Take Part in National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Events
In the spirit of reconciliation, we invite you to take a step to examine what your own reconciliation journey may look like and take part in some local events.
- Article
- Community matters
Mon Sep 18, 2023 by Momentum Staff
September 30 marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (learn more here) a day that coincides with Orange Shirt Day. It recognizes the tragic legacy of residential schools, the missing children, the families left behind and the survivors of these institutions.
In the spirit of reconciliation, we invite you to take a step to examine what your own reconciliation journey may look like and take part in some local events. Thank you to Natalie Wynn-Dempsey, Indigenous Engagement Coordinator at Momentum, for compiling this excellent list of activities and ways to observe.
Sept - multiple dates
Artist Residency & Starblanket Project with Dale Swampy
During the month of September 2023, CIF Reconciliation Society has partnered with Sparrow Artspace and Dale Swampy, to offer a unique public engagement work of art and residency. Throughout the month Dale will not only guide us through the process of creating one of these functional masterpieces, but teach us about the meaning behind the starblanket and guide public participation in creating a one of a kind reconciliation blanket.
Activities throughout the month include star blanket workshops and fabric swatch decoration drop ins. Learn more and register for a workshop!
Sept - multiple dates
Films At The Fort: Indigenous Film Series
Indigenous Films Series. Check out these independent films featuring Indigenous actors and themes and created by Canadian filmmakers.
Sept - all month
Honouring the Children - Exhibition, Workshops, Community Art Project, Gift Shop
Featuring an artist residency and exhibit, workshops, and an interactive community art project, Honouring the Children is meant to recognize the lost children and survivors of residential schools and will be open to the public for an entire month leading up to the Pokaiks 5th annual walk and gathering.
Free: Exhibition Thurs - Sat, 11am to 6pm
Sept 12th, 23rd, 27th
Community Hubs Initiative: Orange Shirt Day Felt & Beaded Pins
A free event and a great activity for families. Create your own felt orange shirt pin or a beaded orange shirt pin! Every Child Matters colouring pages available for those too young to create pins.
Youth and children must be accompanied by parents or guardians. Snacks and refreshments provided.
Registration preferred, drop-ins accepted. Contact for more info!
Sept 18th, 19th, and 20th
Authentically Indigenous Art Market & Night Market
Authentically Indigenous aims to bridge the gap between Indigenous art and the public, establishing an accessible market for Indigenous artisans. Their mission is to amplify local Indigenous creativity, arts, and culture by curating markets, cultural events, and workshops. They facilitate craft workshops, land-based learning, and cultural knowledge sessions with esteemed local Elders and knowledge keepers.
Sept 22nd
Telus Spark: Braiding Science and Community
On September 22nd, the art of teaching that weaves together the diversity of science and inclusion at this family friendly Indigenous Science Night.
This evening is all about discovering the art and meaning of braiding a teaching method of inclusivity, and as a way of interweaving ways of knowing with the power of community.
6pm to 10pm
Sept 29th
Calgary Public Library - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Cadmus Delorme Presentation Event: What We Inherited and Better Understanding Our Role in Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action.
Hosted by Dr. Shawna Cunningham, PhD, director of Indigenous Strategy, with special remarks from UCalgary President Ed McCauley and Calgary Public Library CEO Sarah Meilleur. Piikani Elder Reg Crowshoe will open and close the event in a good way.
Friday, Sept 29, 12:30 to 1:30pm
60 min
Film Screening of Beans
Join us for a free viewing of the film Beans, directed by Tracey Deer, with special remarks from Calgary Public Library CEO Sarah Meilleur, and UCalgary’s Dr. Shawna Cunningham, Director, UCalgary’s Indigenous Strategy. A discussion with director Tracey Deer, Kelli Morning Bull, and Autumn Eaglespeaker will follow the film.
Friday, Sept 29, 6:30pm to 9:00pm
150 min
Sept 30th
Pokaiks – The Children Commemorative Walk and Gathering 2023
A tribute to survivors of the Residential School System and Sixties Scoop, held annually on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The walk will begin at 11 a.m. on September 30th at City Hall and will follow a route along Stephen Avenue, before concluding at Shaw Millennium Park. This will be followed by traditional drumming and dancing performances, remarks from members of the Indigenous community, artisan and community booths, food and beverage offerings, and other engaging activities, that will bring further awareness to actions Calgarians can take to participate in reconciliation. The afternoon will conclude at 4 p.m.
Sept 30th
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - 3rd Annual Traditional Pow Wow
Everyone welcome! This event includes food and craft vendors, tee pee with Elder, a bouncy castle, face painting, and a craft table.
Sept 30th
Reconnection, Reconciliation and Resilience: An event for hope and a better future.
This event is an opportunity to discuss the effects of residential schools and their legacy and is open to the public. It will include:
- a ceremony with Elder presence and teachings
- a performance from The Stardale Girls Drumming Group
- a screening of the film The Road, created by Stardale Women’s Group
Refreshments will also be served. Everyone is welcome! Sept 30th, 2pm to 4pm.
Sept 30th
New Blood: A Story of Reconciliation
A community event presented by Circle Connections for Reconciliation and City of Airdrie.
Featuring poetry, music, contemporary and traditional dance, the show is inspired by the life of Chief Vincent Yellow Old Woman and his experience as a child in residential school, how he reclaimed his way of life and became chief of his people.
Admission is FREE for First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples.
Tickets for non-Indigenous people are $10.00 for adults (18+) and $5.00 for Youth (3-17). GST & Service Fees are included in the price. Due to the popularity of this event, advance ticket reservations are strongly encouraged to guarantee your seat(s) as capacity is limited.
Proceeds of ticket sales will be donated to Circle Connnections for Reconciliation Society
Sept 30th
Fort Calgary - Orange Shirt Day
Free museum admission, walking tours, family friendly crafts, Bones of Crows film screening!
Sept 30th
Coming Home youth Competition Pow Wow: Hosted by Brown Bear Woman Events
12:00pm
Sept 30th
Arts Commons: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Join Arts Commons for a full day of events that celebrate Indigenous ways of knowing and being through films provided by The National Film Board; Indigenous artistry and culture at the Indigenous Makers Market (curated by Four Winds YYC), and learn about the dark past that is our shared history, and the resilience and strength of Indigenous peoples, through the Elders Story Project.
