(rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

an opportunity to reflect

Flags of Treaty 6, Treaty 7 and Métis raised at Red Deer Polytechnic

Sep 29, 2022 | 1:25 PM

Red Deer Polytechnic raised the Treaty 6, Treaty 7, and Métis flags on campus Thursday, in advance of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation this Friday.

The flags now fly in a second spot near the institution’s main entrance.

RDP President Stuart Cullum said following a drum performance that he recently had a learning experience of his own when it came to using proper language to talk about residential schools.

“Red Deer Polytechnic is committed to Indigenous education and acknowledges the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action,” said Cullum.

“We value our collaborations with Indigenous communities and look forward to continuing to grow those connections, along with the continuing development of Indigenous initiatives at Red Deer Polytechnic.”

16th year

Aspen Heights MicroSociety showcases student-run ventures to community members

8h ago

Escarpment area

City of Red Deer assessing area along Riverview Avenue after fire was set

9h ago

one person charged

Red Deer RCMP investigating multiple downtown bear spray attacks

9h ago

Cullum’s aforementioned learning experience was guided by Lloyd Desjarlais, RDP’s Director of Indigenous Initiatives.

Desjarlais says this week — Truth and Reconciliation Week (Sept. 26-30) — has indeed offered a variety of learning, reflective and engagement opportunities for all members of RDP.

“The Indigenous flag raising ceremony was an opportunity for the community to gather together as we collectively acknowledge Truth and Reconciliation and continue to progress to a place of respect and understanding.”

Initiatives includes designing a Feather and Residential School Timeline display to be put up inside RDP.

There was also the streaming of CBC’s Kuper Island podcast which talks about the experiences of four residential school students; and there was a screening of First Contact, a reality show about six Canadians exploring Indigenous Canada.

Truth and Reconciliation Week is an initiative of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, which is based at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg.

For local news delivered daily to your email inbox, subscribe for free to the rdnewsNOW newsletter here. You can also download the rdnewsNOW mobile app in the Google Play and the Apple App Stores.