The Town of Drayton Valley will be recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
While Sept. 30 has been declared a day of remembrance for residential school survivors by the federal government, the provincial government currently has no plans to declare the day in Alberta.
At town council’s Feb. 9 meeting, the debate came up whether to declare the day in Drayton Valley.
One item to consider, was under the current collective bargaining agreement with the Canadian Union of Provincial Employees (CUPE), as CUPE members get the day off.
That was enough for Councillor Amila Gammana to come out in favour of making it a holiday for all.
“I think to have that opportunity for the rest of the staff is important as well, and to recognize the importance of what has happened,” said Gammana.
While Mayor Nancy Dodds was in favour of it, she did have her reservations. Part of the motion was that the Town work in partnership with local First Nations groups to develop programming to advance truth and reconciliation. Dodds was worried about the Town dropping the ball with such programming.
“I really am encouraging that we do our best to partner with our First Nations in seeing what we can do to celebrate and educate ourselves,” said Dodds.
Councillor Bill Ballas wanted to change the wording of the motion. The motion originally included the sentence, “On this day, council and staff encourage the community to reflect on the horrific residential school experience and engage in conversations to advance truth and reconciliation.” Ballas wanted to have the word “horrific” removed.
“I do not think it is our place to state it is horrific. I think we know that,” said Ballas. “But I do not think we should be telling the people that we are directing them to think it is horrific. That should be their own opinion.”
Council decided to have the entire sentence removed, instead.
The final motion read, “That town council approve that September 30 be observed annually as a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools. Further that administration be directed to in partnership with our First Nations partners offer informational programming events to help advance truth and reconciliation on this day annually.”
The motion passed, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation became a holiday in Drayton Valley.
But before council moved on, Mayor Dodds once again emphasized the importance of building partnerships with First Nations and getting the programming right.
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