Red Deer honours children who died in Residential Schools

Each year on June 11, the City of Red Deer proclaims this day as Remembering the Children Day — a time to honour and remember the children who died at the Red Deer Indian Industrial School, including those who lost their lives as a result of attending the institution. Missing children and the existence of unmarked burial sites at Residential Schools across Canada have been well-known for decades among Fist Nations communities. However, Canadians are still grappling with the truths about Residential Schools, spurring long-overdue conversations inside and outside the classroom.

In schools, teachers and students are learning together about truth and acting together for reconciliation. Ongoing investigations at the sites of former Residential Schools have become the starting point for opening up these discussions and beginning this learning.

Part of the memorial was honouring the four children who died in 1919 and are buried at the Red Deer Cemetery. The community came together in reflection, respect, and remembrance.