Engage in Truth and Reconciliation on National Day Observance

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was observed recently, prompting conversations about the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada. As part of this observance, the latest episode of The Everything Red Deer Podcast featured discussions surrounding the significance of the day, including segments from the A Day to Listen radio program. This initiative, produced by the Downie Wenjack Fund, aims to foster awareness and understanding of Indigenous experiences across the nation.

Listeners are reminded that the stories shared, while presented with respect, can be retraumatizing. Indigenous individuals seeking support can contact the Hope for Wellness Helpline at 1-855-242-3310, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In a recent interview, Donna Bishop, a kokum and elder at the Red Deer Native Friendship Society, emphasized the importance of acknowledging the past. She referenced the words of the late Justice Murray Sinclair, who passionately articulated the need for remembrance: “Why can’t you always remember this? Because this is about memorializing those people who have been the victims of a great wrong.” Sinclair’s perspective challenges the notion that Indigenous communities should simply “get over” their historical traumas, akin to how society commemorates other significant historical events.

Bishop, who was adopted into a Ukrainian family in 1961, shared her experiences and highlighted the role of the Red Deer Native Friendship Society in hosting educational events. Recently, the society conducted a day-long workshop that included a Blanket Exercise, an interactive session that educates participants about Indigenous treaties and the impacts of residential schools and the Sixties Scoop. “We pay homage and we concentrate on telling those stories in a loving way,” Bishop noted. “Discomfort is a natural part of the process, but it doesn’t have to end there.”

On the same day, community members gathered at Fort Normandeau to celebrate World Rivers Day, an event organized by the Red Deer Indigenous Dance Troupe. Community coordinator Aaren Howse spoke to the significance of water to Indigenous cultures, emphasizing its vital role in life. Reflecting on personal loss tied to the Sixties Scoop, Howse remarked, “I’m grateful that we are moving forward, but is it fast enough? I really don’t think so.”

Howse also expressed her relief that future generations may feel more pride in their Indigenous identity. “I’m so happy my kids live in a world where you don’t necessarily have to be ashamed to be Indigenous,” she stated.

The conversations around the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation serve not only as a reminder of past injustices but as a call to action. Community members are encouraged to participate in events like the upcoming Reconciliaction event, where they can engage further in the reconciliation process.

For those who wish to delve deeper into these discussions, the latest episode of The Everything Red Deer Podcast includes more insights from Bishop, Howse, and others involved in the reconciliation efforts across Canada, alongside selections from the A Day to Listen catalogue.