Saturday, September 30th is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, honouring the victims and survivors of Canada’s residential school system and their families and communities. On the same day, we also recognize Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the intergenerational impacts of residential schools across individuals, families, and communities.
As we recognize the atrocities of the residential school systems, this day may present itself as a day of quiet reflection or participation in a community event. Below is a list of several events taking place in Calgary this coming weekend.
Cadmus Delorme Presentation
Sept. 29, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, University of Calgary
Cadmus Delorme, a Cree and Saulteaux and former chief of Cowessess First Nation, shares his presentation, What We Inherited and Better Understanding Our Role in Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. Hosted by Dr. Shawna Cunningham, PhD, director of ii’ taa’poh’to’p, UCalgary’s Indigenous Strategy, with special remarks from UCalgary President Ed McCauley and Calgary Public Library CEO Sarah Meilleur, BA’01. Piikani Elder Reg Crowshoe, Hon. LLD’01, will open and close the event in a good way.
The Story of Sacred Defenders of the Universe
Sept. 29, 11:45 am to 5:15 pm, Telus Spark Centre, 220 Saint Georges Dr. NE Calgary
The newest digital immersion experience at TELUS Spark Science Centre, Sacred Defenders of the Universe, transforms the 3,000 square-foot space into a vibrant floor-to-ceiling journey inside a graphic novel that follows four Indigenous superheroes - Aqueous, Embers, Terra and Aireus - as they seek to bring back the balance on Earth between humility and respect for the land, and the excessive destruction of human ego.
Film Screening of Beans
Sept 29, 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm, Calgary Central Library
Join us for a free viewing of the film Beans, directed by Tracey Deer, with special remarks from Calgary Public Library CEO Sarah Meilleur, BA’01 and UCalgary’s Dr. Shawna Cunningham, PhD, director of ii’ taa’poh’to’p, UCalgary’s Indigenous Strategy. Following the film, there will be discussion with director Tracey Deer, Kelli-Morning Bull, the Indigenous Services Design Lead at Calgary Public Library, and Autumn Eaglespeaker.
Orange Shirt Day Walking Tour
Sept. 30, 11 am - 1:00 pm, Fort Calgary, 750 9 Ave S.E.
National Truth and Reconciliation Day offers us the opportunity to confront and reflect on the colonial history of Fort Calgary. This one-hour walking tour will discuss Fort Calgary’s ongoing work to decolonize the stories we tell and share insights on what we have learned about reconciliation so far. As this tour is led by a settler, the walk offers an interactive and reflective opportunity for other settlers and non-Indigenous peoples to contemplate their own personal journeys in reconciliation.
Four Winds Indigenous Market & Showcase
Sept. 30 @ 12 p.m., Jack Singer Concert Hall Lobby, 225 8 Ave S.E.
Join us for a celebration of Indigenous art and culture at the Indigenous Makers Market, curated by Four Winds YYC The Makers Market will feature the creations of Indigenous artists and artisans from around Treaty 7 and beyond, as well as live performances.
The Elders Story Project
Sept. 30 @ 7 p.m., Jack Singer Concert Hall, 225 8 Ave S.E.
The 2023 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation marks the first public event for the Elders Story Project (ESP). During this powerful event, Elders will share their personal stories about their residential school experiences and their healing journeys, while demonstrating the resilience and strength of Indigenous peoples and the power of their traditional practices.
National Film Board: Indigenous Film Screenings
Sept. 30 @ 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., Engineered Air Theatre, 234 9 Ave S.E.
The National Film Board is Canada’s public producer and distributor, with a vast and growing collection of works (over 13,000) that include award-winning creative documentaries, auteur animation, interactive stories, and participatory experiences.
Reconnection, Reconciliation and Resilience 2023
Sept. 30 @ 1 to 4 p.m., Grace Presbyterian Church, 1009 15 Avenue S.W.
Presented by the Stardale Women’s Group, this event will discuss the effects of residential schools and their legacy. There will also be a ceremony with Elder's presence and teachings, a drumming performance from Stardale Girls Drumming Group, and a screening of an original film created by Stardale’s Women’s Group.
Tall Feathers Workshop for National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
Sept. 30 @ 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, Bowness Community Association, 7904 43 Avenue Northwest Calgary, AB T3B 4P9
Join us for a special workshop on this National Day for Truth & Reconciliation. Led by local artist, James Ziegler, and guided by the wisdom of Indigenous Elder, Harley Crowshoe, we will honour this day through ceremony, learning, art, healing and connection. The Tall Feathers Workshop involves the cooperative construction of tall paper feathers, seven feet high, celebrating individuals from all backgrounds, honouring and supporting their journeys, and opening up a path for conversation
תגובות