The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) is mandated to host seven national events in different regions across Canada with the goal of engaging the Canadian public, providing education about the history and legacy of the Indian residential schools system, and sharing and honouring the experiences of former students and their families.
The theme for the Edmonton National event: It’s About Wisdom – A National Journey for Healing and Reconciliation.
The Edmonton national event is the last of the TRC’s seven national events. The seven events include:
- Winnipeg – June 2010;
- Inuvik – June 2011;
- Halifax – October 2011;
- Saskatoon – June 2012;
- Montreal – April 2013;
- Vancouver – September 2013; and
- Edmonton – March 2014.
The TRC will also hold a closing ceremony.
The Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development has attended and provided gestures of reconciliation at each of the events held to date. The gestures offered have included:
- the Government’s announcement of its intent to repeal those sections of the Indian Act that allowed for the establishment of Indian residential schools and the removal of children from their homes and communities;
- the installation of a stained glass window in the Centre Block on Parliament Hill to serve as a permanent commemoration of the legacy of Indian residential schools and of the Prime Minister’s historic Apology;
- $1.8 million in funding to help support the participation of approximately 2,700 former students in TRC national events; and
- support to the Aboriginal partner organizations to present and distribute their projects and print publications at the national events.
For the TRC’s Edmonton national event, the Government of Canada is offering the following gestures of reconciliation:
- a contribution of $330,000 to support former students’ travel to the event, to be distributed via select Advocacy and Public Information Program partners in Alberta;
- an art exhibit featuring 26 works of art from AANDC’s art collection by 12 Alberta Aboriginal artists, in partnership with the University of Alberta Museums Enterprise Square Galleries;
- support to Path to Freedom Films Ltd. and Tribal Alliance Productions to host a private film screening and panel discussion on “Older Than America”, a film that delves into the lasting impact of Indian residential schools across the United States and Canada. This private screening and panel discussion with leading experts will provide City of Edmonton officials and front-line service providers with an opportunity to increase their knowledge and gain a better understanding of the intergenerational effects of residential schools;
- support to the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth to reprint a special edition of its “New Tribe Magazine” for youth on the intergenerational impacts of residential schools;
- support for the Native Counseling Services of Alberta and Project of Heart to establish a permanent commemoration exhibit in each province and territory, made using the Project of Heart tiles created by children, youth and elders in schools across the country; and
- support for the Legacy of Hope Foundation to create and disseminate 1000 additional "100 Years of Loss" educational kits. These educational kits are being sent to provincial school districts throughout Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, to support increased awareness and understanding of the legacy of Indian residential schools.
