Strathcona County is seeking Indigenous voices in their plans to create a truth and reconciliation monument that reflects the shared values of the community.
Diane Yanch, the Cultural Services Manager for Strathcona County says the county is inviting people to provide feedback on what a reconciliation monument could look like in the community.
Yanch says the county wants to work with residents in order to ensure the monument reflects the community’s shared values.
In order to gather input from the community and give residents the opportunity to express their ideas, Strathcona County collaborated with an organization to facilitate sharing circles using the visiting way approach.
Yanch says along with the sharing circles, the county has multiple options for those who wish to share their stories and experiences to help shape the monument.
The idea of constructing a monument to honor Truth and Reconciliation in Strathcona County has been in progress for some time. Yanch stated that the county aimed to take the appropriate steps in planning and execution.
The process of creating, designing and developing a monument takes time. When asked what the process will look like Diane Yanch says the sharing circle sessions is the first step in the development of the monument.
I think that depends on what comes out from the sessions. Are people excited about it? Do people have great ideas that they can move forward? Or are they still hesitant about what we want to do? So, I think what we get out of those sessions is really gonna determine our next steps forward.
In order to ensure the monument reflects the community’s shared values, Yanch said the community wants to do everything the right way with the goal of developing a reconciliation monument in Strathcona County.
The first sharing circle was held on August 7, and all spots were filled for the initial meeting. The second sharing circle will take place on August 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Strathcona County wants to make sure that all community members interested have an opportunity to participate and tell their stories. Residents who are unable to make the August date may request an in-person or virtual interview by contacting History@Strathcona.ca.
For those that would rather write a discussion, a moderated discussion page will also be available by request through Strathcona.ca/monument.
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