Lethbridge Reconciliation Week

In 2018 the City of Lethbridge and Lethbridge Indigenous Sharing Network collectively passed “Reconciliation Implementation Plan 2017 – 2027”, and to commemorate this historic step forward, Reconciliation Week was created.

2020 – Reconciliation Week 2020 highlights the anniversary of the signing of Treaty 7 in 1877. We were thrilled to attend the teepee raising ceremony in Galt Gardens this past Tuesday. The raising of the teepee is a way to show support for all Indigenous people from those in non-Indigenous communities and encourages all of us who see it to take a moment to remember why it is there. If you haven’t had a chance to see the teepee yet, be sure to go check it out today before it comes down!

In addition to witnessing this beautiful process, we were honored to hand over a cheque for $2500 to the Sage Sisters, of Sage Clan. We’d like to again thank everyone who participated in Get the Fundraiser Online – these wonderful women have big plans for these funds and provide an invaluable service in our community.

2019 – We wanted to show our gratitude and respect with an offering, so we visited the Sage Clan tipi that was set up in Galt Gardens and we were welcomed with open arms. We sat around a fire, spoke openly, laughed loudly, and left with fuller hearts and souls. It’s moments like this that connect us, that make us see each other as we truly are, and set a deep reminder that we can be the change we so desperately want to see. Reach out, educate yourself, and show kindness to those around you.

“Today is a great day, not only of healing and reconciliation, but also coming together” – Withrop Rockefeller. 

This year’s focus was promoting Indigenous languages, and we found an app: Piikani Paitapiiyssin (rich with history and symbols) as a way to help learn more about Blackfoot language and culture.