National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2024

In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on September 30^th the City of Prince Albert would like to encourage everyone to wear an orange shirt in honour of the children who survived the Indian Residential Schools in Canada and remember those who didn’t. September 30 is also an opportunity to come together in the spirit of truth and reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come.

Orange shirts are a reminder of the residential school system's harm to children’s sense of self-esteem and well-being, their families and communities and as an affirmation of a commitment to ensure that everyone matters. Every Child Matters Orange Shirt Day shirts can be purchased at the Prince Albert Indian & Metis Friendship Centre. Buttons can also be purchased and Lake Country Co-op. Proceeds from button sales will be matched and donated to the Prince Albert Indian and Metis Friendship Centre.

There are events throughout the City that will commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:

• September 30 - Prince Albert Historical Museum Free Admission from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
• September 30 - Prince Albert Grand Council – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Event at 10:00 am – 5:00 pm PAGC Health Office
• September 30 – October 3 Prince Albert Indian and Metis Friendship Centre (PAIMFC) -Ceremonies 10:00am - 11:00 pm – Little Red River Park – Upper Plains
• September 30 – Culture Days  Artist Talk & Tour with Leah Dorion 11:00am, 12:00pm and 1:00pm – Prince Albert Tourism Centre
• Orange Shirt Day Stencil - Organizations and businesses can borrow the stencil for your window or sidewalk, email tfurstenberg@citypa.com

For complete event details visit https://events.citypa.ca

 Orange Shirt Day is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission residential school commemoration event held in Williams Lake in the spring of 2013.  It grew out of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad’s account of losing her shiny new orange shirt on her first day of school at the Mission, and it has become an opportunity to keep the discussion on all aspects of residential schools happening annually.  The date was chosen because children are back in school, teachers have time to plan, and it is an opportunity to set the stage for anti-racism and anti-bullying policies for the year. 

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation became a federal statutory holiday following unanimous approval in the Senate in 2021. The day was established in response to the 80^th call to action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action.

 -30-

For media inquiries, please contact:
Kiley Bear
Director of Corporate Services
P:(306) 953-4367
E: kbear@citypa.com