Today (Sept. 30) marks Canada's first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Earlier this month, the Town of Okotoks announced it would be recognizing the occasion.

With that being the case, most town buildings will be closed for the day, including the Municipal Centre, Operations Centre, art gallery, Eco Centre, and Family Resource Centre.

Starting in the evening, the Municipal Centre will be lit orange and will remain that way until Oct. 1.

Though it'll be a quiet day of reflection for some, there are plenty of options in town for those looking to engage in in-person events associated with Truth and Reconciliation

Some facilities will remain open with tributes or educational tools available.

The Okotoks Museum & Archives will have a few displays, including the 2014 short documentary Little Moccasins, which will be playing on a loop.

Museum specialist Kathy Coutts says there will also be a display connected to the memorial held in town earlier this year.

"Also some of the shoes that were from the 215 memorial that was held end of May/early June are also preserved here at the museum. One of the reasons some of those shoes were moved was to ensure that after the memorial was taken down, it wasn't forgotten, that the conversation continues."

They'll be open during the regular hours (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), though the exhibit will still be available to view for the rest of the week and into early October.

The library will also be open and will feature a Truth and Reconciliation display that includes books featuring Indigenous stories and authors. They're also offering free Blackfoot Story Robe craft kits.

The Recreation Centre and Pason Centennial Arenas will also remain open.

Additionally, a group of Okotoks residents have organized a smudging ceremony, blessing, and a drum circle to take place near the Old Towne Plaza at 4:44 p.m.

Sept. 30 is also Orange Shirt Day, where Canadians are encouraged to wear orange shirts to acknowledge and commemorate those affected by the Residential School system.

 

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