“On September 30, the City of Grande Prairie recognizes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation alongside the rest of the country.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity for reflection on our ongoing relationship and reconciliation efforts with the Indigenous community.

The day was declared a statutory holiday by the Government of Canada in 2021, coinciding with Orange Shirt Day, which is a day for remembering and honouring the many lives impacted by residential schools and moving forward through healing. Orange Shirt Day was originally inspired by Phyllis Webstad’s story of having her orange shirt taken away from her in residential school, a symbol of the loss of culture, heritage and identity experienced.

Grande Prairie City Council acknowledges that Grande Prairie is located on Treaty 8 territory, the traditional lands of many diverse First Nations and Métis people including the Cree, Dene, and Beaver people. We are thankful for the many ways this diversity enriches our community with culture, heritage and tradition.

We are additionally thankful for the many Indigenous organizations and community groups in Grande Prairie making a positive impact through their work. We encourage residents to take part in the community events being organized to commemorate Truth and Reconciliation Day including:

• Orange Shirt Day event at Muskoseepi Park featuring
  • Pancake breakfast
  • Unveiling of a monument at the Veterans Memorial Gardens
  • Keynote speakers
  • Orange Shirt Day 5 km walk/run
  • Chili and bannock
  • Ceremony
  • Indigenous crafters/vendors
  • Storywalk
  • Healing Jingle Dance
  • Traditional drums
  • Metis jiggers
• KAIROS Blanket Exercise at Teresa Sargent Hall
• “We Were Children” movie screening and workshop at the Grande Prairie Public Library

Full event details are available on the Orange Shirt Day Grande Prairie Facebook page.

Flags at all City facilities are moved to half-mast today to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

At the City of Grande Prairie, we are committed to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls-to-Action. Work is currently underway to develop and implement a Reconciliation Framework and Action Plan at the municipal level. It is a significant step forward on the pathway to reconciliation for the City of Grande Prairie, and will be key in ensuring our work is incorporating an Indigenous lens and strengthening relationships with Indigenous leaders, communities, and organizations.

The City is thankful to partake in this day and reflect on our role in reconciliation, encourages residents to honour the Indigenous community by participating in community events, and looks forward to our ongoing Indigenous Relations efforts to build a stronger, welcoming and inclusive community for all.”