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(Town of Blackfalds)
Sept. 30 will be stat holiday

Town of Blackfalds to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Sep 26, 2021 | 12:15 PM

The Government of Canada proclaimed Sept. 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation; a day for recognizing and reflecting on the survivors, families, and communities affected by the trauma and ramifications of residential schools.

Mayor Richard Poole stated that while Council appreciates there is an obligation to recognize this holiday, “Our hope is that this declaration creates an opportunity for staff and residents to learn about the tragedy behind residential schools, and how these institutions seriously impacted survivors in our Indigenous nations across the country.”

Chief Administrative Officer Myron Thompson says the Town fo Blackfalds will fully implement Sept. 30 as an official annual stat holiday.

“Our collective agreement states that we will acknowledge any day proclaimed by Federal Government as a stat.”

On Sept. 30, Town facilities including the Civic Cultural Centre, FCSS, Wadey Visitor and Information Centre, and Operations Centre will be closed. The Abbey Centre will be open during stat holiday hours from 10am – 5pm.

The Town of Blackfalds encourages everyone to learn about, and reflect upon, our country’s history or participate in events that commemorate and demonstrate support for all survivors of the Residential School System.

Here are a few ideas of how one can get involved on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:

Town of Blackfalds Land Acknowledgment: We acknowledge that we are on Treaty 6 territory, a traditional meeting grounds, gathering place and travelling route to the Cree, Saulteaux (So-toe), Blackfoot, Métis, Dene (De-nay) and Nakota Sioux (Sue). We respect the histories, languages, and cultures of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit, whose presence and traditions continue to enrich our vibrant community. We acknowledge all the many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for centuries and we stand in solidarity with those who seek the truth and reconciliation.

(Town of Blackfalds media release)