capacity limitations. Just outside of Edmonton Municipalities around Edmonton will also hold observations and encourages attendees to wear orange shirts to each event: Strathcona County: Hosts a Sherwood Park honour walk with Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers and keynote speakers. Hot chocolate and bannock will be offered. Admission is free. Stony Plain: Will work with local community groups to put on live music and a presentation by Lance Cardinal and other speakers at Heritage Park for Wednesday’s gathering. Tea and bannock will be served. Admission is free. St. Albert: The city was the home of two former residential schools – Youville and the Edmonton residential school, sometimes referred to as Poundmaker. Wednesday’s event will be held at Mission Park and feature local artists, food vendors, Knowledge Keeps and an honour walk. Fort Saskatchewan: Will host a gathering at Fort Heritage Precinct Wednesday morning featuring a community walk along the loop trail led by a drum.
