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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The Survivors Flag. This year, the Town of Crossfield will recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Sept. 30) in a variety of ways, including lowering the flag at the Crossfield Community Centre to half-mast and providing links to important information here, on the Town's website, and the Town's social media accounts.

“Crossfield Town council and administration feel it is important to mark this day to recognize the shared history we as Canadians have in regards to our indigenous citizens,” Mayor Jo Tennant said. “We collectively need to start the journey towards healing and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an important first step.”

The Canadian government declared Sept. 30 the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in direct response to the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, (TRC,) which published 94 calls to action in June 2015. The day is being commemorated for the first time in 2021.

Between 2007 and 2015, members of the TRC travelled to all parts of Canada and heard from more than 6,500 witnesses. The TRC also hosted seven national events across Canada to engage the Canadian public, educate people about the history and legacy of the residential schools system, and share and honour the experiences of former students and their families.

Wear orange

Town residents, council and administration are encouraged to wear orange Sept. 30 in recognition of both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day which commemorates the experiences of indigenous people in Canada’s residential schools and to honour the survivors and their families. 

Land Acknowledgement

The following land acknowledgement is read out at the beginning of each Crossfield Town council meeting:

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the traditional territories of the Indigenous peoples of the Treaty 7 territory and the Otipemisiwak (o-tey-pe-mi-si-wak) Metis GovernmentDistrict 4. We respect the histories, languages, and cultures of First Nations, Metis, Inuit, and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our community.   

Why a land acknowledgement matters

The Calgary Foundation has produced a video including interviews with local elders explaining the meaning and importance of  land acknowledgements.

Nativeland strives to "map Indigenous lands in a way that changes, challenges, and improves the way people see the history of their countries and peoples."

For more information

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba has a variety of services available, including an archives and collection which provides residential school survivors and allies with access to historical information.

Residents of Alberta have access to the 24-hour Residential Schools Crisis Line at 1 (866) 925-4419. 

Former Residential School students can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada.

Indigenous peoples across Canada can also go to The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counselling and crisis intervention. Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat.

Survivors of the residential school system in British Columbia can find resources and information through the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.