Truth and Reconciliation: The Town of Edson

Edson's Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation

The Town of Edson is committed to reconciliation and ensuring the tragic history of residential schools, and the legacy they have left behind, is never forgotten.

Edson Town Council has outlined this as a priority in their Strategic Plan. Building strong relationships with Indigenous people and organizations, falls under the Strategic Pillar of 'Creating a Connected Community that is Safe and Inclusive'. With this in mind, the Town of Edson will work with local partners to learn of Indigenous matters and adapt Town initiatives to meet common interests, and review all decisions through the lens of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

Members of Edson Town Council and members of the Edson Friendship Centre.

Land Acknowledgement Policy

What is a territorial or land acknowledgement?

A territorial or land acknowledgement is an act of truth telling and reconciliation that involves making a statement recognizing the territory of Indigenous Peoples who are present and have thrived in the area since time immemorial. It can be a verbal or written statement that communicates recognition and respect for Indigenous Peoples cultures, histories, and distinct connections to the land, both past and present. It may reflect a Treaty or may be expressed as “unceded” where no Treaty exists.

"In the spirit of truth and reconciliation, we acknowledge the Town of Edson is located on Treaty 6 territory, the traditional and ancestral lands of the Nehiyawak, Saulteaux, Siksika, Piikuni, Kainai, Dene, Nakota Sioux, and the Otipemisiwak (Métis) Nations. We honour the knowledge of this land, the Elders and youth which gather here, and our ancestors who have gathered here for centuries"

Survivors’ Flag

In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, Elder Thelma Sculthorp, along with representatives from the Edson Friendship Centre and the Town of Edson, raised the Survivors’ Flag at the Edson Civic Centre in September 20th, 2023. It will be flown until the end of September.

The Survivors’ Flag is an expression of remembrance, meant to honour residential school Survivors and all the lives and communities impacted by the residential school system in Canada. Each element depicted on the flag was carefully selected by Survivors from across Canada, who were consulted in the flag’s creation.” More detailed information can be found on the following link: https://nctr.ca/exhibits/survivors-flag/

Edson Town Council was gifted the Survivors’ Flag by Elder Frieda Maynard at the September 5th Council meeting, where Council approved the Town’s new Land Acknowledgement Policy.

The raising of the flag was approved at the September 19th, 2023, Council Meeting and falls in line with Council’s Strategic Pillar of Creating a Connected Community that is Safe and Inclusive. It demonstrates Council’s commitment to building strong relationships with Indigenous people and organizations, while working towards implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30 has been declared the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day provides an opportunity for all residents to recognize the legacy of residential schools. This may present itself as a day of quiet reflection or participation in a community event.

We'll be posting information on the events closer to the day.

Our Focus

In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, the following initiatives have been chosen as a focus for 2023:

Land Acknowledgement Policy.

A Land Acknowledgement Policy is being refined and a Land Acknowledgement statement developed to be used at the beginning of each public Council or Committee meeting, which also includes Boards and Committees. It also provides general guidance for use of the acknowledgement in Town communications.
Consideration of Flag Policy Amendment.

Administration is currently reviewing Flag Policy L-D-2 to better reflect current conditions and the potential of adding pieces to reflect our commitment to reconciliation within the policy.
Learning Opportunities for Town Council, staff and related Boards and Committees.

Administration is researching the best opportunities to initiate broader education opportunities for Town staff. Some Council and staff have been fortunate to participate in a Blanket Ceremony, conducted by the Edson Friendship Centre. In 2023, a wider program of education opportunities for Town staff will commence. The same learning opportunities would be offered to Council and all Boards and Committees (e.g. FCSS Board, Youth Council). This item is directly related to Action Item #57 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
Increased Partnership with Community Partners. (e.g., Edson Friendship Centre)

The Town of Edson continues to strengthen our relationship with Indigenous people and organizations such as the Edson Friendship Centre to learn of Indigenous matters and adapt Town initiatives to meet common interests and review all decisions through the lens of Truth and Reconciliation. This item is directly related to Action Item #45(iii) of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
The Town of Edson is committing to working with groups such as the Edson Friendship Centre and other partners to move their initiatives forward to advance Truth and Reconciliation. This item is directly related to Action Item #45(iii) of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
Update Town website and materials to reflect the Indigenous history of Edson and area, and the Town’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation efforts.

News Items