Multiple events are planned to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Grande Prairie on September 30th.
The morning will start with a pancake breakfast by donation at the Veterans Memorial Gardens & Interpretive Centre from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The event was originally also supposed to include the unveiling of an Indigenous war memorial but a social media post explains that it will not be installed in time due to the carving not matching what was commissioned.
A free barbecue will follow at the Muskoseepi Park amphitheatre from 12 to 2 p.m. hosted by the Grande Prairie Aboriginal Circle of Services. Starting at 1 p.m., there will be speakers, ceremony, Indigenous crafters and vendors, a storywalk, a healing jingle dance, traditional drummers, and Métis jiggers.
After that will be the 2nd Annual Orange Shirt Day 5km Walk and Run from the Muskoseepi Park Pavilion starting at 4 p.m. and hosted by the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre. Registration is only required for those who wish to pay $15 and receive a special medal.
Back at the Veterans Memorial Gardens, chili and bannock will be served from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
A grand entry will also be held ahead of the PBR Peace Country Invitational at Bonnetts Energy Centre. Before the start of the event at 7 p.m. will be a traditional grand entry, performances by dance groups, and speakers. There will also be traditional dancing and drummers during intermissions.