Truth & Reconciliation Day
The staff and students of East Central Catholic School Division deeply understand today’s calling to recognize the significance and purpose of National Truth and Reconciliation. Therefore, on September 30th, our school communities hosted educational and faith-based events and activities to help communicate and educate our staff and youth about the atrocities carried out within Catholic residential schools.
In addition, events and activities within our schools’ focused on the social justice issues, cultural awareness and appreciation of our FNMI peoples. Empathetically our school communities will try to understand what it must have been like for those who suffered mental and physical hardships, died, and faced pain and suffering back then and now.
Our children will lead a new and just future where the mistakes and horrible actions of the past will direct efforts to ensure that injustices such as this do not happen again. It is now and in this time that we guide and educate our youth so that they may see the truth and, in the community, seek forgiveness.
So much healing is needed, and as a Catholic School Division, we acknowledge the wrongs committed against our FNMI brothers and sisters. Today and for all days, we are gathered in God’s love and mercy to ask for forgiveness and to grant all of us wisdom and knowledge to prevent injustices from happening. We are all created in the image and likeness of God, and we, therefore, must love and serve one another with dignity and utmost respect.
*Special thanks to the Blessed Sacrament staff (Jayda Maciborski, Heather Lakey, Michelle Folk, Liberty Stafford, Gilbert Kohle), Frog Lake First Nations (JoAnne Martineau), and surrounding First Nation community members who participated in the Blessed Sacrament Truth & Reconciliation Day activities. Click Here for more pictures of the BSS Truth and Reconciliation Event.
ECCS Prayer for Forgiveness
Almighty and loving God, you who created all people in your image and likeness, lead us to seek your compassion and mercy.
You gave your only Son, Jesus, who died and rose again so that our sins would be forgiven.
We place before you the pain and anguish of our Indigenous Peoples. We ask for your forgiveness.
Touch the hearts of the broken, homeless, and inflicted and healed their spirits.
In your mercy and compassion walk with us as we continue our journey of healing to create a future that is equitable and just.
Through Christ our Lord.
AMEN.
There is a National Indian Residential School Crisis Line that
has been set up to provide support for former Residential School
students and those affected. Access emotional and crisis referral
services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419.
June is National Indigenous History Month. Canadians are encouraged to learn about the diverse histories and heritages of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada, as well as recognize the strength and contributions of present-day Indigenous communities. Find resources and educational materials here.
ARPDC’s Orange Shirt Day/ National Day of Truth and Reconciliation professional learning events
https://empoweringthespirit.ca/orange-shirt-day-and-beyond/
You can find upcoming ARPDC First Nations, Métis and Inuit professional learning events here.
Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton
Read the 94 Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to action, the Frequently Asked Questions page and other documents, on our Indigenous Relations web page.
Participate in Archbishop’s Mass of Reconciliation from St. Joseph’s Basilica.
Watch and share our videos:
Healing and Reconciliation, a webinar series provides a brief overview of residential schools, the TRC and the Church’s involvement; the joint video statement by Chief Willie Littlechild – a former TRC commissioner – and Archbishop Smith; and most recently, a sacred ceremony at Lac Ste. Anne parish with testimonies from indigenous chiefs.
Attend a community event to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples, the first national indigenous parish in Canada, is hosting an event in the afternoon.