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Initiative to build awareness of local Indigenous culture, history, and the legacy of residential schools
(Fort McMurray, AB – August 19, 2021) – The Municipality is inviting all residents to take part in a 6 Week Reconciliation Challenge as it commemorates the first annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - September 30, 2021.
Formerly recognized as ‘Orange Shirt Day,’ September 30th each year has marked a national movement to raise awareness of Canada’s residential schools, honour survivors and remember those who did not survive. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a new federal statutory holiday, is in direct response to one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action.
With the discovery of unmarked graves at former residential school sites, confirming the terrible wrongs etched into the Indigenous experience, many Canadians have asked how they can help advance reconciliation.
One important way is to actively participate in listening to and learning about truth and reconciliation. As such, 6 Weekly Reconciliation Challenge activities will be offered to increase awareness of the legacy of residential schools, local Indigenous culture and history, the TRC Calls to Action, Principles of Reconciliation, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
Every Thursday, beginning today (August 19), new learning opportunities will be introduced based on weekly themes. The first theme - “It’s Time to Get to Know First Nations & Métis Communities in the Region”- will offer information about Indigenous communities’ locations, languages, histories, and cultural protocols.
Future weekly themes will include teachings from Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers and will provide ways for participants and organizations to become involved and partner in reconciliation in Wood Buffalo.
Participants will also be asked to sign and share a Personal Pledge of Reconciliation as an individual commitment. The Pledge is available at rmwb.ca/TRC and can be shared on social media with #RMWBpledgetoTRC. Residents who complete the Challenge will also receive a certificate to mark the accomplishment and be invited to receive a gift package at a special event on September 30.
“Every journey begins with the first few steps – I strongly encourage everyone to join us in this journey of learning, by taking part in this Challenge and signing the Personal Pledge. There is no more crucial time than now to listen and learn about truth and reconciliation and support survivors and families,” said Indigenous and Rural Relations Director Dennis Fraser.
For more information, visit or follow the RMWB Facebook and Twitter accounts.
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Media inquiries may be directed to: media@rmwb.ca
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