Councillor Scott Mckeen presented Edmonton Public and Edmonton Catholic School Districts with an official proclamation at City Hall to acknowledge the second anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) final report and celebrate continued reconciliation efforts in education.
"The City of Edmonton is proud to acknowledge Edmonton schools and their efforts to reconcile our history with First Nations, Metis and Inuit people," said Mayor Don Iveson. "Although we still have far to go, we are making positive changes in how we work together and share knowledge to build a stronger, more inclusive Edmonton for all."
In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) released the final report and recommendations to start healing between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people across Canada. The report called for curriculums to incorporate the legacy of Indian Residential Schools in order to educate Canadians on the impacts and trauma experienced by Indigenous people. Edmonton Public and Catholic school districts held two separate reconciliation events on June 2, 2017, before walking to City Hall for the celebration.
"At Edmonton Public Schools, we're committed to welcoming and inclusive school communities for all our staff and students," said Board Chair Michelle Draper. "Our classrooms foster an environment where students can openly talk about residential schools and the journey to reconciliation."
"We, at Edmonton Catholic Schools, commit to restoring and honouring the Truth and Reconciliation calls to action; we strongly believe that truth must be acknowledged to move forward to reconciliation. Together we call upon all our collective communities to build a stronger understanding of all peoples who dwell on this land we call home," said Joan Carr, Superintendent, Edmonton Catholic Schools.
Students and staff from each school district displayed projects highlighting reconciliation efforts within Edmonton schools.
The City of Edmonton, Reconciliation in Solidarity Edmonton (RISE), Edmonton Public School District, Edmonton Catholic School District and Edmonton Public Library held numerous events to celebrate the two year anniversary of the TRC final report.
