Reconciliation Week in Lethbridge begins Sept. 23, as many opportunities for community connection and learning will commence.
According to the City of Lethbridge, this year’s official opening ceremonies will be held outside City Hall at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, with a traditional blessing and greetings from Indigenous Elders and officials.
On Monday night, the Reconciliation Awards will be held at City Hall. Several community members and organizations will be recognized for their outstanding dedication to building stronger relationships anchored in trust, respect and equality in the Reconciliation space. Fresh off his Olympic debut, Kainai Nation swimmer Apollo Hess will be the keynote speaker of the evening.
This year’s Orange Shirt was designed by a Blackfoot artist. The design shows one child being helped up to their feet by another, symbolizing hope and unity. A limited number of shirts are available for pick-up at the Lethbridge Sport Council office or from the Reconciliation Lethbridge Advisory Committee booth at the Word on the Street Festival this weekend at the Lethbridge Public Library Main Branch.
The city and RLAC are sponsoring the free screening of the documentary, “Singing back the Buffalo,” at the Movie Mill next Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
The documentary shows how Indigenous visionaries, scientists and communities are re-matriating the buffalo to the heart of the North American plains they once defined, signaling a turning point for Indigenous nations, the ecosystem and our collective survival.
A Lethbridge Public Library Orange Shirt Walk is scheduled for Sept. 29.
The city will observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Sept. 30 and will be following statutory holiday hours of operation.
