A look in from Monday's flag raising ceremonies. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Coming Together

Flag raisings signify start of Truth and Reconciliation Week in the Battlefords

Sep 25, 2023 | 5:45 PM

The City of North Battleford and Town of Battleford each held flag-raising ceremonies Monday, to signify the start of Truth and Reconciliation Week in the Battlefords, Sept. 25-30.

Jordon Weenie, program manager with Atoskewin Success Centre, said it was great to see so many come out to take part in the day’s events, with a full crowd of all ages taking in the ceremonies at both locations.

“It filled my heart because when events like this are hosted, you never know how many are going to show up, so I was really happy with the turnout that we had,” Weenie said.

“To me that just shows reconciliation in action and I think that’s what’s important. I feel blessed to have all these school kids here, our elders, past survivors [of the residential school system], dignitaries… I’m blown away by the support.”

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The flag raising is just the beginning of what will be a busy week of events around the Battlefords, providing opportunities to learn more about Indigenous culture, including a free beading class at Atoskewin Success Centre from 10-2 p.m. Tuesday, and free showings of Bones of Crows at the Capitol Theatre Wednesday at 5 p.m., and of Embers and Ashes at the North Battleford Public Library Thursday at 4 p.m.

Friday will then be Orange Shirt Day, with a fireworks show on King Hill at 10 p.m., followed by a feast (at 12 p.m.) and round dance (6 p.m. to midnight) Saturday, to wrap the week.

“I think the week we have planned, including today, is important for the education and the awareness of why Canada observes this day [and week] to think about the tragedies that happened and how we can move forward as a nation to reconcile our differences and to heal,” Weenie said. “That’s the most important thing about this day of observation, is the healing of our generations and future generations.”

Mayor of North Battleford, David Gillan said recognizing Truth and Reconciliation Week and the events associated is integral to the very fabric of the community.

“We want to show that everyone is welcome in our community, and everyone is allowed to express themselves, whether that’s their gender or gender identity, or culture, or religion, or language,” Gillan said.

“That’s what we stand for here in the City of North Battleford, to be inclusive and support one another and care about each other and respect each other’s differences. We’re not all the same and that’s a strength, so we always try to promote the strength of diversity.”

Chief Silvia Weenie spoke at both ceremonies, in North Battleford and Battleford, and said she hopes the strong turnout at both events can help spur discussion for many.

“I was really amazed with the turnout, and especially liked seeing the children that were present, because as a society, in our area especially, we need to show the children what history we have for our people here,” she said.

“[It] can’t be just lip service; we have to be the ones role modelling for our children’s true reconciliation. We need to not be afraid of seeing the truth, telling the truth, and teaching the truth. After we’ve done that, true reconciliation can start to happen, and then we can start healing as a nation and as a society.”

Mayor Ames Leslie said following the ceremony in Battleford, the turnout shows just how much the discussion has continued to grow in the community over recent years.

“To have Battlefords Central send pretty much their full school here today to be part of this goes to show the movement of truth and reconciliation is starting to have some action and support,” Leslie said. “I can’t wait to see what it looks like next year and in three years, and five years down the road.”

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1