Medicine Hat College and community members are invited to come together to walk, reflect and listen as part of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Friday, Sept. 30.
“National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day to remember the children we have lost in residential schools and to honour our residential school survivors,” explains Chasity Cairns, manager of indigenous engagement and student supports at MHC. “Our families were directly impacted by these atrocities intergenerationally for too long. This day marks an opportunity for change and we hope the entire community will join us in the spirit of ReconciliACTION.”
MHC and the Miywasin Friendship Centre will host a public outdoor event on Sept. 30 from 4 – 6 p.m. at the Medicine Hat campus. It will include a walk* led by Indigenous and community leaders, stories of resilience, a blanket ceremony, honour song, and round dance.
"We are honored to be able to partner with Medicine Hat College for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation - a day for reflection, mourning, and healing,” says Carol Syrette, Miywasin’s youth development coordinator. “Truth telling is an important aspect of reconciliation and we are grateful to be able to host Bertha Wirch and her son Walter as she shares her story of being a residential school survivor."
Additional activities are scheduled from 4 - 6 p.m. with information available about Orange Shirt Day, also recognized on Sept. 30. The event will be located on the grounds east of the new campus expansion, parking will be free and restrooms accessible inside the college facility.
Medicine Hat College is located at 299 College Drive SE.
*The full walk is 1.5km in length, but a shorter, alternate route will be available.
