Calgary,
08
September
2021
|
13:04
America/Denver

City to observe National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

The City of Calgary will observe the Government of Canada’s National Day for Truth & Reconciliation on Sept. 30.

Following conversations with community members and our Indigenous Relations Office, The City will mark Sept. 30 as a statutory holiday for all City employees going forward.

“We believe this decision is consistent with the Spirit of Reconciliation and aligns with actions outlined in our White Goose Flying Report,” said City Manager David Duckworth.

The 2016 White Goose Flying Report is named after Jack White Goose Flying, who was a 17-year-old from the Piikani Nation and died at a Calgary residential school. The report looked at the 94 calls to action from the Truth & Reconciliations Commission and how those could be addressed by The City of Calgary.

Duckworth said The City will encourage staff to take the day to learn more about Canada’s assimilation policies including Indian residential schools and the resulting inter-generational trauma caused to Indigenous People.

“This National Day for Truth & Reconciliation is incredibly important to reflect on a relevant issue in our society,” said Duckworth. “It’s an opportunity for us to understand, grow and to build bridges with Indigenous People.”

A list of events to commemorate the national holiday will made available on Calgary.ca closer to Sept. 30.

City operations and services will be on a reduced schedule for the National Day of Truth & Reconciliation.