Honoring Truth and Reconciliation in Morinville

By Shelley Winger

On September 30, people across Canada came together to reflect on a painful part of our shared
history — the legacy of the residential school system. The National Day for Truth and
Reconciliation was a time to remember the children who were taken from their families and
communities, many of whom never returned home. It was also a day to honour the Survivors
who endured unimaginable hardship, and to support their families and communities who
continue to live with the lasting impacts of that system.

Here in Morinville, we began by acknowledging that we live and work on Treaty 6 Territory, the
traditional lands of the Cree, Dene, Stony Nakota Sioux, Saulteaux and Ojibwe First Nations, as
well as the Métis people. Recognizing the land was more than just words — it was about
understanding the deep history that existed here long before Canada became a country, and about
committing to building respectful and meaningful relationships with Indigenous peoples into the
future.

The residential school system operated in Canada for more than 150 years. During that time,
over 150,000 Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and placed in
church-run schools, where many were forbidden from speaking their languages, practicing their
cultures, or expressing their identities. Thousands of children died due to neglect, abuse,
malnutrition, and disease. The trauma caused by these schools did not end when they closed —
their impact continues to affect generations of Indigenous families. The National Day for Truth
and Reconciliation served as a reminder that we must never forget this part of our history, and
that reconciliation is an ongoing process that requires awareness, empathy, and action.

One of the most visible ways people honoured the day was by participating in Orange Shirt Day,
also held on September 30. Orange Shirt Day grew from the story of Phyllis Webstad, a
residential school Survivor whose new orange shirt — a gift from her grandmother — was taken
away on her first day at school. That experience, and the many like it, symbolized the loss of
identity, culture, and childhood that so many Indigenous children suffered. Wearing orange was a
simple but powerful way to show support, spark conversations, and remind ourselves and others
of the importance of reconciliation.

This year, the Morinville Community Cultural Centre (MCCC) offered a special opportunity for
reflection with Reflections of the Heart, a community art display that ran from September 22 to
October 3. Local youth and community members created orange paper hearts filled with

messages of remembrance, care, and hope — tributes to the children who never came home and
to those who survived. Visitors were invited to view the display, read the messages, and even add
their own heart to the wall. It was a small but meaningful way to be part of the healing journey.

Reconciliation is not something that happens in one day or with one event. It is an ongoing
commitment that each of us can take part in. Here are a few ways people continued to support
and deepen their understanding:
 Learning about Treaty 6 and the history of local First Nations, such as Alexander First
Nation, to understand whose land we live on and the agreements that shape our shared
responsibilities.
 Watching educational videos or documentaries about residential schools to learn more
about their history and lasting impact.
 Taking the free “Indigenous Canada” course offered by the University of Alberta, which
explores Indigenous histories, worldviews, and contemporary issues.
 Participating in a Blanket Exercise, an interactive learning experience that brings history
to life and helps people understand the effects of colonization on Indigenous peoples.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada released 94 Calls to Action — concrete
steps for governments, institutions, and individuals to take to advance reconciliation. Reviewing
these Calls to Action and thinking about how they apply to our own lives remained another
meaningful way to contribute.

Reconciliation is about more than learning history — it is about listening to Indigenous voices,
acknowledging past and present injustices, and working together toward a future built on respect,
equality, and understanding. It is about making space for truth and healing, and about building
relationships based on trust and partnership.

On September 30 — and every day since — we have committed to honouring the survivors,
remembering the children who never returned, and walking together toward a future where the
mistakes of the past are never repeated. By learning, reflecting, and taking action, we all
continue to play a part in the ongoing journey of truth and reconciliation — here in Morinville
and across Canada.