The month is coming to a close and with it, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Monday, September 30th. It’s a time to listen, learn, and reflect. To support the Indigenous community and honour the countless children coerced and lost to the Canadian residential school system.
If you’re looking for ways to observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Edmonton, here are 12 events in and around the city.
Healing Through Stories and Ceremony
This Truth and Reconciliation event offers a space to honour the experiences of Indigenous communities and engage in the ongoing journey toward healing. Although space for the in-person event is limited, anyone who can’t attend can join virtually through the live broadcast on Bent Arrow’s Facebook page.
When: 9 AM to 3 PM on Monday, September 30th, 2024
Where: Parkdale Gymnasium, 11648 85 St NW
Metis Crossing Truth and Reconciliation
Experience a day of community, reflection, dialogue, and hope. The day begins at Metis Crossing with an opening ceremony featuring prayers and stories of resilience, followed by conversations with Métis Knowledge Holders. Experience traditional live music and dance and join in celebrating the enduring spirit of the Métis community.
When: 10 AM – 4:30 PM on Monday, September 30th, 2024
Where: Metis Crossing, 17339 Victoria Trail, Smoky Lake
Orange Shirt Day Walk and Run
Lace up your runners and help raise money for Orangeshirtday.org along with local grassroots movements that support Indigenous athletes. Choose one of three distances: 5km, 10km or an Elder/Kids run of 2.15km. The path starts at Kinsmen Park and is a combination of pavement and trail through the beautiful YEG River Valley trails.
When: 12 PM on Monday, September 30th, 2024
Where: Kinsmen Sports Centre, Walterdale Hill
Orange Shirt Day at TELUS World of Science
The TELUS World of Science in Edmonton will provide a full day of events beginning at 8 AM to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Learn how to raise a Tipi, experience traditional live performances, and shop at the Indigenous Vendors Market. Indigenous guests will have free admission on Monday, September 30th
When: All day on Monday, September 30th, 2024
Where: 11211 142 St NW
Truth and Reconciliation Film Screening and Author Talk
In partnership with Audreys Books, the Edmonton Short Film Festival will be hosting a free community event that includes a screening of local Indigenous short films along with talks from local Indigenous authors.
When: 4 to 6 PM on Monday, September 30th, 2024
Where: Audreys Books, 10702 Jasper Ave
Indigenous Peoples Experience at Fort Edmonton
Explore the histories, cultures, and perspectives of the First Nations and Métis peoples at Fort Edmonton. This is a $5 ticketed event, with proceeds from admission will support the continued development of Indigenous educational programming at Fort Edmonton Park.
When: 10 AM – 1 PM and 1 PM to 4 PM on Monday, September 30th, 2024
Where: Fort Edmonton Park, 7000 143 St NW
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Head to the Alberta Legislature reconciliation garden and wear orange to honour the survivors, families, communities and children who never returned home from residential schools. The community event will feature Indigenous speakers who will share their perspectives and experiences on reconciliation.
When: 2 PM on Monday, September 30th, 2024
Where: East Lawn, Legislature grounds
Every Child Matters Traditional Feast & Round Dance
Head to the Alberta Aviation Museum Event Hangar and join the Indigenous Artist Market Collective for an evening event. Experience a pipe ceremony and traditional feast followed by a round dance.
When: 4:30 PM to 11 PM on Monday, September 30th, 2024
Where: Alberta Aviation Museum | 11410 Kingsway NW
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Strathcona County
Join Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers and performers to learn about the history, heritage, resilience and diversity of Indigenous Peoples and honour those affected by residential schools. All ages are welcome.
When: 1 PM to 3 PM on Monday, September 30th, 2024
Where: 401 Festival Lane, Sherwood Park, AB
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at St. Albert
Listen to guest speakers and knowledge keepers and enjoy performers, local artisans, exhibits, and food vendors. There will also be an Honour Walk from Mission Park to Kâkesimokamik/The Healing Garden.
When: 12 PM to 4 PM on Monday, September 30th, 2024
Where: 15 Mission Ave, St. Albert
Orange Shirt Day in Devon
Gather and honour the survivors and victims of the residential school system. There will be a pipe ceremony, guest speakers, a community walk, and a catered lunch.
When: 9 Am to 2 PM on Monday, September 30th, 2024
Where: 10 River Drive, Devon
Together for Truth and Reconciliation at Stony Plain
Come by Heritage Park for a day of listening, reflection, and connection. Learn from the wisdom of an elder and experience the power of Indigenous drumming and dance.
When: 11 AM to 2 PM on Monday, September 30th, 2024
Where: Heritage Park, Spruce Grove Hall, 5100-41 Avenue Stony Plain
We hope that you can take some time on September 30th to further your education and support the Indigenous community in your city. While nothing will ever make up for the past, we must be forever trying.
For more information about how Canada is commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, you can visit their website here.
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