Red Deer’s Orange Ribbon Campaign returns in support of Truth and Reconciliation
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Officials with the City of Red Deer say the Orange Ribbon Campaign has returned to engage the community in the Truth and Reconciliation journey.
Red Deerians 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.
“Beginning in 2020, orange ribbons have been available during September as part of The City of Red Deer’s efforts to offer opportunities for Red Deerians to participate in a journey of reconciliation with the Indigenous community,” said Bobby-Jo Stannard, Community Development Superintendent. “We have partnered with local Indigenous Knowledge Keepers in the Orange Ribbon Campaign to offer people a way to express their grief and solidarity with the Indigenous community.”
City 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. The City acknowledges it is also common practice in Indigenous cultures to tie ribbons to tree trunks as a memorial marker. The ribbons are 100 per cent cotton, which is biodegradable and will not harm trees growth.
