Once a year, the Calgary Public Library creates a safe space to uncover one of Canada’s tragic histories that Indigenous people face across the country, but it’s also an opportunity to educate and build empathy for those affected by trauma, organizers say.
Kelli Morning Bull, a member of the Piikani First Nation and Senior Service Designer for the Central Library, says their work around National Day of Truth and Reconciliation is to set the stage for people to learn about some of the trauma our communities face.
“We’ve been partnering with UCalgary since 2020. We offer two programs–this year we are highlighting some of the tragedies that came out of residential schools, and to understand reconciliation, we have to know the true histories of Canada,” said Morning Bull.
Documentary screening
The Central Library will screen WaaPake, which means Tomorrow, a documentary about supporting children of Residential Schools. The event includes mental health support, a smudge space and catering; the film is also available for free on the National Film Board website.
It’s important for people to take part in these events and seek out resources for themselves; “having to rely on Indigenous sources can be exhausting,” said Morning Bull. “I did not attend residential school, but I did attend day school, and I grew up with trauma.”
Intergenerational trauma runs deep, says Morning Bull, especially with the discourse and racism that’s happening online.
“It’s heartbreaking because our grandparents and parents were subjected to these places, and we feel those ripple effects, so it’s okay for us to say no, and that we don’t have to attend these things. These events are to educate those who didn’t experience what many of us did.”
“Working with elders has taught me a lot,” said Morning Bull. “One of the things they say is that it starts from home.”
Morning Bull added that it is really important for non-Indigenous people, Canadians, and newcomers to educate themselves.
“There are tons of resources online, at our libraries and post-secondary institutions that people can learn from. And then bring that education home and talk to your kids. Talk to your spouse, your siblings, and your parents, because it’ll have impact and bring curiosity in a safe space rather than a public setting.”
Morning Bull highlights how important it is to not connect Indigenous identity to trauma, but to understand that there are beautiful things about Indigenous culture that you can learn and access for those wanting to participate and engage in.
“In order to get to the good parts, we have to understand the history. It will help with a well-rounded perspective of Indigenous people in Canada, and why there are unhoused people in our communities. A lot of these folks grew up in trauma and abuse–they are the ones that are really struggling.”
Events to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The public library offers programs such as the Elder Story Project Toolkit, a package that includes information and resources on mental health, spiritual healing, cultural teachings, protocol and practices–an accurate and relevant toolkit from elders that connects people to support and further education.
“We’re very lucky people to have strong connections to our culture; for me it wasn’t always easy. Saying a quiet prayer to yourself goes a long way,” says Morning Bull.
“My advice to those struggling, when times are tough, rely on the power of prayer, the power of smudge. Go to the water. Give tobacco to the land. Take a quiet moment and remind yourself that you are worthy–it’s not your fault–and it’s just a moment that we can pull ourselves out of.”
It’s been 6 years since Canada made National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a federal statutory holiday.
Sept. 30 is meant to honour the children who died, the survivors, families, and communities impacted by the devastating psychological and physical intergenerational effects of Canada’s residential school system.
Here are some events that are taking place in Calgary:
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Film Screening of “WaaPake”
The Calgary Public Library, in partnership with UCalgary, will offer a free screening of the documentary WaaPake, meaning “tomorrow” in Swampy Cree language.
When: Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
Where: Central Library, 800 3 St. S.E., Calgary, AB.
Every Child Matters Flag Raising Ceremony:
UCalgary will hold an annual flag-raising ceremony outside of the Rozsa Centre to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.
When: Sept. 30, 2026, 8:15 A.M.
Where: Rozsa Centre flagpoles, UCalgary
Orange Shirt Day: Dr. Wilton Littlechild, CC AOE MSC KC
UCalgary’s Vice-Provost, DR. Michael Hart, will introduce Dr. Wilton Littlechild, a Cree Chief, Residential School Survivor, and lawyer. He is known nationally and internationally and has received multiple prestigious awards. He founded the International Organization of Indigenous Resource Development. He was appointed as a commissioner to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, where he served for six years until the commission’s final report and dissolution.
This keynote address includes a conversation with UCalgary President Dr. Ed McCauley. Piikani Elder Reg Crowshoe, Hon. LLD’01, will open and close the event in a good way.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, 12:30 P.M. – 1:45 P.M.
Where: Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, UCalgary, and livestreamed.
Orange Shirt Day: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The City of Calgary will commemorate Indian residential school victims, honour survivors and their families, and commit to acting on reconciliation. Remembering the Children.
The program features keynote speakers, remarks from the Mayor, a moment of silence, and cultural performances that highlight Indigenous traditions and youth voices, culminating in a round dance.
When: Sept. 30, 2026, 9:00 A.M. – 10:30 A.M.
Where: Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, 750 9 Ave. S.E. Calgary, AB
Elders of the Elders Story Project
In commemoration of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Elders Story Project (ESP) are moving from Truth towards Reconciliation, featuring ceremonies and a free Indigenous Makers Market and Powwow Showcase.
Performance Format:
Market opens: 11 A.M.
Pow Wow Showcase: 5 P.M.
Elder Story Project:
When: Sept. 30, 2026, 7:00 P.M.
Where: Werklund Centre – Jack Singer Concert Hall, 205 8 Ave S.E., Calgary, AB
