Since 2013, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation has helped shine a light on a dark part of our history. Acknowledging the effects that the residential school system in Canada had on Indigenous peoples is an important part of moving forward together.  

To mark the occasion, St. Albert is honouring those stories and celebrating Indigenous culture in an afternoon event. 

“Reconciliation is an important process for everyone, as we are all Treaty People, but it is especially significant for communities like ours that were home to two residential schools,” explains Samantha Atkinson, Indigenous Relations Coordinator for the city. “The residential school system caused devastating intergenerational trauma that continues to impact Indigenous people to this day. Events hosted for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation help people better understand the difficult truth of the residential school system, and the tremendous toll it took on Indigenous families in our community.” 

This year’s free event will feature Inuit Throat Singers, First Nations dancers and Métis dancers, as well as the Alexander Drum group. Gary Gagnon will emcee the proceedings, with a greeting from Deputy Mayor Wes Brodhead and a blessing from Archie Arcand. Indigenous artisans will sell a variety of wares, and Ryan Arcand will lead an honor walk from Mission Park to the Healing Garden.  

“The Honour Walk is a way to acknowledge the students who never returned from residential schools, along with the survivors and families who continue to carry the pain of the residential school system,” Atkinson explains. 

The community response to previous years’ events has been positive, Atkinson notes. They’ve helped facilitate the exact sort of conversations that National Truth and Reconciliation Day is meant to create space for. 

 “Our event has spurred questions and conversations about the residential school system, its ongoing negative impact, the need for us to face our past, acknowledge past injustice and work together towards a brighter future for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people,” she explains. “I expect this year’s event will have a similar positive impact and will help us make progress on our reconciliation journey.” 

  Atkinson notes that last year, they invited students from St. Albert schools to write their thoughts on reconciliation. 

“Those reflections are now part of a display that invites us to pause and consider their perspectives,” she says. “The messages these students shared highlight the importance of understanding, respect, and our shared responsibilities as Treaty People. 

“Their voices remind us that reconciliation is not a one-time event, but an ongoing journey we all need to take part in,” Atkinson continues. “We're grateful for their thoughtful contributions and their role in helping move reconciliation forward in our community.” 

Article written by Paul Blinov

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event will happen on Tuesday, September 30th at Mission Park, from Noon to 4pm. More information can be found at stalbert.ca/events/calendar/community/ndtr/. 

- 30 -