Local opportunities to learn and participate abound
This year Selkirk will be brimming with great opportunities to learn more about our history and local Indigenous heritage on Truth and Reconciliation Day which takes place on Sept. 30.
There will be a variety of events in the community to take part in. The largest event will be at Selkirk Park and is hosted by the Selkirk Friendship Centre and the City of Selkirk. There will also be a mural unveiling by the Interlake Art Board and if you’re closer to the St. Andrews Heritage Centre, the Red River Ancestry Genealogy Centre has information about connecting to Indigenous heritage.
The Selkirk Park event starts at 10 a.m.
“We actually came together in 2021 and noticed that there weren’t any events happening in Selkirk for Orange Shirt Day. We were able to do a little bit of stuff remotely because it was still the pandemic so we couldn’t gather in groups. And then, we decided for the next year, which was 2022, that we would actually have the event. So, between the Selkirk Friendship Center and the City of Selkirk, we were able to host the one last year,” said Carly Chartier, of the Selkirk Friendship Center.
Orange Shirt Day coincides with Truth and Reconciliation Day. On this day residents honour residential school students by wearing orange shirts. More information about the history of Orange Shirt Day is available at https://orangeshirtday.org/
This year’s event will be very similar to last year’s in that there will be speakers, dancers, drummers, the 94 calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada will be available for viewing along a path in Selkirk Park, and there will be an art mural that people can sign.
There will also be a beading activity which will take place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the park which is new for the 2023 event.
Another new component is that there have been additional activities before Sept. 30 that the Friendship Centre has been able to offer. Some of them include Lunch and Learn learning opportunities, presentations, and workshops. Check out their social media to learn about upcoming opportunities.
Chartier says that everyone is welcome.
“You can’t have reconciliation unless everybody’s involved. Even with people who are Indigenous and dealing with intergenerational traumas that they face [we need everyone to be involved. It’s important in] learning why different generations are the way they are and how we ended up here today and most importantly how we can do things for the future,” said Chartier
For full details about the Sept. 30 event at Selkirk Park visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/selkirk-national-truth-and-reconciliation-ceremony-tickets-706140734947
Residents should also be aware that Orange Shirts will be available for sale at Selkirk Park for $20 on Sept. 30 while supplies last. This sale is cash only.
The Red River Ancestry Genealogy Centre takes place at The St. Andrews Heritage Centre from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event will primarily be an information sharing event. People can learn more about Truth and Reconciliation and Indigenous people can learn about resources available to help them find missing loved ones. For more info visit https://www.standrewsrectory.ca/event/indigenous-genealogy-resource-drop-in/
Finally, a new mural titled, ‘Water Ways, Passions & History’ will join the vast array of artwork in Selkirk. Residents who would like to take part in the mural unveiling event are asked to meet at the Selkirk Waterfront at 2 p.m. on Sept 30.
The mural is a testament to the rich tapestry of Indigenous culture and the enduring spirit of Selkirk’s community. It’s a product of dedication, creativity, and collaborative effort made by local artists.
Residents are invited to various Truth and Reconciliation Day events in our community. Photos from last year’s Selkirk Park event.
