LETHBRIDGE, AB – The colonial history of Canada has profoundly impacted the lives of Indigenous peoples, family, community structures, culture, and language. Economic Development Lethbridge is hopeful that this online webinar will help the community take time on September 30 to recognize the continued impacts of colonialism in Canada and think of the actions each of us can take to help the journey of reconciliation. 

Indigenous Education Training is a free webinar on September 30, from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm, that will discuss the current and historic lived realities and experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

This webinar will unpack the impacts that colonial enforcements have had on Indigenous peoples, dismantle misconceptions, hear the stories of Indigenous people, review national and international policy and implementation changes in favour of Indigenous peoples, guidance on how to support and advocate Indigenous causes and populations, and showcase the strength, resiliency, and success of Indigenous Canada. 

Indigenous Education Training will be presented by Holly Atjecoutay. Holly is Cree and Saulteaux from Cowessess First Nation in Treaty 4 Saskatchewan but is honoured to be a guest on Treaty 7 territory and calls Mohkinstsis (Calgary) her home. 

Holly graduated from Mount Royal University in 2015 with an undergraduate degree majoring in English and minoring in Indigenous Studies. In her current role, Holly works in Indigenous business and economic development. Holly started Thunderbird Consulting in 2017 with the vision of sharing lived experiences and historical facts with non-Indigenous Canadians to foster understanding and highlight the strength and resilience of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Holly is a mother to a young daughter, and consistently reinforces the importance of pride and resilience in her Nehiyaw culture and heritage. 

“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is very long overdue, but I am glad it is finally recognized – this shows the commitment of Canada to a long road ahead of change and recognition. September 30, to me, is a day of reflection, remembrance, and a chance to honor our ancestors, our families and ourselves. My hope is that non-Indigenous Canadians will dedicate some time in their day to learning our stories, our histories, and how they can support our communities.” 

Trevor Lewington, Chief Executive Officer for Economic Development Lethbridge (EDL) recognizes that observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is part of EDL’s commitment to the vital process of reconciliation. 

“We are pleased to be able to extend this program to our staff, Board, clients, community partners and the public. Canada was built upon relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation provides all of us with a unique opportunity to listen, learn and find a way to make a personal contribution to strengthening those relationships as well as taking concrete action to support reconciliation.” 

To register for the Indigenous Education Training webinar, visit
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/indigenous-education-training-tickets-174247217117

For more information please contact:

Mark Neskar
Director, Marketing & Communications
Economic Development Lethbridge
mark@chooselethbridge.ca
403-393-6376