September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the day to honour children who did not return or those who survived residential schools in Canada. In honour of the day, on Sunday, September 29, Humboldt’s Cultural Services Department and the Westminster Affirm Team will be holding a walk.
“We are asking people to arrive at Civic Park at 1:45 pm,” says Chris Harlow with Westminster United Church. “The walk will begin shortly after 2 pm. We’ll arrive back at the church around 2:30 or so where we’ll be serving bannock and tea.”
Guest speaker for the afternoon will be Louise Bernice Halfe, whose Cree name is Sky Dancer. Halfe is a well-known figure in Indigenous affairs and in the literary world. She was named Saskatchewan’s Poet Laureate in 2005 and was appointed the Canadian Parliamentary Poet Laureate in 2021. Her collections of poetry have garnered awards and critical acclaim.
Halfe is a survivor of the residential school system in Alberta.
The public is welcome to come out for the walk. Those with mobility issues or who cannot attend the walk are invited to attend the 2:30 reception and talk at Westminster United Church.