Flag-raising ceremonies were held in Battleford and North Battleford; the community walked to the Battleford Industrial School Children's Cemetery as part of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation events in the area Friday. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Walking together

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation recognized in the Battlefords

Sep 30, 2022 | 6:36 PM

It was a time for coming together during the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in the Battlefords Friday.

The day started with flag-raising ceremonies at Town Hall in Battleford and City Hall in North Battleford.

“It’s a tremendous day of honour, and it’s somber as well, as the communities both Indigenous and non Indigenous come together to recognize Truth and Reconciliation,” Battleford Mayor Ames Leslie said.

He said it was also a time for people to think about the impact of residential schools on today’s youth as well as the Elders, and the 60s Scoop survivors.

“I’m proud to see all these different organizations, our tribal councils, both our municipalities, and many of the nations have come together to [recognize] this day and honour this day. The turnout from the community has been tremendous,” Leslie said.

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Stoney Knoll First Nation Chief Sylvia Weenie said she is a third generation residential school survivor, so the day marks a time for reflection for her.

“My grandparents went; my parents went to residential school, and so did my brothers and sisters,” she said. “In the past couple of weeks, knowing that this day was coming up, it’s hard on the survivors. It’s hard for us to have to take the time to reflect on the experiences we have gone through. It forces you to revisit old wounds.”

Karen Whitecalf, project manager for the Acahkos Awasisak – Star Children Project , said Sept. 30 is an important day for all the community. She said it was an honour to raise the Star Children Flag in North Battleford and Battleford to commemorate the day.

“Seeing our flag up there, it’s showing acceptance of our history,” she said. “Because the Star Children is part of the [Residential School] Survivors Group. For [the flag] to be raised at city hall, it just shows the acceptance of the history, and acceptance that we are going to work together to fix our future.”

Among some of the highlights of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation activities in the Battlefords were the annual Battleford Industrial School Children’s Cemetery Walk, sponsored by Sunchild Law, held at The Ridge. This marks the 10th year of the walk.

Later in the day, there was an inauguration ceremony for a new teepee shrine, called Our Lady of the Snows, in the nearby Oblate Catholic priests’ cemetery.

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angela.brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW