Community Gathering and Walk to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. RMWB Web image
FORT MCMURRAY — A community gathering and solidarity walk will take place tomorrow in downtown Fort McMurray to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The event is being organized by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and Wood Buffalo Rural Community Connection in partnership with the Athabasca Tribal Council.
Activities begin at 10 a.m. at kiyām Community Park with a community gathering and opening remarks.
A solidarity walk will begin at 11 a.m., travelling north along Franklin Avenue, east along Morrison Street and Clearwater Drive, then west along Hardin Street before returning to kiyām Community Park.
Light refreshments will be available following the walk.
Participants will also be invited to help create a community heart garden by decorating and planting hearts in memory of children lost to the residential school system and in honour of Survivors and their families.
Organizers say each heart represents remembrance, while planting it symbolizes a personal commitment to reconciliation.
The Wood Buffalo region was directly affected by the residential and day school systems. Holy Angels Residential School operated in Fort Chipewyan until 1974, while Indian day schools also operated in Fort Chipewyan, Janvier and Fort McKay.
The municipality has also been working with the Athabasca Tribal Council and other local Indigenous partners on reconciliation initiatives, including adopting Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, supporting Cree and Dene language revitalization and featuring Indigenous reconciliation artwork in council chambers.
The event is open to people of all ages and backgrounds.
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