Honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Cochrane’s Reconciliation Journey 

Cochrane honors the culture, heritage, and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people that have been part of this landscape before colonial settlement occurred.

We stand with the Indigenous community in remembering the past and look forward as we affirm our relationship and partnership in acting upon our local commitment to truth and reconciliation.

Truth and Reconciliation
CEDI

Cochrane, Stoney Nakoda Nation, Stoney Tribal Administration participate in CEDI to foster Economic Collaboration

Cochrane has joined with the Stoney Nakoda Peoples and Treaty 7 signatories: Bearspaw First Nation, Chiniki First Nation, Wesley/Goodstoney First Nation, along with Stoney Tribal Administration, to participate in the Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI). CEDI is a national program delivered jointly by Cando (the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers), and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).

CEDI seeks to support First Nations and neighboring communities to build respectful and equitable partnerships, and to develop capacity for long-term planning for joint community economic development and land use.

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NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION 

Cochrane will mark the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Friday, September 30, 2022.

On this day, we recognize the ongoing trauma caused by residential and day schools, and remember those who were lost, survivors and their families.

In observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, the municipality is closing all of its facilities to provide staff with the opportunity to reflect on the legacy of residential schools and to educate themselves.

To support this, a list has been prepared including links, places to visit, courses and books.

HONOURING TRUTH...

Resources for Reconciliation

A starting point for reconciliation is to get informed. Here are a few resources to get started: 

Community 

  • Orange Shirt Day 
    • Wear orange on September 30
  • Flags at Town buildings 
    • Flags at half-mast on September 30.
  • Jack Tennant Memorial Bridge 
    • The bridge will be lit orange on September 30.
  • Every Child Matters Truth and Reconciliation Walk 
    • 10:00 am – Prayer; 11:00 am Walk – McDougall Church on Highway 1A. Prayer and pipe ceremony at historic church site. Contact: Eve Power 403.399.9156 or FB Every Child Matters Mini Thni/Cochrane.
  • Public commemoration event in honor of the National Day of Truth & Reconciliation

Resources

  • Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action 
  • National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation 
    • The NCTR is a place of learning and dialogue where the truths of the residential school experience will be honoured and kept safe for future generations. Also, be sure to check out the live sessions and videos presented throughout the week by the Centre.
  • These Mountains are Our Sacred Places, The Story of the Stoney People by Chief John Snow 
    • The book, first issued in 1977, provides a glimpse into the worldview, values, beliefs, and aspirations of the local Nakoda or Stoney people from the First Nations perspective. Available from libraries, booksellers including online retailers.
  • The True Spirit and Original Intent of Treaty 7 
    • A book based on the testimony of over 80 elders from the five First Nations involved in Treaty 7. Available from libraries, booksellers including online retailers. 
  • Reconciliation Toolkits 
  • Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples 
    • A Holistic Approach: Toolkit for Inclusive Municipalities in Canada and Beyond 
  • Native Land Map 
    • Learn about Indigenous territories, treaties and languages in your area. 
  • University of Alberta library 
    • Residential Schools Link to resources to learn about the residential school experience. 
  • Indigenous Canada - University of Alberta 
    • Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson course during which students can expect to acquire a basic familiarity with Aboriginal/non-Aboriginal relationships. This course aims to expand the understandings held by many Canadians about these relationships

Support

  • National Residential School Crisis Line 
    • 24-hours: 1-866-925-4419 
  • Hope for Wellness Chat 
    • The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. Available at 1-855-242-3310.