College commemorates national day for truth and reconciliation

By BRENDAN MILLER on October 1, 2024.

bmiller@medicinehatnews.com

Elder Charlie Fox provided a prayer and honoured the land, history and traditional ways of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit people and their relationship with healing and working towards reconciliation before the annual walk for reconciliation at Medicine Hat College Monday afternoon.

“Calling on our creator to give us the blessing to heal, the blessings for our young people and for generations to come,” said Fox. “Especially those most affected by residential schools. I realize all our Indigenous peoples here and across Canada have been dealt with atrocities in some or form.

“Those atrocities that I experienced were in my DNA and they’re passed on to our young people, who today we see some of them are suffering more so than others.”

The annual event is held in collaboration by the college, Miywasin Friendship Centre and the Firekeepers Women’s Society.

The event featured a blanket ceremony, honour song, drumming and a round dance and aims to build positive relationships and heal historical wounds.

“It is through their knowledge and support that guides us on our journey of two-eyed seeing,” said Dr. Nancy Brown, vice-president of academic and provost.

Elder Fox spoke to more than 100 participants on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation before the college held its annual 1.5km walk for reconciliation on campus.

“There’s many issues that we face today. Some of our First Nations people are on the very brink of poverty and that’s why you see a lot of problems today. I give thanks to everyone here today.”

Dozens of supporters dawned orange and waived signs and flags in solidarity with Orange Shirt Day, which is recognized the same day.

The walk was led by members of the Medicine Hat Police Service, Mayor Linnsie Clark and a variety of community leaders.

Each year on Sept. 30 Canadians learn and reflect upon the history and ongoing legacy of residential schools and the trauma experienced by many Indigenous peoples within the system.

Sept. 30 is also Orange Shirt Day that symbolizes ‘Every Child Matters’ and sheds light on Indigenous cultures and freedoms that have been stripped away over generations.

On Monday, the city observed National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by lowering its flags, where possible, at all city facilities.

The Saamis Tepee was lit orange to bring awareness and show solidarity.

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