OUR MANDATE

To Foster Truth-Telling: Creating a safe, respectful environment for Survivors, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers to share their teachings, stories and lived experiences of the Indian Residential School system.
To Educate and Bring Awareness: Raising public awareness and a deeper understanding of the historical and generational impacts of the Indian Residential School system.
To Celebrate Culture: Embracing and promoting the traditions, languages, and cultures of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
To Build Allyships: Strengthening relationships and building allies between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
To Create Healing Spaces: Working to create accessible public spaces centered on healing and reconciliation; spaces that include Indigenous art, culture, history, and traditional healing components, such as the Community Healing Garden project that will be located in Bonnyville AB, in partnership with the Town of Bonnyville, and in collaboration with a working group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous allies.

KEY PURPOSE

Commemoration: Organizing annual activities for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, such as Orange Shirt Walks, “funeral-style” processions, tipi raising and teachings, pipe ceremonies, sacred fires, in-venue activities with displays, traditional foods, speakers, Indigenous theatre, music, cultural dance, and a one-day memorial round dance.
Creating Healing Spaces: Establishing permanent, year round accessible public spaces, such as the Community Healing Garden project that will be located in Bonnyville AB, in partnership with the Town of Bonnyville, and in collaboration with a working group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous allies. This space will be a place for gathering, reflection, healing, and education.
Cultural Preservation: Ensuring that Indigenous culture and language remain visible and celebrated.
Intergenerational Healing: Providing resources and platforms that support the long-term emotional and spiritual recovery of survivors and their descendants.