Some city facilities to close on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on September 25, 2021.

https://www.medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

City facilities will be closed or operate on limited hours this Thursday in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30.

The newly recognized federal holiday is not a general statutory holiday in Alberta, but some local governments and school boards have decided to observe the day, meant to encourage reflection on the spirit and recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the role of the residential school system in Canada.

“It’s important for all of us to take time to learn more about our shared history of residential schools and reflect on how we can build bridges with Indigenous people,” said Mayor Ted Clugston in a statement.

Residents are encouraged to personally observe the day and learn more about the issue.

The day is a national recognized statutory holiday for workers in federally regulated industries, such as banking, grain handling and rail transportation.

The Saamis Tepee will be lit orange to commemorate the day, and major school boards in Medicine Hat will hold regular instruction but conduct special programming as part of an “Orange Shirt Day.”

Last spring city council approved a statement of land acknowledgement that will be read at culturally appropriate events, and in August directed its public advisory committee to create an action plan to address the TRC recommendations.

That is due in March 2022.

On Sept. 30, city hall will be closed to the public, though some previously scheduled training for election workers will take place.

Co-op Place, the Esplanade, and other facilities will be closed, with the Family Leisure Centre on reduced hours of noon to 5 p.m. for the public, though private bookings outside that period for the facility will be honoured.

Transit will operate on non-holiday regular hours, and garbage collection will proceed and the pick-up schedule is not affected.