Kinanâskomitin. Marsi cho. Thank you for participating in the 2022 Truth and Reconciliation Challenge.

Reconciliation is a journey, not a destination, and your active participation is helping us make change right here in Wood Buffalo! As a token of our gratitude, you are eligible for a certificate in recognition of their dedication to truth and reconciliation. To receive your personalized certificate, please fill out the Challenge Certificate Survey. Be sure to include how you would like your name to be displayed on the certificate, and the email address where the completed certificate can be emailed. We're also looking for feedback on this year's challenge, so we invite you to answer any of the following questions as you feel called to do.

Reconciliation doesn't end on September 30. We look forward to growing the challenge every year, with more resources, events, and ways for people to learn and actively participate in reconciliation in Wood Buffalo.

Missed the challenge? It's not too late! Take a look at all the weekly content!

Certificate​

Challenge Certificate

CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

Quiz

Economic Reconciliation Quiz

There are many damaging stereotypes and misconceptions that exist about Indigenous Peoples in Canada – they don’t pay taxes, they get a free ride to college or university. Are these merely a myth or are they fact? It’s time to get to the truth – and celebrate it. Test your knowledge!

Thank you to those who participated in this engagement. You can learn more about this project below, or subscribe to Participate Wood Buffalo to stay connected (or get involved) with future engagement projects impacting our region.

Missing, Murdered or Exploited Indigenous People Knowledge Quiz

9 responses

Murdered or Missing and Exploited Indigenous Peoples (MMEIP) recognizes the importance of acknowledging the violence committed against Indigenous Peoples, including boys, men and gender diverse persons. They too are suffering, in danger, and their voices need to be included and heard. This is an issue that impacts all of us, not only nationally, but right here in our own community. Once you've explored resources for this week at rmwb.ca/trc(External link), take this quiz to test your knowledge and unlock exclusive content to continue your journey.

Thank you to those who participated in this engagement. You can learn more about this project below, or subscribe to Participate Wood Buffalo to stay connected (or get involved) with future engagement projects impacting our region.

Reflection Guide

Reflecting on being a good ally

This week we're discussing what it means to be a good ally. What is an ally? Read more about allyship here before you share what you've adopted into your life to be a good ally. Note: We are all on a journey of learning. Thank you for keeping this space respectful and safe for everyone to learn, grow, and belong.
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Reflecting on Hard Truths

We've all had to face a hard truth or two in our lifetime and the truth about residential schools is no exception. This history can bring up a lot of complicated emotions that can make the prospect of reconciliation seem overwhelming or unattainable. Together, how can we use these natural responses to propel us forward in a good way? Share below. Thank you for being kind to each other as we come together as a community in this discussion.
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Reflecting on the journey forward

Reconciliation is a journey, not a destination. It's a lifelong practice that requires commitment and action from all of us. Participating in this year's Truth and Reconciliation Challenge is a great way to participate, but there will be more to do after the challenge wraps, and after the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th. So we ask you: how can you keep your commitment going?
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Weekly Content

Week One: Truth

Tawâw. Neba hoɁą. Welcome to Week 1 of the Truth and Reconciliation Challenge, where we look at truth as the foundation for reconciliation.

Here’s your challenge this week:

Explore this week’s resources.

Join Jes Croucher of Pawâmiw Creative at Borealis Park for The Legacy of Residential Schools workshop. Space is limited – register now!

Take part in this week’s discussion: Reflecting on Hard Truths.

Week Two: Language

Tawâw. Neba hoɁą. Welcome to Week 2 of the Truth and Reconciliation Challenge: Language.

It’s the International Decade of Indigenous Languages! Reviving and preserving the Cree, Dene and Michif languages is essential for Indigenous communities and culture.

The Municipality has collaborated with local Knowledge Keepers to plan, develop, and support the strengthening of traditional Indigenous languages in the region over the next 10 years, and now you're invited to join in.

Your challenge this week: Learn Cree and Dene basics

This week, we go back to basics. Sharpen your crayons and get ready to have some fun!

Learn how to introduce yourself in Cree and Dene with these video lessons from local language leaders. See below a lesson from Elder Patrice Mercredi from Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and Elder Rita Marten from Mikisew Cree First Nation.

2. Learn your colours and how to count in Cree and Dene with these videos from Elder Rita Marten of Mikisew Cree First Nation and Alice Rigney of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation.

Practice what you've learned with these fun activities:

Cree Colouring Sheet

Dene Colouring Sheet

Cree and Dene Flashcards / Flashcard printing instructions.

