A drumming circle outside the Core Association (Tiffany Goodwein/CHATNewsToday)

By Tiffany Goodwein

City marks National Day For Truth and Reconciliation

Sep 30, 2021 | 7:56 PM

MEDICINE HAT, Across the city, indigenous drums beat to honour the lives of indigenous children whose remains were found at residential schools.

The impact of residential schools is part of Canada’s dark history. Earlier this year a National Day For Truth and Reconciliation was declared a statutory holiday, following the gruesome discovery of the 215 unmarked graves found at the site of a residential school in Kamloops.

Like so many, Rita Bessant was shaken by the discovery, and as executive director of the Core Association, she knew she had to do something to honour the children.

” I think we have to remember this and we have to recognize it every single year so that this never, ever, ever happens again,” she said.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

3h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

The Core Association parking lot was transformed into a drumming circle as spectators watched on.

For Shayla Smith, an indigenous woman, a day to recognize the impact of the residential school system is a step in the right direction.

” As a mother, I think about all the horrific things that could have happened to my daughter had we been in the past, and I think about what my grandmother went through as a child,” she said.

Earlier in the day, at St Mary’s School, a sombre prayer and moment of silence were held followed by the tying of orange ribbons.

The initiative is part of the catholic school division’s curriculum and move to make National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day of both education and action.

All students and faculty were encouraged to take part in activities held by the Miywasin Friendship centre to learn more about indigenous culture. An event was held later in the evening at Veterans Memorial Park.

“It’s important to know what land we are on. At the beginning of the ceremony and the beginning of every Monday when we do our assembly we always acknowledge the land that we are on because this is the land of the indigenous people,” said Grade 8 student Taya Kornelson.

“We must respect the cultures around us. That is so very important we all live on one earth, and we need to share it all together, ” said Grade 8 student Midison Mauch.

The catholic school division said they aim to incorporate more activities like the ribbons throughout the year so that the National Day For Truth and Reconciliation can be extended far beyond one day. To ensure the lives of those impacted by the residential school system can always be remembered.