RDP Offers Indigenous initiatives & Events Leading up to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Sep 20, 2024
Rocks painted in bright orange with "Every Child Matters" in dark letters.

With a commitment to reconciliation through action, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) will offer a range of Indigenous initiatives and events on campus leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30. 

A group of RDP staff and students stand outside the front entrance as an Indigenous flag is raised
RDP staff and students stand in front of RDP as the Indigenous flag is raised

On Monday, September 23, the Polytechnic’s Truth and Reconciliation Week (September 23-26) begins with an Indigenous Flag Raising Ceremony on main campus at 9 am. Then, the film nanekawâsis will provide attendees with a deeper insight into the life and work of nêhiyaw artist Dr. George Littlechild. Dr. Littlechild is an RDP alum and an honourary degree recipient of RDP’s 2024 Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies degree. The documentary will be shown in the Polytechnic’s Arts Centre at 10 am.  

“Throughout Truth and Reconciliation Week, RDP will provide a variety of immersive learning opportunities for students, employees and community members to advance their knowledge about Truth and Reconciliation,” says Lloyd Desjarlais, Dean, Indigenous Initiatives. “These initiatives will create opportunities for the RDP community to gather together and collectively acknowledge Truth and Reconciliation and continue to progress on the journey of respect and understanding.” 

Some of the other opportunities available at RDP during Truth and Reconciliation Week include Story Sharing sessions and Arts and Crafts, where participants can design their own Orange Shirt Day button or felt pin. The Polytechnic’s Library will also display relevant books and resources, so students, faculty and staff have opportunities to learn and reflect about Truth and Reconciliation.  

In addition, the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre will be illuminated orange to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, honouring the children who didn’t return home from residential schools, survivors, along with their families and communities.  

RDP students, faculty and staff are encouraged to wear orange throughout the week and on Orange Shirt Day, which coincides with the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.

This year, Cori Steele created a compelling design for Orange Shirt Day that incorporated graphics of eagle feathers, children, a radiant sun and roots. These t-shirts can be purchased at The Lift located on main campus. 

"My design centres around a circular shape, symbolizing the unity needed among Indigenous people and allies to share knowledge and raise awareness about the lasting impact of residential schools on the Indigenous population, including both first-hand experiences and generational trauma,” says Steele, a graduate of RDP’s Bachelor of Applied Arts in Animation and Visual Effects.   

Last November, RDP launched a Reconcili-Action Plan, acknowledging its educational role in building common ground between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples and advocating for reconciliation.  

More information about RDP’s Truth and Reconciliation Week, including a schedule of events and locations, is available at: rdpolytech.ca/trw. 

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