Sept. 30 is the one day set aside each year for all Canadians to reflect on the cultural genocide of the past while working toward a better future for everyone.
That day is known as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which was formally established in 2021 with several provinces, not including Alberta, marking it as a statutory holiday.
“We know that Indigenous communities with connections to Jasper National Park have been harmed by the intergenerational trauma caused by the loss of Indigenous knowledge, language, culture, and connection to place. On September 30, we stand together to grieve and heal,” said Mark Young, Indigenous relations and cultural heritage manager with Parks Canada, in a statement emailed to the Fitzhugh.
Orange Shirt Day, as it is also known, was first observed in 2013. It began out of the story of Phyllis Jack Webstad. When the Northern Secwepemc woman was a child, her new orange shirt was taken from her during her first day of residential schooling.
It became a symbol of the forced assimilation of Indigenous children under the residential school system.
In Jasper, the public ceremony has been moved to the Jasper Activity Centre as the weekend weather forecast precludes a favourable event at Commemoration Park.
Saturday's event will start with opening prayers at 10 a.m. followed by remarks from Alex Monk, acting superintendent for Jasper National Park, and Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland.
A flag ceremony will follow to introduce the honoured Indigenous Speakers: Frank Roan of the Mountain Cree, Shelley Calliou of the Kelly Lake Cree Nation and Bruce Cutknife of the Samson Cree Nation. Attendees can listen to their stories and learn from their wisdom.
The Secwépemc Honour song and closing prayers will conclude the schedule by noon.
Parks Canada encourages everyone to "use this day to learn, to listen, to share and to reflect on the lasting harmful legacy of residential schools on Indigenous Peoples in Canada."
