As part of the Town of Okotoks’ commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, and to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a memorial site has been created at Ethel Tucker Park behind Bow Valley College, Okotoks Campus. The site is a place for the community to display all offerings that pay respect to Residential School System Victims, Survivors and all those that have been and continue to be affected by Residential Schools, as well as all Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
In acknowledgement of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, the community is invited to join Mayor Thorn and the Town at the newly created memorial site on Saturday, September 30 at 10 a.m. The Town encourages everyone to wear an orange shirt in recognition of this significant occasion.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day - September 30
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours the children who never returned home and survivors of Residential Schools, as well as their families and communities. Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led, grassroots commemorative day that recognizes and raises awareness of the individual, family and community impacts of Residential Schools. It acknowledges the harm the system inflicted on Indigenous children and their loved ones and the ongoing trauma that remains today.
Municipal Centre Lighting
To commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and to honour Residential School Victims, Survivors, their families and communities, the Okotoks Municipal Centre will be illuminated in orange.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Exhibits
There are a number of ways you can engage in-person at ongoing events and exhibits that honour Indigenous stories and culture.
Little Moccasins
Okotoks Museum & Archives (OMA)
49 North Railway Street
The museum will feature the documentary Little Moccasins and the St. Joseph’s (Dunbow) Residential School exhibit on the second floor. The 2014 documentary film, Little Moccasins, shares the story of St. Joseph’s Residential School, also known as Dunbow Residential School northeast of Okotoks, and honours the children who died and are buried at the school. Learn more about Little Moccasins Exhibit.
Nitsitapiisksakoo: Nitsitapii Landscapes Part 2
Okotoks Museum & Archives (OMA)
49 North Railway Street
This travelling exhibit, from Lethbridge’s Galt Museum and Archives, highlights several special sites in Blackfoot Territory. Featured sites include Ohkohtoki (Okotoks Erratic), Soyioh’powah’ko (Blackfoot Crossing), Napi ootsisti’ kowanhpi (Napi’s Playground) and Kipitakiipis’kun/Akiipis’kun (Old Women’s/Women’s Buffalo Jump), among others. Learn more about Nitsitapiisksakoo: Nitsitapii Landscapes Part 2. In addition, the Museum will be showing “Every Child Matters: Truth – Act One” and “Reconciliation – Act Two,” in the attic. These videos are from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Note: The Okotoks Museum and Archives will be open from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. on September 30.
Indigenous Beading with Shermayn Menicoche
Okotoks Art Gallery and Studio
53 North Railway Street
Learn the art of Indigenous beading with Dehcho Dene artist, Shermayn Menicoche, who will take you through the process of beading with the creation of your very own fringe earrings. A supply kit is included in the cost of registration. Learn more about Indigenous Beading with Shermayn Menicoche.
The community is encouraged to take the time to reflect on this day and honour survivors, their families and their communities.