Reconciliation Week kicked off in Lethbridge this week with the raising of the Métis and Reconciliation Flags to fly alongside the permanently raised Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy) flag outside City Hall.
"Reconciliation Week provides an opportunity for our community to come together, learn and find opportunities to celebrate Indigenous culture," says Mayor, Blaine Hyggen. "Reconciliation is everyone's responsibility and coming together as a community allows us to build stronger relationships, recognize the accomplishments of the Indigenous community and importantly, educate ourselves about the history of Indigenous peoples."
The City of Lethbridge will officially observe the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30, deepening our commitments to Truth and Reconciliation. To honour the importance of this day, City facilities will be closed on September 30.
"Reconciliation can be challenging and create uncertainty," says City of Lethbridge Indigenous Relations Advisor, Charlene Bruised Head-Mountain Horse. "With greater intentional collaboration and the City's ongoing commitment to ensuring Reconciliation and Indigenous Relations are upheld, we as a community will all benefit. Reconciliation also means celebrating new relationships and ways to engage. This work provides a foundation for many great opportunities for residents of Sik-ooh-kotoki (Lethbridge) to feel belonging, recognition and pride."
There are a number of events happening around the city this week in celebration of reconciliation, including several educational opportunities at Akaisamitohkanao'pa (Galt Museum and Archives) and at Lethbridge Public Library.
There are several online and in-person events taking place around the city during the month of September to recognize Reconciliation Week.
For Public Inquiries:
Call 311 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
