National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events all across Mohkintsis

There were events to honor Residential School Survivors and all the children who never made it home all across the city today, September 30, 2023. Uncle Trent went to three events and took in displays of Indigenous Culture, Elders talks and community gathering to remember and honor #OrangeShirtDay.

Heritage Park recognized National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a full day of events that celebrate Indigenous ways of knowing and learning of the shared complex past and the resilience and strength of the Indigenous peoples.

The Flags in Heritage Plaza were lowered in a ceremony starting at 9:30 am. A blessing was shared by 30 children from the De La Salle Blackfeet School and songs of remembrance will be sung by members of our Indigenous community.

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Blackfoot Blessing De La Salle Blackfeet School #HeritagePark #orangeshirtday

♬ original sound – CJWE – Alberta’s Best Country

Then Uncle Trent travelled to Princess Island part to check out USAY’s Indigitrails Remembering the Children event, as the community gathered to embrace traditional healing practices and pay tribute to the resilient spirits touched by the harrowing legacy of the Residential School System. The Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth (USAY) strives to enrich the lives of all urban Indigenous youth by nurturing self-empowerment and fostering healthy collaboration and communication to ensure healthy future generations.

Uncle Trent spoke with Leanne Ireland, the Executive Director of USAY about today’s event:

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People gathered at Princess Island for #orangeshirtday

♬ original sound – CJWE – Alberta’s Best Country

After spending some time at Princess Island Park Uncle Trent headed to the 3rd Annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Pow Wow in the southeast community of Forest Lawn. The day had gotten rather windy, cold and wet but it did not deter the Dancers, Singers, Drummers and spectators from gathering and sharing Indigenous Culture to honor the survivors of the Indian Residential School system and remember all the little ones who never made it home.