“Edmonton Comes Together to Commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation”
On September 30th, the city of Edmonton was filled with a sea of orange as thousands gathered to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The color orange served as a poignant symbol, honoring the memory of the children who never returned home from residential schools and showing support for survivors. Throughout the city, events were held to mark this important day, including gatherings at Fort Edmonton Park, the Telus World of Science, and a moving Orange Shirt Day run at Kinsmen Park.
A Wave of Solidarity
The sight of so many individuals draped in orange was truly awe-inspiring. It was a powerful representation of unity and a shared commitment to reconciliation. As flags flew at half-mast, the city embraced this opportunity to demonstrate solidarity and take another step towards healing the wounds of the past.
The Origins of the Run
The idea for the Orange Shirt Day run was born out of the heartbreaking discovery of 215 unmarked graves in Kamloops. The community, grappling with grief, sought ways to come together and offer support to one another. For Anita Cardinal, the director of the run, running holds a sacred significance. It serves as both a ceremony and a means of healing, making it the perfect activity to commemorate this solemn day.
Walking in Tribute
While many participants took part in the run for personal reasons, others walked to honor their ancestors and remember the hardships inflicted upon Indigenous communities through colonization. Sharlene Alook highlighted the significance of her participation, expressing, “I’m walking for my dad. I’m walking for my mom and those before us, our ancestors, to remember the hardships that were imposed on us through colonization.”
Voices of the Survivors
Survivors of residential schools also took part in the events, sharing their stories and shedding light on the profound impact of their experiences. Terry Lusty, who was taken away from his family at the age of three, recounted the nine years he spent in a residential school, devoid of the love and support that many children receive. His words served as a reminder of the lasting trauma and physical injuries endured by survivors.
Reconciliation: More Than a Single Day
Although the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an essential moment of remembrance, reconciliation is an ongoing journey that extends beyond a single day. Anita Cardinal emphasized the importance of continuous engagement in the process, stating, “Reconciliation is not an end goal. It’s a journey, an ongoing journey of learning truth together.” It is crucial to amplify Indigenous voices, learn from their experiences, and strive for justice and equity every day.
The Legacy of Remembrance
The Orange Shirt Day run at Kinsmen Park has grown significantly since its inception in 2020, reflecting the growing recognition of the importance of reconciliation in Edmonton and beyond. The event featured not only the run itself but also an apple dance and the distribution of trees and teddy bears. These symbolic gestures serve as a poignant reminder of the children who were denied their childhood and forcibly separated from their families.
As the day came to a close, the city of Edmonton stood united, committed to the ongoing work of healing, reconciliation, and truth-telling. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation serves as a crucial reminder of the atrocities committed against Indigenous communities in Canada’s history. It is a day to honor the survivors, remember the lives lost, and commit to creating a more just and equitable future.”
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