Fifty Lakeland Catholic students had the opportunity to learn directly from Indigenous voices, cultures and lived experiences during a national youth gathering in Edmonton focused on Truth and Reconciliation.

The students travelled to the Edmonton EXPO Centre for From Roots We Rise: A Youth Gathering 2026, hosted as part of programming from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR).

This year’s gathering focused on Good Health and Wellbeing, encouraging youth to think about physical, spiritual, emotional and mental wellness while building a deeper understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures and experiences.

Students visit Red Scroll Memorial

One of the most powerful moments of the gathering came as students visited The Red Scroll Memorial.

The 50-metre red fabric banner, unveiled by the NCTR, is inscribed with the names of 2,800 Indigenous children who died while attending residential schools and honours the children who never returned home.

Lakeland Catholic students gathered at the memorial and listened as Residential School Survivors shared their lived experiences.

The school division said students approached the memorial and the stories being shared with reverence and respect.

Indigenous music, dance and storytelling

The gathering also gave students an opportunity to experience Indigenous culture and community through music, dance and storytelling.

Hosted by Mimi O’Bonsawin and Lance Cardinal, the event featured performances from Neon Dreams, Julian Taylor, the Stoney Bear Singers, the Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers and Northern Cree.

Northern Cree has a strong connection to the Lakeland. The internationally recognized powwow and Round Dance group was founded in 1982 by brothers from Saddle Lake.

Between the main-stage sessions, students explored activities throughout the EXPO Centre concourse, including a Jumpstart Celebrity Meet & Greet featuring Olympic snowboarder Liam Gill and former NHL player and Stanley Cup champion Jordan Nolan.

Carrying the lessons home

Lakeland Catholic said experiences like From Roots We Rise give students an opportunity to listen directly to Indigenous voices and bring what they learn back to their schools and communities.

“As a Catholic school community, we are called to listen with humility, honour the dignity of every person and seek truth as we continue the important work of reconciliation,” the division shared.

Lakeland Catholic also praised the 50 students for the respect, thoughtfulness and maturity they demonstrated throughout the gathering and their commitment to “listening, learning and walking together in reconciliation.”