Today, September 30, 2021, marks Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Establishing this new statutory holiday was recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action ( see #80) and is intended to be 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.

This day provides an opportunity to reflect on how we can advance our reconciliation efforts to build a better future for everyone in our community.

At the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) we are committed to building meaningful partnerships with our local Indigenous community and finding ways to include Indigenous worldviews in our daily practices and policies. Some important first steps we have taken this year include, adopting the Eagle Feather, creating an Indigenous Liaison Officer position, and establishing an Indigenous Advisory Committee. To date we have held two committee meetings and have found tremendous value in the conversations. We hope to continue our learning and grow our understanding through the development of these important relationships.

Tonight, at Riverside Veterans’ Memorial Park the Miywasin Friendship Centre will be hosting an event that will include prayers from Elder Charlie Fox of the Kainai First Nations, an honouring ceremony for residential school survivors, Buffalo Calf singers from the Nekaneet First Nations and Miywasin singers. For the safety of everyone in attendance participants are encouraged to wear a mask and social distance. 

Today our MHPS Patrol Teams will be wearing orange ribbons on their duty uniform and the exterior lights of the MHPS building will glow orange tonight in recognition.

Media Contact:

Rita Sittler
Administrative Services Manager
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416