Otipemisiwak Métis Government launches new initiatives for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Posted on: Sep 28, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Otipemisiwak Métis Government launches new initiatives for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Unveiling a Residential School Map and Extending Support Through Orange Sash Sales
[Edmonton AB, September 28, 2023] — In observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta is introducing two initiatives aimed at deepening awareness, fostering healing, and advancing Reconciliation for Survivors and descendants of residential and day schools; the unveiling of a comprehensive residential school map for Alberta and a sale of orange sashes, with proceeds directed towards the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Survivor’s Healing Fund. These also aim to spotlight the often-overlooked struggle of Métis residential school Survivors, whose narratives are regrettably regularly excluded from the broader discourse and related initiatives.
“Through these initiatives and others, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government acknowledges the deep and enduring scars left by the residential and day school system on Métis individuals, families, and communities,” said Truth and Reconciliation Director, Lorna Dancey. “Spanning over 150 years, these institutions forcibly separated Métis First Nations and Inuit children, from their families, resulting in a devastating loss of culture, language, and identity.” In her role as Truth and Reconciliation Director for the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, Dancey is a vital point of contact for those seeking information or wishing to share their stories about residential and day schools.
To draw attention to this painful history, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government has unveiled an invaluable resource—a comprehensive Residential School Map, accessible here. This visual representation of the school locations stands as a testament to the strength of Survivors and serves as an educational tool for remembrance.
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is extending a further gesture of support by offering Métis orange sashes for sale. Available for purchase here, these sashes serve as a tangible symbol of compassion and solidarity for Survivors and the children who never found their way home. Proceeds from these sales will be dedicated to the Survivor’s Healing Fund, reaffirming a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.
“The initiation of the orange sash sale by our Survivor Advisory Committee, comprised of individuals who have firsthand experience of residential school trauma, marks a significant milestone towards healing and Reconciliation,” said Dancey. “The Otipemisiwak Métis Government firmly believes that Truth and Reconciliation is an ongoing commitment, extending far beyond a single day. Every Child Matters, and through collective effort, we can forge a future founded on understanding, compassion, and positive change.”
For further information on these initiatives and a brief background on the Métis experience at residential schools, please visit albertametis.com/truth-reconciliation.
About the Otipemisiwak Métis Government:
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta is the oldest continuous Métis government in Canada. It was originally established in 1928, and has been built by Alberta Métis over generations. The Otipemisiwak Métis Government delivers programs and services to Métis Citizens living throughout Alberta through its governance structures and affiliates including Rupertsland Institute, Apeetogosan (Métis) Development Inc., Métis Crossing as well as its Métis Housing Corporations.
Currently, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government has over 64,000 registered Citizens, residing in every part of Alberta, and maintains the only objectively verifiable registry that identifies Métis Citizens and rights-holders living in Alberta. The 2021 Census reported the Otipemisiwak Métis Government has the largest membership of any federally-recognized Métis government in Canada.
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