City to Host National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Raising of Healing Hands Teepee

The City of Fort Saskatchewan invites the community to gather on Tuesday, September 30, 10:00 am–3:00 pm, at the Fort Heritage Precinct (inside the old fort) to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This free event invites the community to gather in remembrance and learning, fostering connection, reflection, and reconciliation.

Event highlights include:

• Healing Hands of Reconciliation: Raising of a 26-foot teepee featuring artwork by Ojibwe artist Ellie Lagrandeur and hundreds of community handprints pledging support for reconciliation.
• Teepee Teachings: Cultural teachings and a sharing circle guided by a Knowledge Keeper.
• Bannock & Stew Lunch: Available to the first 150 attendees.

"On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, raising the Healing Hands of Reconciliation teepee within the fort is an important act of reclaiming space for Indigenous perspectives, making these voices and histories visible at the heart of our community," said Taylor Berry-Boparai, Supervisor, Fort Heritage Precinct.

“The Healing Hands of Reconciliation teepee offers the community an opportunity to engage with the Calls to Action and express that commitment through art. The Calls to Action are essential for reconciliation, providing a clear path forward, and when community members participate, this work becomes shared, meaningful, and lasting,” said Amber Grant, Social Planning Coordinator, Family & Community Support Services.

Community members can still contribute to the Healing Hands of Reconciliation project by adding their handprint at Dreamcatchers Gift and Art Gallery (10210 100 Ave) until September 29 during regular business hours.

Full event schedule and details are available at fortsask.ca/NDTR.
 

Fort Saskatchewan, located just 15 minutes northeast of Edmonton along the North Saskatchewan River, is a vibrant hub for economic, recreational, and cultural activities. Nestled in the centre of Alberta’s Industrial Heartland and home to nearly 30,000 residents, the city offers many amenities, including a multi-use fitness facility, an aquatics centre, 80 km of trails, and high-performance arenas and fields. Cultural highlights include a 500-seat performing arts theatre, historic sites, a museum, and a replica of the 1875 Northwest Mounted Police Fort. Fort Saskatchewan is dedicated to fostering an inclusive community, providing a blend of experiences that welcomes everyone.

The city is situated in Treaty 6 Territory and Métis Nation of Alberta District 11. We recognize that we stand upon land that carries the footsteps of many Indigenous Peoples, including the Nehiyawak, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, and Métis. The City honours the First Peoples of this land and is committed to fostering reconciliation through relationship building, knowledge gathering, and education.