The Town of Sylvan Lake has commissioned an Indigenous mural, dedicated to the Indigenous community, and as a step forward in Canada's reconciliation process. On September 30, hear from Mayor, Teresa Rilling, artist Ryan Jason Allen Willert, and more at the Mural Dedication at 1pm at Lakeshore Drive and 44 Street.

September 30, 2021 marks Canada's first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, honoring and remembering those who attended residential schools, residential school survivors, their families and communities. September 30 is also known as Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots commemoration in honor and remembrance of those who attended Residential Schools. 

What Can I Do? How to Take Action

Learn how you can make a difference. Remember, learning is a process that takes time and reflection!

Phyllis Webstad Story – How Orange Shirt Day Started 

• Orange Shirt Day  
• What is Orange Shirt Day? 
• For Kids: Learn about Orange Shirt Day 

For Kids: Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action 

• For kids grades 4 and up, this Free booklet is written by Spirit Bear as a youth-friendly guide to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action 
• For kids in grades 5 - 12, this workbook teaches about residential schools, Treaties, and the historic and current relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Copies are available at the Municipal Government Building
• For younger kids, come get an Orange Shirt Day coloring sheet at the Wellness & Community Connections Centre, 4725 - 43 Street 

University of Alberta – Indigenous Canada: Free Course 

• Explore Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada. From an Indigenous perspective, this course explores key issues facing Indigenous peoples today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations. Topics for the 12 lessons include the fur trade and other exchange relationships, land claims and environmental impacts, legal systems and rights, political conflicts and alliances, Indigenous political activism, and contemporary Indigenous life, art and its expressions. 
• Free University Course 

Elder’s Statement Short text and video – How do we move forward? 

• Watch a video of the Elder’s statement  

Summary of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada 

• The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada was established in 2008 under the terms of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. The Commission was mandated to: 
  • reveal to Canadians the complex truth about the history and the ongoing legacy of the church-run residential schools, and 
  • guide and inspire a process of truth and healing, leading toward reconciliation within Aboriginal families, and between Aboriginal peoples and non-Aboriginal communities, churches, governments, and Canadians generally. The process was to work to renew relationships on a basis of inclusion, mutual understanding, and respect. 
• From the report, “As Canadians, we share a responsibility to look after each other and acknowledge the pain and suffering that our diverse societies have endured—a pain that has been handed down to the next generations. We need to right those wrongs, heal together, and create a new future that honours the unique gifts of our children and grandchildren … We invite you to search in your own traditions and beliefs, and those of your ancestors, to find these core values that create a peaceful harmonious society and a healthy earth.” 
• Learn all about what the Truth and Reconciliation Commission found, and about what reconciliation means! 
• Find the report here: Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future (click continue to publication if a message appears)

Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action 

• Read the full Calls to Action document 
• Copies are available at the Municipal Government Building and at the Community Centre 

Truth and Reconciliation Week Event (From the Truth and Reconciliation Commission) 

• TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION WEEK is a free online 5-day national event that continues the conversations from Every Child Matters. Important conversations including the truths of the Indigenous treaties, First Nation, Métis and Inuit land claims, and the residential schools system. This online event will provide historical workshops, exclusive video content, and activities for students — all supported by artistic and cultural performances by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists. 
• Event schedule
• Sept 27 – October 1 

Find Counselling Services

• Counselling and support services to manage the impact of Residential Schools are available in the Central Alberta area. Call the Indian Residential School Survivors Society -  British Columbia 24/7 Emergency Crisis line: 1 800 721 0066 
• Red Deer Native Friendship Society
  4808 51 Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4N 4H3  
  403 340 0020