September has almost left us and with it the conclusion of the summer season. My hope is that you were able to take some time for relaxation, reflection, strengthening relationships, and bonding with family and friends.
In many ways, it was a summer of sober reflection on the effects of climate change and the various calamities both our fellow Albertans including our neighbours in British Columbia, and the Northwest Territories who were forced to evacuate. For our city, it was a way to show our compassion and our readiness to help the many evacuees who came our way. I am so proud of our City of Red Deer staff who rose to the challenge and welcomed evacuees with open arms. I also salute the many hotels, restaurants, humane societies, and numerous other groups and citizens who came together to make a very traumatic experience bearable.
I was honoured to tour the Premier of Northwest Territories, Caroline Cochrane, through our reception centre where she saw firsthand Red Deer’s caring heart. She, and many of her fellow citizens sent us cards and emails of thanks. I have said that cities get tested by their response to citizens in need, and Red Deer, you passed the test with an A+!
My dear Red Deerians, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is being celebrated on Saturday September 30. I wanted to share my experience on reconciliation with the Indigenous Community since being elected to public life in 2013, but most particularly since becoming Mayor. You may be wondering, or perhaps uncertain, on what reconciliation means. I know I was when the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report was released in 2015. The truth of that report was that residential schools and attempts to assimilate Indigenous people into our society resulted in generational trauma, loss of culture, loss of language, loss of identity, broken families and shattered communities, over multiple generations. Red Deer had its own industrial school, the Red Deer Industrial School operated from 1893–1919, and it was located five kilometres west of Red Deer.
Reconciliation is about Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples coming to terms with the events of that sorry past in a manner that rebuilds trust and respected relationships. It means walking forward together. There are 94 calls to action in that report and we are committed to address those that affect us.
As a Councillor, I was honoured to help create a Protocol Agreement with the Urban Aboriginal Voices Society in 2017. It serves as a foundational document in recognizing reconciliation and enabling us to move forward in right relationships together. I am so grateful to the Indigenous Community who has honoured me with their wisdom and grace. These past years have helped shape who I am as a person and as a Mayor thanks to their gentle spirit and their steadfast perseverance toward a greater good. I marvel that as a people who have suffered so much at our hands, they have retained their identity and extend to us the opportunity of reconciliation.
As much as we, as a city, have committed to reconciliation, it very much is a personal journey. And this is your opportunity to continue yours. Take time to reflect on what you can do to promote reconciliation. Read the Truth and Reconciliation report and its calls to action, reflect on the land acknowledgement under Treaty 6 and Treaty 7, attend cultural events that occur throughout the year at Fort Normandeau, City Hall Park, the Museum and Art Gallery, the Powwows, the dance and drumming performances. We have linked many community events on the City’s webpage, reddeer.ca.
The Orange Ribbon Campaign returns for a third year to engage Red Deer in community reconciliation efforts. Orange ribbons are a symbolic gesture to express solidarity with our Indigenous community and act as an expression of grief for Canada and Red Deer’s residential school history. Residents are encouraged to tie ribbons to trees or plants in a place that is meaningful to them. Orange ribbons, which have been blessed by an Elder, can be picked up at the Collicutt Centre, GH Dawe Centre, Recreation Centre, City Hall or the Intermediate School.
Jody Wilson-Raybould’s book “True Reconciliation” is an excellent read on how we can all learn, understand and act. I highly recommend it.
I hope to see you at upcoming events in the city this year. On Saturday, September 30, the community will gather from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery for a time of reflection, music and teaching. Drop by and check it out.
Your journey in learning, understanding and acting will be a fulfilling one, you can be assured of that. I remain grateful for the teaching and the wisdom of the local elders and the many Indigenous friends whose company I enjoy and whose efforts continue to build our city. Reconciliation is noble and it is a sacred pursuit. I wish you well on your personal journey.
Ken Johnston is the Mayor of Red Deer