“On Sept. 30, Alberta's government recognizes and remembers the history and ongoing legacy of residential schools and the trauma experienced by so many Indigenous people. Together, we will walk the path of reconciliation by listening and taking meaningful action to build stronger and uplifting relationships.
“The Truth and Reconciliation Commission gave us a way forward, and Alberta’s government has made progress on more than 20 calls to action that relate to the province.
“I am proud to announce that Alberta’s government is one step closer to fulfilling Call to Action #82 – creating a permanent monument in our capital city, Edmonton, to honour the Survivors of residential schools and the children who did not make it home.
“Designed by Saddle Lake Cree Nation stone sculptor Stewart Steinhauer, the monument will be the centrepiece of the Reconciliation Garden on the Alberta legislature grounds, a place for reflection and healing.
“I thank all the Elders and Indigenous leaders who helped to choose the monument artist and to imagine the garden as a place of hope.
“While the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action are vital, work must continue to support healing and address the concerns of Indigenous people in a variety of ways beyond these 94 actions.
“On this day, I thank residential school survivors for courageously sharing their stories and their desire for a more equitable future. I urge everyone in Alberta to learn the truth about the past and find local ways to reach out and strengthen relationships with Indigenous people. Reconciliation is not just about one day, there are meaningful steps any one of us can take any day of the year.”