September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation across Canada. To honour the children who never returned home and the survivors of the residential school system, all Canadians are encouraged to wear orange for “Orange Shirt Day” this coming Saturday.
In addition to wearing orange, there are several events occurring across the province that commemorate the importance of this day. This week, the LESA blog would like to showcase some of the activities available for the public to engage in thoughtful truth and reconciliation discourse across Alberta.
Online
From September 25 to September 30, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation will be offering free virtual adult educational lunch and learn sessions from 11:30 AM to 12:20 PM (MDT). The sessions will feature various speakers. Those in attendance will be invited to ask questions and engage in dialogue.
The Calgary Public Library has partnered with the University of Calgary to offer an online film screening of “Beans”. This award-winning film is based on true events following a Mohawk girl during the Oka Crisis in 1990. The film screening will be presented virtually on September 29 from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
Edmonton
The third annual Orange Shirt Day Run and Walk will be hosted on September 30 with package pickup beginning at 12:00 PM at Kinsmen Park. The event aims to honor and remember Indigenous ancestors and those who attended residential schools. It will also raise funds for local Indigenous grassroots movements and Indigenous athletes.
The Third Annual Mother Earth Pop-Up Market will take place on September 30 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The event has been organized by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and will showcase Indigenous-owned artists and businesses.
Calgary
The Calgary Public Library has partnered with the University of Calgary to offer two National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events: “What We Inherited and Better Understanding Our Role in Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action” and “Beans”.
“What We Inherited” features a virtual panel discussion with former Chief of the Cowessess Frist Nation, Cadmus Delorme. The event will be hosted virtually on September 29 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM.
“Beans” is an award-winning film based on true events following a Mohawk girl during the Oka Crisis in 1990. The film screening will be presented at the Central Library on September 29 from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
On September 30, several buildings in Calgary will be lit with orange lights in honour of National Truth and Reconciliation Day including the Olympic Plaza, TELUS Spark Science Centre, Reconciliation Bridge, and Calgary Tower.
Morinville
The Town of Morinville is hosting an Event for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at the Morinville Community Cultural Centre.
This event is an opportunity to learn about residential schools and will include storytelling from survivors as well as Indigenous foods, crafts, traditional dancing, drumming, and singing by First Nations and Métis performers. This event is free and will take place on September 28 from 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
