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Everyone is invited to participate in the Community Gathering and Walk to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. In discussion with Indigenous partners, the event is being held on Thursday, September 28 to encourage as many people as possible to participate.
The gathering begins at 10 a.m. at Kiyām Community Park starting with a prayer, raising of the Survivors’ flag and a brief address before walking the designated loop through downtown. After the walk, light refreshments will be provided at the park with an opportunity for community members to reflect on the importance of the day. The gathering and walk are held in partnership with the Athabasca Tribal Council.
“The legacy of the residential school system – in this region and across Canada – is something that continues to be felt and experienced by Indigenous Peoples, communities and their families,” said Mayor Sandy Bowman. “I encourage everyone to join the Community Gathering and Walk on September 28 to honour Survivors, their families and communities and to remember those that were lost. It’s important for all of us to take time to listen, learn and reflect on this truth as part of our journey towards reconciliation.”
"The effect of the Residential School System continues to have a long-lasting impact on our families and communities. The truth is that we must support community members as they continue to heal," said Chief Allan Adam, President of the Athabasca Tribal Council and Chief of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. "Join us September 28th as we show the survivors, their families and those dealing with the intergenerational trauma that Every Child Matters and that they matter."
About National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an important day to learn and understand the legacy of residential schools, the wrongs carried out by the church and governments and the harm that continues to impact Indigenous Peoples and communities.
While the gathering and walk are held in advance of September 30, community members are encouraged to use the day to reflect and think about how we can all move together as a region towards reconciliation.
Wearing orange: supporting survivors and raising awareness
Orange Shirt Day is held in accordance with National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, serving as a meaningful opportunity to raise awareness of the profoundly harmful impacts that residential schools have caused. It’s a day to deepen our understanding of history and work towards healing, while fostering mutual understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in Canada.
The orange shirt is a symbol that originates from the personal experience of Phyllis Webstad and signifies the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations. Wearing an orange shirt is a symbol of solidarity, remembrance, and a commitment to learning about our true shared history.
On September 28, we encourage everyone to wear orange to the gathering and walk as a sign of solidarity.
RMWB’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
For more information and resources dedicated to Truth and Reconciliation including videos, learning modules and the Municipality’s response to the Commission’s Calls to Action, visit rmwb.ca/trc.
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Media inquiries:
Athabasca Tribal Council:karla.buffalo@atcfn.ca
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo: media@rmwb.ca
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