WESTLOCK — For the third straight year, the Town of Westlock is holding its annual Truth and Reconciliation event to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which is held every year on Sept. 30.
The event takes place at the Westlock and District Community Hall on Sept. 19, and will begin at 3 p.m. with a blanket exercise, followed by a dinner and information and activities throughout the evening.
“This year we are changing up the format a little bit from previous years, so we’re focusing a little bit more on the education side of things and we’re also partnering with some local groups as well,” said Town of Westlock director of planning and development, Danielle Pougher, noting they are partnering with the Westlock Connex, Westlock County and the Village of Clyde and Alexander First Nation as well.
“We’re just mixing it up a little bit so that people can still continue to find value from the event,” she said. “The blanket exercise will be starting at three o’clock in the afternoon. There will be child care available for anyone that wants to participate in that exercise … and then we’ll move into dinner, along with some drumming and then the remainder of the evening will be the activities and educational pieces,” said Pougher.
Some of those include a variety of booths, featuring different aspects of First Nations culture and traditions, that people will have a chance to explore and learn from noted Pougher, pointing out her own previous experience with a blanket exercise.
“It tells the story of First Nation and you get to see their perspective throughout the past,” she said. “It’s a very impactful exercise to take a part in, so we’re very happy to be able to host one to the broader public.”
Pougher said the event is free to attend with no reservations necessary, and is always well supported by the community.
For more details visit www.westlock.ca
