(supplied/City of Red Deer)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

for truth and reconciliation

Orange Ribbon Campaign launched in Red Deer

Sep 27, 2021 | 4:12 PM

The City of Red Deer is launching the Orange Ribbon Campaign to engage the community in the Truth and Reconciliation journey.

Community members are invited to pick up orange ribbons and tie them to a plant or tree in a place that holds significant meaning for them as a gesture of solidarity with the local Indigenous community, and an expression of grief for Canada and Red Deer’s residential school history.

Safe and Healthy Communities Manager Kristin Walsh says they know many Red Deerians are looking for ways to express their grief and anger following the recent discovery of unmarked graves at Indigenous Residential Schools.

“We are partnering with local Indigenous Elders in launching an Orange Ribbon Campaign to offer people a way to express their grief and solidarity with the Indigenous community,” says Walsh, in a press release.

Officials say the campaign was developed with consideration for Indigenous traditions, as the colour orange is recognized as a symbol of the loss of childhood innocence, and disconnection from family in Indigenous experiences. It is also common practice in Indigenous cultures to tie ribbons to tree trunks as a memorial marker, add City officials.

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“The ribbons are 100 per cent cotton, as was stressed by Elders, to ensure they are biodegradable and will not harm trees growth,” shares Walsh.

Orange ribbons can be picked up, free of charge, from the following locations:

• Collicutt Centre: 3031 30 Avenue
• G.H. Dawe Community Centre: 56 Holt Street
• Recreation Centre: 4501 47A Avenue
• City Hall: 4914 48 Avenue
• Intermediate School: 5205 48 Avenue
• Red Deer Native Friendship Centre: 4808 51 Avenue
• Shining Mountains Community Services: 4925 46 Street
• Red Deer Polytechnic: The Gathering Place (Room 1009), 100 College Boulevard

Residents are encouraged to tie the ribbons to a plant or tree in a place that holds meaning for them. When tying to trees or other plant life, residents are encouraged to ensure the plant is not damaged or hindered by the ribbon. The City has tied ribbons to trees in City Hall Park and on the Ross Street Patio.

“Everyone’s reconciliation journey will look different,” admits Walsh. “For this reason, we have also included a list of resources and information on our website for those looking to learn more about our past and our journey forward.”

Information is available online at www.reddeer.ca/orangeribbon.