From art shows and lectures to Powwows and films, there are events planned all over the city this week and next to honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
This day — officially established in 2021 and held annually on Sept. 30 — is a call for all Canadians to recognize the negative impact left by residential schools on Indigenous communities.
In the 19th and late 20th centuries, more than 150,000 Indigenous children were taken from their families and forced into residential schools and many of which never returned home. In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released 94 Calls to Action, urging all Canadians to engage in meaningful reconciliation.
In Calgary, several events are planned to honour Indigenous communities. Here are some events going on in the city in the upcoming weeks.
MRU’s Journey to Indigenization
Mount Royal University is hosting a series of events and activities from through Oct. 4. Commemorating the signing of Treaty 7, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Orange Shirt Day and Sisters in Spirit Day, all as part of the Journey to Indigenization.
All the events hosted by the university can be found on the university’s Journey to Indigenization page – registration is encouraged but not required. Use the link here to register.
The Fabric of Our Stories
Join the Women’s Centre of Calgary on Sept. 27 at 10 a.m. to hear conversations and design T-shirts in honour of Orange Shirt Day. This workshop is focused on discussing the harm of residential schools and how we can work towards reconciliation.
All My Relations Healing Powwow
All My Relations Healing Powwow will be held at the BMO Centre on Stampede Park in Hall A2 on Sept. 28 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. This event is open to the public and free. It will include healing songs, dances and drumming performances.
Celebrate Language and Culture
îethka Elder Alice Kaquitts and members of the North American Welsh Choir are hosting a presentation at the Central Library on Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to discuss the importance of language to culture and revitalizing the Stoney language and Welsh. There will also be a performance by the Choir. The event is free —use this link to register.
Film screening of Bones and Crows
A film screening of Bones and Crows, the first Indigenous and female-led, written, directed, and produced film on the residential school experiences in North America, will be held on Sept. 29 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Pokaiks Commemorative Walk
CIF Reconciliation Society is hosting the annual Pokaiks Commemorative Walk. There will be performances from the youth, Elder speakers and storytellers, drummers, and many community organization booths and family activities. The event is on Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The walk begins at Eau Claire Park. The main event is being hosted indoors at Contemporary Calgary 701-11 St S.W.
Art Commons
Art Commons has a series of events on Sept. 30 focused on exploring Indigenous art forms and culture.
There will be Gallery Tours and Artist Talks at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.–This event is free; just RSVP for your time slot.
The Indigenous Makers Market will be held at Jack Singer Concert Hall Lobby from 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The Elders Story Project will feature Elders sharing their personal stories, residential school experiences, and healing. The event is at 6:30 p.m. and is free. Just RSVP.
Studio Bell
Studio Bell will be open with free admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 30.
Elder Eldon Weasel Child, knowledge keeper of Blackfoot culture from the Siksika Nation, will give a presentation at 12 p.m. on what Truth and Reconciliation means to him and the importance of culture in healing.
You can also explore the Speak Up! exhibition, which features Indigenous artists who have impacted music in Canada.
A concert featuring Inuk artist and activist Elisapie, who is known for using her music to help bring awareness to the culture, language, and realities of the Northern Arctic Inuit
City of Calgary Orange Shirt Day
The City of Calgary hosts Orange Shirt Day on Sept. 30, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, 750 9th Ave. S.E. Wear orange and come watch presentations from various speakers, including the mayor, Indigenous Elders and school board representatives
APTN National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Programs
If you cannot make it out for Truth and Reconciliation Day events in the city, APTN has a complete broadcast schedule for Sept. 30, with many programs covering Truth and Reconciliation. You can watch APTN on your local TV network and check out their website to see the full lineup of programs that may interest you