National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Learn, explore and celebrate at one of several events across Calgary
Monday, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This annual federal holiday was proclaimed by the Government of Canada to honour the children who never returned home and the survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. It is one of many opportunities to reflect on our journey and understanding of Truth and Reconciliation.
The day coincides with Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots initiative intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to share the belief that “Every Child Matters.”
There are several events across Calgary to commemorate the day — our roundup features a mix of local events where you can learn, explore and celebrate!
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Heritage Park
September 29, 2024, 9:30am – 5pm
Heritage Park (1900 Heritage Dr. SW)
With admission
Heritage Park honours Truth and Reconciliation with a special day full of meaningful programming across the Park. Guests can partake in immersive activities, learn first-hand from residential school survivors and take steps towards reconciliation.
heritagepark.ca
Muffins For Granny: Screening & Workshop
September 29, 2024, 1:30pm
Bert Church Theatre (1000 East Lake Blvd NE, Airdrie)
Free to attend
Join Circle Connections for Reconciliation for a powerful film screening of Muffins for Granny, directed by award-winning filmmaker Nadia McLaren. Following the film, McLaren will lead a workshop that begins with a medicine wheel teaching, guiding us through meaningful discussions on the community’s role in the work of reconciliation.
circleconnectionsforreconciliation.com
Bones of Crows Film Screening
September 29, 2024, 6:30 – 9pm
Central Library (800 3 St. SE)
Free to attend, registration required
Join Calgary Public Library and University of Calgary for a screening of Bones of Crows, the first Indigenous and female-led, produced, written and directed feature film about the residential school experience in North America.
calgarylibrary.ca
Pokaiks — The Children Commemorative Walk & Gathering
September 30, 2024, 11am – 4pm
See website for walk route
Free to attend
The countdown has begun for the annual Pokaiks — The Children’s Commemorative Walk and Gathering. This year, in partnership with Contemporary Calgary, the gathering will feature performers and speakers of all ages, with a special emphasis on children and youth performers.
cifrs.ca
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Studio Bell
September 30, 2024, 10am – 5pm
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre (850 4 St. SE)
Free admission during the day, evening concert $55
In honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Studio Bell will be open with free admission. Explore the Speak Up! exhibition and listen to powerful remarks by Elder Eldon Weasel Child. Later in the evening, check out a special concert with Inuk artist and activist Elisapie.
studiobell.ca
Orange Shirt Day at The Confluence
September 30, 2024, 10am – 5pm
The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland (750 9 Ave. SE)
Free to attend
As part of its ongoing mission of reconciliation and decolonization, The Confluence is offering free admission and a variety of free programming on Orange Shirt Day, including: a reconciliation letter writing activity, walking tours, Blackfoot art exhibition and film screenings.
theconfluence.ca
Getting Under the Myth of Canadian History
September 30, 2024, 12:30 – 1:30pm
Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, University of Calgary (206 University Ct. NW)
Free to attend, registration required
Join the University of Calgary for an afternoon keynote presentation by author Michelle Good. For more than 14 years, Good, a Cree writer and lawyer, has been a tireless advocate for residential school survivors. Make sure to register!
go.ucalgary.ca
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Arts Commons
September 30, 2024
Arts Commons (205 8 Ave. SE)
Free to attend, registration may be required
Join Arts Commons for a day of reflection, learning and celebration! Featured activities include a tour of their galleries showcasing art from local Indigenous artists, an Indigenous makers market, and powerful knowledge-sharing from Elders.
artscommons.ca
Have an event that’s not listed? Email us at events@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or fill out this form.
