The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is taking place on Monday.
Here is what’s on in Medicine Hat and area:
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Medicine Hat College, the Miywasin Friendship Centre and the Firekeepers Women’s Society will host several outdoor activities for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The third annual event will run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 30 at the college’s Medicine Hat campus.
It will feature a walk for reconciliation, story sharing led by Indigenous elders, a blanket ceremony, honour song and round dance, organizers said.
Nicki Eastly, student services specialist for the college’s Indigenous engagement and student supports, said it will be a day to bring awareness and acknowledge the pain and trauma caused by residential schools.
“Our people and communities are still experiencing the impacts of residential schools and this event honours the survivors and the children that did not come home,” Eastly said.
“National Day for Truth and Reconciliation emphasizes opportunities for change. It is a reminder of how far we have come and the work that still needs to be done.”
Eastly, along with other mental health professionals from the community, will be present at the event to offer support to event attendees, according to a news release.
The public event will be held outside the main entrance to the college.
Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather, bring a lawn chair and wear an orange shirt in solidarity with Orange Shirt Day, recognized on the same day.
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The City of Medicine Hat is formally observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Where possible, flags at all City of Medicine Hat facilities will be lowered to half-mast from sunrise to sunset.
The Saamis Tepee will also be lit up orange to bring awareness to the day.
City hall, Co-op Place, the landfill and the Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre will be closed to the public.
Big Marble Go Centre will be open from noon to 5 p.m.
Medicine Hat Transit service will not be available.
There will be no residential waste collection; service will resume on Tuesday in Zone 1.
