This Friday, Sept . 30, is National Truth and Reconciliation Day in Canada, and also commemorated as Orange Shirt Day.
The day serves as a reminder to Canadians about the history of the Residential School system in Canada, the ongoing trauma cased to survivors and their families, and as a commemoration of the children who died at these schools.
All Canadians have been encouraged by the Canadian Government wear orange shirts on Friday in recognition of the survivors of Residential Schools.
The City of Calgary alongside other agencies and organizations will be holding events throughout the day on Friday, both in person and online.
“This is the third year the City of Calgary has recognized Orange Shirt Day and is an important step on the path to reconciliation,” said Harold Horsefall, issues strategist with the City of Calgary Indigenous Relations Office.
“This ceremony is an opportunity for the truth to be shared, listened to and learned from.”
Calgarians can also view the national gathering, in partnership with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, on APTN starting at 11 a.m. locally.
Canadians are also encouraged to read the White Goose Flying Report, and review the 94 calls to action as part of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Report.
Orange Shirt Day events in Calgary
Orange Shirt Day commemoration at Fort Calgary
The City of Calgary commemoration will be held at Fort Calgary starting at 10 a.m. The ceremony will begin with the raising of an orange banner by the Calgary Fire Department, followed by remarks and a moment of silence. A celebration of Indigenous culture will include inter-tribal dances, Metis jigging demonsrations, fiddlers, a hoop-dancing exhibition, and messages from Elders.
Attendees are strongly encouraged by the city to wear Orange.
The City of Calgary will have a live stream of the proceedings on calgary.ca.
Every Child Matters Traditional Powwow at the Saddledome
Siksika Health Services and the Calgary Hitmen will be holding a traditional powwow at the Saddledome, starting at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. The event will mark the 30th anniversary of National Truth and Reconciliation Day and Orange Shirt Day, and will be opened by Orange Shirt Day founder Phyllis Webstad.
An Orange Regalia Youth Dance and a special Honour Song for residential school survivors will be performed during the evening.
Admission is free with the donation of a non-perishable food item, an article of winter clothing, or brand new children/youth skate shoes.
More details are available at https://siksikahealth.com/2022/09/26/for-immediate-release-every-child-matters-traditional-powwow-at-scotiabank-saddledome.
Pokaiks Commemorative Walk and IdigiTRAILS
Join the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth and the CIF Reconciliation Society for a commemorative walk around Prince’s Island Park starting at 9:30 a.m. The event will also feature a round dance, drummers and dancers, reconcilAction panel, messages from Elders, and other activities and vendors.
For more details see www.cifrs.ca/2022-event.
Indigenous Awareness: The Blanket Exercise
An experimental exercise that examines the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada will be held at the Central Library from 12 to 4 p.m. The fully immersive experience was created in response to the 1996 Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.
To sign up for the event, go to calgarylibrary.ca/events-and-programs/programs/indigenous-awareness-the-blanket-exercise.
Mini Pow Wow
The second annual Mini Pow Wow is being held at the Bo Bahan Aquatic and Fitness Centre field in Forest Lawn, from 1 to 8 p.m. The pow wow will also feature vendors showcasing Indigenous arts and crafts. For more details, see www.facebook.com/events/s/2nd-annual-mini-pow-wow/2118162915029934.
New Blood: A Story of Reconciliation
The CIF Reconciliation Society and the Rotary Club present an evening of poetry, music, contemporary and traditional dance. The performance tells a story inspired by the life of Chief Vincent Yellow Old Woman, his experiences in Residential School, and his return to reclaim his way of life and become the chief of the Siksika Nation.
Performances begin at 7 p.m. in the Big Secret Theatre. Tickets are available online at www.artscommons.ca/whats-on/new-blood, with dedicated pay what you will equitable access tickets available by calling 403-294-9494.
Truth and Reconciliation Day at the Military Museums
Educational interpreters will be on hand at the museum to give tours of the museum, and to speak to the history and legacy of Residential Schools. Timed tickets for tours are available online at www.eventbrite.ca/e/truth-reconciliation-day-tickets-412952049697.
