Here's how Edmontonians honoured the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

From a new garden on the Alberta Legislature Grounds to several displays of drumming and dancing – people in Edmonton and area began Friday more than a dozen events for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

From a new garden on the Alberta Legislature Grounds to several displays of drumming and dancing – people in Edmonton and area began Friday more than a dozen events for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The federal holiday is recognized on Sept. 30 and was created as a recommendation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) as a way to commemorate residential school victims and survivors, as well as their families and communities.

The day coincides with Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots initiative to raise awareness of the impacts of residential schools.

Indigenous Elders were among the dignitaries to unveil the Kihciy Maskikiy/Aakaakmotaani garden on the east lawn of the legislature.

The name combines Cree and Blackfoot words, translating to "sacred medicine/save many people," which the government said is a place to reflect, seek guidance and find solace.

One element of the garden is Alberta’s official residential school monument, a stone sculpture called Mother Earth Circling, which was created by Saddle Lake Cree Nation artist Stewart Steinhauer.

The sculpture was done as part of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 82nd Call to Action, which asks all provinces to host monuments in honour of the victims and survivors of residential schools.