(File photo/CJME)

By Derek Craddock

TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

Saskatchewan to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, still not a stat holiday

Sep 29, 2021 | 8:00 AM

The Government of Saskatchewan recently proclaimed Sept. 30 as Truth and Reconciliation Day for the province.

However, that proclamation only recognizes the day and does not establish it as a provincial holiday.

In a release, the government said all provincial government buildings in Saskatchewan, including the Provincial Legislature and Government House, will lower their flags to half-mast.

The Provincial Capital Commission will also be turning some park lights orange in key locations of Wascana Centre, notably at the Bandstand on the north shore, the Legislative Landing in front of the QEII Gardens and at the steps of the Provincial Legislature.

“With this proclamation, the provincial government reiterates its commitment to recall our past, working in partnership with the Indigenous peoples of Saskatchewan, and working together toward cultural and economic reconciliation,” Minister of First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs Don McMorris said. “I encourage all Saskatchewan residents no matter their heritage or creed, to take a moment for solemn reflection and discussion on the importance of meaningful and lasting reconciliation in our province.”

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The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be a federally recognized stat and while some municipalities will recognize the holiday, some provinces, including Saskatchewan, have still not declared it a stat.

This is something the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees Union (SGEU) have been lobbying for some time.

President Tracy Sauer said they are disappointed in this proclamation.

“It’s been a very unfortunate time lately with all the graves and the bodies, unmarked graves that they’ve found in Saskatchewan and we feel that it should be recognized further.”

Last Tuesday, the SGEU issued a release calling on the provincial government to recognize the holiday as soon as possible.

“Such a holiday would provide time for all of us to honour the survivors and those who didn’t make it home by participating in community events and educating ourselves about the sad history of Canada’s residential school system and the current issues faced by Indigenous communities,” said Sauer.

Krysta Hatfield, President of the First Nations University of Canada Northern Campus Students’ Association agrees that the holiday should be recognized and criticized the provincial government for not doing enough.

“I think Scott Moe always takes two steps backyards whenever he’s presented with the opportunity for reconciliation. I think, point-blank, he needs to do more and stop pretending it’s a federal issue. It would be nice to see him being proactive. It’s not the full step that should be taken.”

Several municipalities including Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, North Battleford and others will close their offices and recognize the day.

Sauer hopes the province will take note and understand why they should acknowledge the day as a stat.

“I do believe that it’s time for them to stand up and recognize what has happened over the years. Lowering a flag, I’m sorry, it just won’t cut it.”

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Derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @PA_Craddock