(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

A Time To Reflect

Mayoral Statement on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Sep 30, 2021 | 5:40 PM

Red Deer mayor Tara Veer issued a mayoral statement Thursday regarding National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Sept. 30.

“On behalf of Red Deer city council and the citizens we serve, I encourage all Red Deerians to reflect, recognize and participate in remembering the legacy of residential schools, in the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation today, and every day.

“The City of Red Deer acknowledges the Indigenous traditional territories represented by Treaty 6 and Treaty 7 as the land The City is situated on. This land is also acknowledged by The City as an historic Métis gathering site. The goal of The City of Red Deer is to work together with Indigenous and Métis peoples in building welcoming and inclusive community life.

“In August, the Government of Canada passed legislation to make September 30 a Federal Statutory Holiday called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The date was chosen to align with Orange Shirt Day, a day to recognize and remember the Residential Schools and the ongoing impacts to survivors, family members and our community.

“The City of Red Deer is committed to reconciliation and ensuring the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools is never forgotten. For more than 100 years, Indigenous Children in Canada were removed from their families and sent to residential schools. While this happened across the country, right here in Central Alberta, the Red Deer Industrial School operated from 1889 to 1919, and has had lasting effects on survivors, families and our community.

Last seen March 31

Missing: Eugenie Headman, 66, of Maskwacis

3h ago

mayor hopes to meet housing minister this month

Alberta demands Ottawa back off on housing funding stripped from Red Deer

Apr 02, 2026

Last seen Jan. 15

Missing: Courtney Cattleman, 17, of Maskwacis

Apr 02, 2026

“Council has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and are committed to working in a shared relationship with our Indigenous community in Red Deer.

“Observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is another step in our journey towards diversity and inclusion in our organization and our community. Reconciliation is about Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples coming to terms with the events of the past in a manner that rebuilds trust and respectful relationships. This will enable us to build healthy relationships with a focus on bettering future generations in our community, and our country.

“Today, and every day, we must honour the heritage, contributions and cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. We stand with you in remembering the past, and look forward to affirming our relationship and partnership in actioning our local commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.”