Edmonton Headlines: Friday, June 2, 2017

RISE hearts which became a healing forest

As Edmonton winds down our Reconciliation Week it’s a good chance to learn more about ways to heal our colonial past, and also look for more ways to include Indigenous voices beyond this week.

One example is the City now working with RISE (Reconciliation In Solidarity Edmonton) to create a permanent installation in the river valley after crews tossed a healing forest in the garbage. We should hear something about a new symbol of reconciliation in the fall.

Another chance to include more voices will be our October elections, both in the campaign discussions and at the voting stations. There are already a number of Indigenous candidates in the running, including Aaron Paquette in Ward 4, Miranda Jimmy in Ward 5, and Taz Bouchier in Ward 6. (My apologies if I missed someone else.)

As part of this week’s recognition of the work done by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the University of Alberta is gaining access to all of the documents and history of the  Commission. This will include the U of A in ongoing efforts to learn from residential schools and aspects of our history that would be easier to just forget.

Reconciliation Week events continue today and Saturday.

Around the city

Edmonton should consider following in Vancouver’s path and give naxalone kits to more city staff, in case they encounter someone who has overdosed on fentanyl. The City doesn’t look like it will expand the kits beyond firefighters, who have already used them 31 times since February. Of course, more city staff having naxalone would only help with people in core neighbourhoods or parks, and the bigger overdose problem is in the suburbs and not on the streets, but every chance to save a life helps.

Edmonton Pride is trying to include more voices in their efforts and their events. Among the things changing because of these dialogues is limiting what military and police inclusion in the annual parade looks like.

If school boards work together, could they save millions of dollars that could be put into more classrooms? This is the question being asked by the Edmonton Public School Board, and the latest in a continuing push to see Alberta’s education dollars go as far as possible for public education.

Edmonton could have more speed reductions soon, around our many playgrounds. This is such a good idea it almost feels too obvious. One thing that could change if these rules are passed, are longer but more regular hours of reduced speeds around playgrounds and schools, which also makes more sense.

The pushback against TSN and Sportsnet has begun, as curling clubs challenge the increased fees for showing sports in licensed venues.

100 In 1 Day, photo: Make Something Edmonton

Enjoy some Edmonton

This weekend, raise a glass to our growing number of breweries and their growing number of awards and accolades. Or you could check out our city’s first AfroFest. Or one of many events and new artists at Nextfest. Or the inner city’s best music festival, Heart of the City. And don’t forget to check out the 100 in 1 Day events and installations all around the city.

Yeah, this is one of those weekends in Edmonton where it’s all happening!

Public engagement

On Saturday, the City’s public engagement drop-in sessions continue, at the Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre, 12 – 1 p.m.