When it comes to language, there is always more to learn. Did you know the Municipality did its first proclamations in Cree and Dene this year? Check out what else is being done to celebrate the International Decade of Indigenous Languages.

Ready to Learn More?

Watch the video:

National Indigeneous Languages Day from Ryley Richardson on Vimeo.

Read the article:

Mayor Bowman learning Cree and Dene to promote Indigenous Language revitalization

Week Three: MMEIP

Tawâw. Neba hoɁą. Welcome to Week 3 of the Truth and Reconciliation Challenge, where we are learning about Missing or Murdered and Exploited Indigenous Peoples.

Here’s your challenge this week:

Explore this week’s resources at rmwb.ca/trc

Hear from Stephanie Harpe, international advocate for MMEIP in an important discussion with Indigenous & Rural Relations Manager, Janine Kruse.

Click here to test your understanding of this national epidemic to unlock exclusive content, including an opportunity to win a copy of September's It's Time to Read book club pick!

This week's topic deals with the subject of murdered, missing and exploited individuals. If you are experiencing distress, please reach out to the following supports:

ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES — WOOD BUFFALO ADDICTIONS & MENTAL HEALTH

24 HR Crisis Line - SOS Crisis: 780-743-4357

AB Health Service - 1 (800) 565-3801

Thinking of suicide? Please call 1 (833) 456-4566

MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTIONS SUPPORT

Liz Keating, Centre of Hope: 780-713-9915

INDIGENOUS HEALTH SUPPORT WORKER

Carley Moore, Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre: 780-215-6778

Main Office Line: 780-743-8555

WAYPOINTS

(780) 473-4691 General Line

(780) 437-1190 Family Violence Crisis Line

(780) 791-6709 Sexual Trauma Support Line

Missed a week? Click here for all weekly content! https://participate.rmwb.ca/trc/news_feed/weekly-c...

Week Four: Indigenous Art and Sport

Tawâw. Neba hoɁą. Welcome to Week 4, where we celebrate Indigenous art and sport in the region, and their role in the ongoing process of truth and reconciliation in Wood Buffalo.

Here’s your challenge this week:

Join us for An Evening Conversation on Truth and Reconciliation with Artist Frederick McDonald. You won’t want to miss this exclusive challenge event! Space is limited, register now.

Head on down to Athabasca Tribal Council’s Cultural Festival at Snye Point Park Sept. 8-11! Visit the cultural festival website for more details, including festival schedule.

Get ready for the Arctic Winter Games, coming to Wood Buffalo Jan. 29-Feb. 4, 2023! Check out the website for a countdown!

Week Five: Economic Reconciliation

Tawâw. Neba hoɁą. Welcome to Week 5: Economic Reconciliation, where we celebrate Indigenous business excellence and get to the bottom of common myths and stereotypes about Indigenous Peoples.

Here’s your challenge this week:

Explore this week’s resources at Week 5 - Truth and Reconciliation Challenge: Economic Reconciliation.

Challenge stereotypes and test your knowledge with this myth-busting quiz!

Missed a week? Click here for all weekly content! https://participate.rmwb.ca/trc/news_feed/weekly-c...

Week Six: Allyship

Tawâw. Neba hoɁą. Welcome to Week 6 of the Truth and Reconciliation Challenge, where we explore what it means – and what it takes – to be a good ally.

Unfortunately, our planned workshop on Allyship with Indigenous Peoples with Jes Croucher of Pawâmiw Creative was cancelled. We still encourage you to join the conversation on our Participate page. Watch for information on our social media accounts and our web page for Week Seven of the Truth and Reconciliation Challenge for an opportunity to join us for a community gathering and walk on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Friday, Sept. 30, starting at the front steps of the Jubilee building on Franklin Avenue at 9:30 a.m.

Here’s your challenge this week:

Take part in this week’s reflection discussion: Being a good ally

Mark your calendar to join the Community Gathering and Walk on September 30 at 9:30 am. Click here for details.

Missed a week? Click here for all weekly content! https://participate.rmwb.ca/trc/news_feed/weekly-c...

Week Seven: Honouring Survivors

Tawâw. Neba hoɁą. Welcome to the final week of the Truth and Reconciliation Challenge, where we are honouring residential school survivors, their families and communities, the children who never made it home, and everyone impacted by the devastating legacy of residential schools.

Here’s your challenge this week:

Gather with community on Friday, Sept. 30. Starting at the front steps of the Jubilee building at 9:30, we’ll start with a prayer then walk to MacDonald Island Park. Don’t forget to wear orange – and why you’re wearing orange.

Reflect on what they learned these past few weeks by exploring the weekly content below.

Take part in this final reflection.

Keep the journey going.

Guestbook