The City of Red Deer’s Orange Ribbon Campaign is returning to engage the community in the Truth and Reconciliation journey.
Red Deerians can 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 with our local indigenous community, and an expression of grief for Canada and Red Deer’s residential school history.
Many people are looking for ways to learn more and participate in a journey of reconciliation with the Indigenous community, said Bobby-Jo Stannard, Community Development Superintendent.
“We have partnered with local Indigenous Knowledge Keepers to re-launch the Orange Ribbon Campaign to offer people a way to express their grief and solidarity with the Indigenous community.”
The campaign was developed with consideration for indigenous traditions, as 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. The ribbons are 100% cotton, which is biodegradable and will not harm tree growth.
Orange ribbons can be picked up, free of charge, from the following locations:
- Collicutt Centre: 3031 30 Avenue
- Recreation Centre: 4501 47A Avenue
- City Hall: 4914 48 Avenue
- Culture Centre (Intermediate School): 5205 48 Avenue
The City has tied some of these ribbons to trees in City Hall Park and on the Ross Street Patio.
To learn more about Truth and Reconciliation, please visit www.reddeer.ca/orangeribbon.