Back to SearchStarting September 30, 2021, the City of Prince Albert will formally recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a paid holiday for City employees. Although not yet identified under Provincial law, the holiday was recently approved by City Council as a measure toward reconciliation.
“This day presents an opportunity to reflect and learn about the legacy of residential schools and honor the survivors and their families,” said Mayor Greg Dionne. “I encourage all our staff and the public to seek out learning opportunities locally and online.”
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation became a new statutory holiday for federally regulated workers in the public and private sector following the passage of legislation by the Government of Canada earlier this year. The day was established in response to the 80th call to action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action.
There were four Residential schools that operated in Prince Albert with the first opened in 1879 and the last closing in 1997. Around the country, unmarked graves at residential schools have raised awareness about the conditions at Residential schools and their impacts on survivors.
The City of Prince Albert continues to work with community partners on a number of initiatives through the Municipal Cultural Action Plan to champion and implement the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and to celebrate, support and promote Prince Albert’s rich Indigenous history and make-up.
Also known as Orange Shirt Day, wearing orange on September 30 continues to be a way to honor Indian Residential Schools Survivors.
The Prince Albert Urban Indigenous Coalition (PAUIC) will be hosting a one hour education session on September 30, 2021 on the topic of residential schools in honor of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. This meaningful and localized education session will be designed to create more awareness and understanding of the truth of residential schools, their legacy and impacts today, and to work towards a community that is knowledgeable, kind, inclusive, equitable, and free of racism.
The pre-recorded session will be approximately one hour and available on the PAUIC website as well as on social media at the start of the day on September 30. Subscribe or watch the City’s events calendar www.paevents.ca for further details when available.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Mayor Greg Dionne
(306) 953-4300
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