Truth and Reconciliation Day

Sturgeon County to recognize September 30 as Truth and Reconciliation Day

Sturgeon County is a place of deep roots and community values. We know our success comes from partnerships, and our communities are made stronger by those who made it home. The First Nations peoples who first marked trails here. The Métis for whom this is an ancestral homeland.   

 As part of the County’s commitment to exploring Truth and Reconciliation in a municipal context, Sturgeon County will be observing September 30 as a statutory holiday. This means County offices will be closed on Friday, September 30, with operations limited to essential services. 

 The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is meant to honour Indigenous children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.   

To assist residents and County staff in reflecting on the significance of this day, Sturgeon County has posted learning materials, including online resources, videos, and information through in-person and virtual events. This information will be posted on the Sturgeon County website and will be shared on social media.
Visit Truth and Reconciliation – Sturgeon County 

There is also an Orange Shirt Day event being held on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, from 5-8 p.m., at the Morinville Community Cultural Centre.  The event will include an Elder Blessing and Smudge Ceremony, Honour Song, a reading of the book, Phyllis’ Orange Shirt, and more. This a free event for residents of Sturgeon County and the Town of Morinville, and is offered through a partnership between Sturgeon County, the Town of Morinville, and the Creating Hope Society. More information on the event can be found on our website:  Orange Shirt Day – Sturgeon County  

Sturgeon County continues to move forward with commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, as outlined in the motions adopted by Council during their meeting of August 23, 2022.
This includes the recent signing of a Relationship Agreement with Alexander First Nation and the Collaboration Committee, which includes representatives from both Sturgeon County and Alexander First Nation.