Orange ribbons will be available at City of Red Deer facilities this month for the Orange Ribbon Campaign to support the Truth and Reconciliation journey of the local Indigenous community.
Red Deerians are invited to pick up orange ribbons and tie them to a plant or tree in a place that holds significant meaning for them as a gesture of solidarity and an expression of grief for Canada and Red Deer’s residential school history.
“Beginning in 2020, orange ribbons have been available during September as part of the City of Red Deer’s efforts to offer opportunities for Red Deerians to participate in a journey of reconciliation with the Indigenous community,” said Bobby-Jo Stannard, Community Development Superintendent, in a statement.
The campaign was developed in partnership with local Indigenous Knowledge Keepers. The colour orange is recognized as a symbol of the loss of childhood innocence, and disconnection from family in Indigenous experiences. It is also common practice in Indigenous cultures to tie ribbons to tree trunks as a memorial marker.
A limited number of orange ribbons can be picked up free of charge from the following locations:
• City Hall, 4914 48 Ave.
• Collicutt Centre, 3031 30 Ave.
• G.H. Dawe Community Centre, 56 Holt St.
• Intermediate School, 5205 48 Ave.
• Recreation Centre, 4501 47A Ave.
The ribbons are 100 per cent cotton, biodegradable and will not harm the growth of trees. When tying them to trees or other plants, residents should ensure the plant is not damaged or hindered by the ribbon.
Additional resources and information about the Red Deer Industrial School and the Truth and Reconciliation journey can be found at www.reddeer.ca/orangeribbon.
