The Ponoka Jubilee Library has teamed up with Wolf Creek Public School Division, and the Town of Ponoka to provide a tribute to residential school survivors in honour of National Truth and Reconciliation Day. The event called ‘Discovering Truth’ will be an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate diversity with guest speakers, drumming, powwow dancing, bannock, and refreshments. This will be the first ‘Discovering Truth’ event held in Ponoka. 

“The speakers are going to talk about their life experience and that can touch on experiences with residential school and that dark period of our history. We are also going to be having drumming and Pow Wow dancing. [It will be] a ceremony of healing which fits really, really well with the intentions of the day which is to serve our community, build relationship on a foundation of respect and understanding,” said Tiffany Toma, Program Director at Ponoka Jubilee Library.  

The event is free and all those in the community are welcome to attend. Food and refreshment will also be free.  

“If you put barriers in place, especially monetary barriers, you're restricting that right to information and being able to educate yourself and grow,” she added.  

Those attending are welcome to bring along a lawn chair or blanket to the outdoor event. They are also encouraged to wear orange.  

The event will be held on Thursday, September 29 from 1PM to 3PM at the field between Ponoka Elementary School, The Brick Learning Centre and The Youth Centre.  

Parking will be available at Centennial Park or the East side of the Ponoka Elementary School.