Truth and Reconciliation

The City of Medicine Hat will formally observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a general holiday. 

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was introduced in 2021 to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call for Action to honour survivors of residential schools and their families and communities, and to ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process. 

Elder Charlie Fox wears a large feather headdress while speaking into a microphone

Celebrating Indigeneity: Honouring Tradition and Community in Medicine Hat

Meet some of our local Indigenous Leaders who are walking with us on our path to Reconciliation

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Saamis Tepee Lit Orange

The Saamis Tepee will be lit orange on September 30 to bring awareness to this important day.

Logo for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

Learn more about our Indigenous history, as well as the recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Survivors’ Flag

The Survivors’ Flag is an expression of remembrance, meant to honour residential school Survivors and all the lives and communities impacted by the residential school system in Canada. 

“The City of Medicine Hat and surrounding areas have a deep and rich history that spans more than 10,000 years. We acknowledge and respect that we live and work on Treaty 7 territory and are a neighbour to Treaty 4 territory. This day of Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity to recognize the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, Stoney Nakoda, and Tsuut'ina, as well as the Cree, Sioux, the Métis Nation within Region Ill, and Saulteaux bands of the Ojibwa people who have called this land home for generations. We also acknowledge the harmful effects of colonization and the impact it has had for the Indigenous People of Canada. Today, we honour those directly and indirectly impacted by the Residential School System, as well as the '60s Scoop, and reflect on the importance of listening, understanding and mutual respect in our shared journey towards reconciliation.”

- Mayor Linnsie Clark

Photo of Mayor Linnsie Clark

collage of first nations imagery and feather graphic

Medicine Hat Ancestors Reburial Project

Learn more

James Marshall Sculpture of the Legend of Medicine Hat

"Legend of the Saamis" brick relief mural in the Legislative Hallway at City Hall by renowned local artist James Marshall

Statement of Acknowledgement, Recognition and Respect

On March 1, 2021, City Council approved the Statement of Acknowledgement, Recognition and Respect. It reads:

"The City of Medicine Hat acknowledges that we live and work on treaty territory. The City pays respect to all Indigenous Peoples and honours their past, present and future. We recognize and respect their cultural heritages and relationships to the land."

Medicine Hat is situated on:

  • Treaty 7 and neighbour to Treaty 4 territory
  • Traditional lands of the Siksika (Blackfoot), Kainai (Blood), Piikani (Peigan), Stoney Nakoda, and Tsuut’ina (Sarcee) as well as the Cree, Sioux, and the Saulteaux bands of the Ojibwa peoples.
  • Homelands of the Métis Nation within Region Ill.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the City of Medicine Hat's Statement of Acknowledgement, Recognition and Respect, please click the link below.