News » National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Sept. 30

The Beaverlodge Town Council acknowledges that Beaverlodge is located on Treaty 8 territory, the traditional lands of many diverse First Nations and Metis people, including the Cree, Dene and Beaver peoples.

In June 2021, the Federal Government voted to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory holiday as a direct response to Call to Action item 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report.

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

The Council is committed to upholding the Calls for Action identified by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission including informing our residents and staff about the truth of what happened in Indian Residential Schools. Canada’s residential schools and other colonial systems and politics, that were enacted and supported by all levels of government, have caused immense inter-generational trauma, loss and grief. We acknowledge the lasting impact of these policies on Indigenous communities today.

September 30 is a day to honour survivors, their families and communities and to ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of Residential Schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.

The Town of Beaverlodge will observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30. Town owned facilities (Town Office, FCSS and Public Works) will be closed to allow employees to take time to reflect and to deepen their understanding of the intergenerational trauma of Residential Schools and how they can advance Reconciliation in our community.

Due to Covid 19 restrictions, no gathering is planned in Beaverlodge for September 30, 2021. We instead ask that our residents and visitors take some time to reflect on the harmful legacy of Canada’s Indian Residential Schools and to act on the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action.

September 30 is also recognized as Orange Shirt Day. Created by residential school survivor Phyliss Webstad, orange shirts are worn on this day to honour the children who survived the Indian Residential Schools and to remember those who did not.

For more information, please go to https://nctr.ca/