Truth and Reconciliation

St. Albert Alliance Church  will be closed on Monday, September 30, 2024, in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 
We respectfully acknowledge that we gather and worship on Treaty 6 territory, the traditional meeting grounds , gathering place and traveling route of the Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Metis, Dene and Nakota Sioux, including the Michel First nation.  We acknowledge all the many First Nations, Metis and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for centuries. This land acknowledgement is a sign of our desire to walk alongside, and work with our neighbours towards reconciliation as modeled by Jesus who has called his people to the ministry of reconciliation.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation responds to one of the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which calls for a day to, “honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.”  Observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is part of St. Albert Alliance Church's commitment to learn, grow and continue steps toward healing and reconciliation. We invite and encourage our church and community to use the day to learn and reflect on the history and ongoing legacy of the residential school system, to remember those who lost their lives and to honour survivors.  

What Can You Do?

Review the 94 Truth and Reconciliation calls to action and commit to at least one:

Prayer Guides:

Residential School Specific Resources:

Read Books about Indigenous issues, history, and books by Indigenous authors:

21 Things You May not Know about the Indian Act, by Bob Joseph
Indigenous Writes, by Chelsea Vowel
"The Orange Shirt Story" by Phyllis Webstad
Five Little Indians by Michelle Good
The Inconvenient Indian by Thomas King
Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese
Buy Mini TRC book

Watch educational videos and/or attend in-person or online events:

Treaty Talk: Sharing the River of Life (50 minute video that is Alberta based)

Honour Walk (St. Albert): Join us for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Mission Park to honour the survivors of and the children who never returned home from residential schools, as well as their families and communities. There will be guest speakers, knowledge keepers, performers, local artisans, exhibits, and food vendors. September 30, 2024 9AM-3PM. Learn more HERE.  

Every Child Matters Traditional Feast & Round Dance (Edmonton): The round dance happens at the Alberta Aviation Museum Hanger on September 30, 2024. Pipe ceremony at 3:00 pm to 4:30pm, Feast 4:30 pm to 6:00pm and Round dance 6:00pm to 11:00 pm. Organized by the I.A.M. Collective. Click HERE to learn more.

Elders Walk (Stony Plain): Join us for a day of listening, reflection, action, and connection. Learn from the wisdom of an elder and feel the healing power of Indigenous drumming and dancing for this day of healing. Opening remarks and drumming at approximately 11:05 AM, with a feast open to all, then dancing demonstrations around 12:15 PM. September 30, 2024, Heritage Park, Stony Plain, from 11AM to 2PM. Click HERE to learn more.

For more videos and events, check out the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation:
https://nctr.ca/education/trw/

More Information about Orange Shirt Day: