Activities in High River Commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day
by Town of High River
26/09/2024
Community Council
HIGH RIVER AB – Each year on September 30, Canadians join together to honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. A highlight in High River this year will be the unveiling of a carving at George Lane Memorial Park on Saturday, September 28 at 3:30 p.m. in the southwest corner of the park. The carving will be unveiled by Jared Tailfeathers (Sikomh Kokomii Calling Crane). Jared is a multidisciplinary visual artist, musician, author, inventor and Blackfoot art historian. Indigenous singer and dancer Travis Jimmy John will also take part in the unveiling.
This project is supported by the Town’s Community Vitality Fund and is spearheaded by community volunteer Lee Peckham. Read more about it on the Town’s CVAC web page and in this news article.
“We are very excited and pleased to play a role supporting the carving by Jared Tailfeathers that will be unveiled on Saturday,” said Mayor Craig Snodgrass. “George Lane Park is a perfect location, where it can be enjoyed by residents and visitors. It will help raise awareness of the history, legacy and ongoing contributions of the Indigenous people in High River. Thank you to Lee Peckham for her vision, and to Jared for sharing his knowledge, art and passion.”
On September 23, High River’s Town Council wore Orange Shirt Day shirts at their regular meeting to acknowledge the history, legacy and contributions of Indigenous People to the High River area. Town staff are taking part in Indigenous Awareness training activities this week, including the Kairos blanket exercise, and many Town staff will wear Orange Shirt Day shirts leading up to, and on September 30.
“Wearing an Orange Shirt on September 30 raises awareness of the impacts of residential schools, honouring the Survivors, their families, and communities and promoting the message Every Child Matters,” added Mayor Snodgrass.
On Monday, September 30 the official “Every Child Matters” flag will be raised at Town Hall, and Town flags will be lowered to half-mast to honour National Truth and Reconciliation Day. Town Hall will be illuminated in orange throughout the evening of September 30.
“We encourage everyone to honour Truth and Reconciliation in their own way, individually, or by supporting local and regional events leading up to and on September 30. It is important to learn more about the meaning behind this day and take positive actions to support the values of reconciliation and the idea that Every Child Matters.” Mayor Craig Snodgrass
The Town of High River is commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day in a variety of ways. Learn more about National Truth and Reconciliation by taking part in local events and activities:
- Saturday, September 28 at 3:30pm - Unveiling of a carving at George Lane Memorial Park by local Indigenous artist Jared Tailfeathers
- September 26, 27 and 30 - Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) staff will be giving out Orange Shirts and information packages between 9:00 – 3:30. Residents are invited to drop by to pick up a shirt and info package the FCSS Resource Centre at 251 9 Ave SW on these days. Check out the *new* FCSS Facebook page for more information.
- September 30 - Every Child Matters flag raising, flags lowered to half-mast and Town Hall illuminated in orange
- Check out the Greater Foothills Family Center Facebook page for activities and links to resources and videos. Temporary tattoos and buttons will also be available at the Centre!
- Learn about and support the Moose Hide Campaign and wear a pin to raise awareness about gender-based violence.
Learn more about National Centre for and Reconciliation and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
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Media Contact: Craig Snodgrass, Mayor |
Resident Questions: Town of High River |