College hosting outdoor walk for reconciliation Monday afternoon

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on September 28, 2024.

To observe Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Medicine Hat College, the Miywasin Friendship Centre and the Firekeepers Women’s Society are hosting the third annual community event on campus Monday afternoon.

The walk for reconciliation is planned for two hours beginning at 2 p.m. and will include a blanket ceremony, honour song and round dance. The walk will be led by Indigenous Elders outside the campus’s main entrance.

Participants are encouraged to wear an orange shirt in solidarity with Orange Shirt Day, which is recognized on Monday.

“Our people and communities are still experiencing the impacts of residential schools, and this event honours the survivors and the children who did not come home,” says Nicki Eastly, student services specialist for the college’s Indigenous engagement and student supports. “National Day for Truth and Reconciliation emphasizes opportunities for change. It is a reminder of how far we have come and the work that still needs to be done.”

The length of the walk is 1.5 km, while a shorter, alternate route will also be available.

On Monday the city will be observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by lowering its flags, where possible, at all city facilities, and the Saamis Tepee will be lit orange to bring awareness to the day.

“On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the City of Medicine Hat renews its commitment to walking our shared path towards reconciliation alongside our Indigenous community,” Mayor Linnsie Clark said in a statement. “We encourage residents to seek out opportunities to engage, connect and learn about our shared Indigenous history – not just on this day, but year round.”

Some city services will be impacted Monday as city hall, Co-op Pance and the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre will be closed to the public. As well, transit services will be available and there will be no residential waste collection.

The Big Marble Go Centre will be open from noon to 5 p.m.

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