How to Mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Calgary

Observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and learn more about Indigenous culture at these in-person or virtual events on September 30.

Pokaiks Commemorative Walk & IndigiTRAILS – Remembering Our Children

Orange Shirt Day Walk in 2020. Photograph courtesy of Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth.

This year, Colouring It Forward Reconciliation Society and the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth are offering several ways to observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Prince’s Island Park. To start, Calgarians can join the 2022 Pokaiks Commemorative Walk that begins at 9:30 a.m. in the park. Afterwards, the rest of the day will feature remarks from Indigenous community members, traditional drumming and dancing, artisan booths, a reconciliation panel discussion and more. You can also experience the Remembering Our Children Trail on IndigiTRAILS (an app created by the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth), which will take you on a 30-minute journey in Prince’s Island Park to see digital art installations by Indigenous youth.

Prince’s Island Park, cifrs.ca

 

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Events with the Calgary Public Library

The Calgary Public Library is holding a few events in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. During the day on September 30, you can take part in the immersive Blanket Exercise at Central Library, or tune in for a virtual panel discussion with the library and UCalgary’s Office of Indigenous Engagement that will discuss revisiting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. In the evening, there will be an online and in-person screening of the film Night Raiders from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Central Library, 800 3 St. S.E., calgarylibrary.ca

 

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Studio Bell

On September 30, Studio Bell is offering free admission, and it’s a great opportunity to visit the National Music Centre’s Speak Up! exhibition. The exhibit, which was recently updated and relaunched on September 29, highlights the work of several Indigenous musical artists like Susan Aglukark, Kashtin, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Tanya Tagaq, Northern Cree, Seventh Fire and more.

850 4 St. S.E., 403-543-5115, studiobell.ca

 

Truth & Reconciliation Indigenous Art Exhibit

Part of the Truth & Reconciliation Indigenous Art Exhibit at Southcentre Mall. Photograph courtesy of Southcentre Mall.

The Colouring It Forward Reconciliation Society and Southcentre Mall have teamed up to bring the Truth & Reconciliation Indigenous Art Exhibit to the mall’s Centre Court. On display until September 30, the exhibit features the work of eight Indigenous artists, a life-size Colouring It Forward colouring page that guests can interact with and information (called ReconciliACTIONs) on ways people can contribute to reconciliation.

100 Anderson Rd. S.E., southcentremall.com

 

Orange Shirt Day at Fort Calgary

On September 30, the City of Calgary is holding a public ceremony at Fort Calgary to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Those coming to watch the ceremony in person are encouraged to wear orange, or you can watch the livestream starting at 10 a.m. The day includes a ceremony with a moment of silence, a hoop-dance exhibition, a Métis jigging demonstration, a free burger lunch and more.

Fort Calgary, 750 9 Ave. S.E., newsroom.calgary.ca

 

New Blood – A Story of Reconciliation

Calgarians can watch the one-night production of New Blood – A Story of Reconciliation in Arts Commons’ Big Secret Theatre on September 30. Co-presented by Colouring It Forward Reconciliation Society, the Indigenous youth production uses dancing, music and poetry to tell Chief Vincent Yellow Old Woman’s life story.

Big Secret Theatre, artscommons.ca

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