9 Events and Activities for Families to Learn on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Edmonton
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity to listen and learn from Indigenous community members about the trauma and harm of residential schools.
Educating ourselves, as non-indigenous parents, is the first thing that we should do to observe and reflect for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. University of Alberta’s Indigenous Canada course explores history and contemporary issues, and registration is open, and free. From the heart of every parent on our team, we urge you to enrol for this free resource - when we know better, we can do better.
Educate yourself on the horror of residential schools, read, consume media and listen to elders, community members and locals impacted by residential schools in Canada.
Educate yourself about reconciliation, reading through the Truth and Reconciliation reports. Read these 10 books about residential schools, with your children.
Completing the course is one of the first steps we took, as parents, to learn more about the history of our country, and province. Read, listen, reflect. Use this list to learn about residential schools, firsthand with voices of Indigenous authors. Don’t avoid it because it’s sad, and uncomfortable.
Ways families can reflect on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Edmonton
Virtual Storytime at Royal Alberta Museum
Join us for a virtual reading of Shi-Shi-Etko by Nicola Campbell. Shi-shi-etko is a young girl who has four days before she leaves home for residential school. Her family has many teachings to share with her, about her culture and the land. This book is appropriate for children aged 4-8.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Bonnyville
The day will include: Opening Words by Dignitaries, Shared Experiences from Local Survivors (1st and 2nd Generation Survivors), Traditional Storytelling and Dance, Hoop Dance, Metis Dance, Fiddlers, Traditional Drum Group.
Learn at Strathcona Wilderness Centre
The Strathcona Wilderness Centre is hosting a free day of learning, sharing and building relationships. Events include an Indigenous Elder welcome and blessing, nature scavenger hunts, Indigenous performances and family-friendly activities. The Strathcona County Library Bookmobile will also be on site with Felice Gladue and the Métis on the Move exhibit.
At Home: CBC Kids Indigenous Stories
There’s a great playlist with short, digestible stories on CBC kids that provides a great resource to start a conversation, at home. Kids News Explains is a great way to create a dialogue about ‘reconciliation’. It’s easy for kids as young as five to understand the concept, and uses a five-minute video to teach children and families, with calls to action of ‘what can we do now’ that opens the door to more learning.
Again, here are 10 books about residential schools you can read with your kids
Gilmore Park short Film and Discussion
This September 30th, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, explore the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and stories of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Start or continue your learning journey by joining Glen Allan neighbours in Gilmore Park for a viewing of the short film - Treaty Talk.
7:00-7:15pm - Land acknowledgement & smudge
7:15-8:00pm - Treaty Talk film
Observe: The High-Level Bridge will be lit in orange to recognize the day and to encourage the city to reflect upon the legacy of Indian Residential Schools.
Take part in the Roots for Trees Plant Giveaway. Edmontonians are invited to pick up a plant, speak with an Elder and plant their tree as an act of reconciliation at Hawrelak Park from 10 am to 2 pm on September 30th. First come, first serve basis, as plant stock lasts.
An orange shirt day run/walk is also taking place at Indigenous Art Park. There will be a ceremony beginning at 3pm, followed by the walk/run at 4 pm in support and awareness of those who did not survive the residential school era and for those who did. This event is an Independent Indigenous-led fundraiser to support residential school victims and survivors.
A note on the orange shirts: ensure that when you’re purchasing an orange shirt, that the proceeds are given to indigenous funds and charities, not a portion - all the proceeds. Ask questions, know where the proceeds are going.