Several local events were held in Maskwacis, Ponoka and Wetaskiwin in honour of Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30.
Samson Community Wellness held an Orange Shirt Day walk on Sept. 26 in honour of residential school survivors.
The three-mile walk ended at the Willow View building.
There were guest speakers and a lunch for participants.
Ermineskin Cree Nation, in collaboration with the Maskwacis Cree Tribal Council, hosted the Annual Day of Truth and Reconciliation Walk to honour the survivors and in memory of those that didn’t make it home.
Guest speakers Rita Cutknife and Leonard Omeasoo spoke about the hardships of the residential school systems and how far they have come since.
They both encouraged seeking help, and search for healing through ceremony and cultural teachings.
An Orange Shirt Day assembly was held on Sept. 27 at St. Augustine School in Ponoka.
Student leaders led the presentation.
Elder Geraldine Mackinaw-Oulette shared her wisdom with the students.
Bobbi-Ann Ermineskin gave a closing song performance to close out the assembly.
Also on Sept. 27, Wolf Creek Public Schools hosted a round dance in Ponoka, bringing together students, staff, and community members from Ponoka Elementary School, Ponoka Secondary Campus, and The BRICK Learning Centre.
The event, “Kahkiyaw Awasis Kihceyihtakosiw – Every Child Matters: Continuing Our Journey,” aimed to recognize growth, honour our diverse identities, and strive for unity in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The Wetaskiwin District Heritage Museum and Star Store hosted a walk for Orange Shirt Day on Sept. 30.
The walk began at the museum and ended at the peace cairn at Jubliee Park.
"Every year, in partnership with Immanuel Anglican Church, we organize this event to remember the children who did not return from residential schools," stated a social media post.
There was a community smudge, a round dance, bannock feast and speakers.