tânisi. edlanet'e! tânishi. boozhoo. kitatamiskâtinâwâw kahkiyaw.

Greetings and welcome to our website!

WHO WE ARE

The Lakeland Society for Truth and Reconciliation is an Indigenous-led nonprofit society. Our membership is open to first generation survivors, intergenerational survivors, their families, First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and non-Indigenous allies from the Lakeland area.

OUR GOALS

Rooted in the TRC's applicable Calls to Action, our goals are:

To educate and bring awareness of the lasting impacts of the Indian Residential School system,
To build relationships based on respect and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals and communities, and
To foster reconciliation and healing in the Lakeland area.

Honouring the children who survived Indian Residential Schools. Remembering those who didn't. #EveryChildMatters

Programs & Initiatives

Because Every Child Matters

Founding Principles & Core Values

Community Healing Garden

Serving as a community-driven vehicle for reconciliation in action.

UPDATE: 👉 Please be advised that due to the current rainy weather conditions, the Blessing of the Grounds has been rescheduled from Monday, June 1, 2026, to Sunday, June 21, 2026 (National Indigenous Peoples Day and Summer Solstice).The same itinerary and timeline will be followed. We offer you our most sincere apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused. Your understanding is appreciated.

Mother Earth must be cleansing the land in preparation for the blessing.

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tânisi! edlanet'e! taanishi! boozhoo! Greetings!

We are excited to share with you that we have been actively working together in partnership with the Town of Bonnyville, to install a community healing garden along Jessie Lake Trail (between 49 Avenue and 54-55 Street). However, before construction of this project begins, it is imperative for us that the grounds be blessed with good intentions as we journey together in a good way, towards healing and reconciliation.

Please join us as we hold the Sacred Blessing of the Grounds on Sunday, June 21, 2026, from approximately 11 AM-2 PM. This event is FREE to attend and OPEN to the general public. It will take place at the site of the upcoming Community Healing Garden (49 Avenue and 54-55 Street), in Bonnyville AB. This date aligns with National Indigenous History Month, National Indigenous Peoples Day and the 150 anniversery of the signing of Treaty 6.

Tentative Itinerary and Approximate Timeline

9 AM - Raising and Blessing of Tipi, Lighting of the Sacred Fire
10AM - Pipe Ceremony - Closed to the public (Dignitaries, Leadership and/or Designates)
11:30 AM - Welcome, Words from Dignitaries and Elders/Knowledge Keepers
12 Noon - Free BBQ Lunch (burgers and hotdogs)
12:30 PM - Grand Entry Procession, Honour Song, Prayer
1 PM - Traditional Youth Dancers to Bless the Grounds
2 PM - Honouring of the Sacred Fire (An open invitation to offer tobacco and prayer in keeping with traditional ways)
3 PM - Talking Circle inside the Tipi with Elder and/or Knowledge Keeper

We look forward to seeing you there!!

hiy hiy! mahsi! maarsi! miigwetch! nanâskomowin. Blessings!

Get in Touch

Mailing Address:

4530 41A Street

Bonnyville AB, T9N 1K2

Email Address:

LakelandTruthandReconciliation@gmail.com