September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (also known as Orange Shirt Day). The day honours the children who never returned home from residential schools, along with their families and communities. A few opportunities are popping up around Calgary where you can participate in supportive, educational, and community-building events.
Find A Day to Listen here (sponsored by the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund). For extra resources, you can find the official Orange Shirt Day site here and there are resources for younger kids from CBC Kids.
Sunday, September 29, 2024
Heritage Park
If you’re not free on Monday, September 30, 2024, check out the event at Heritage Park the day before. Heritage Park will honour Truth and Reconciliation on September 29, 2024, with a special day full of meaningful programming across the Park.
When: September 29, 2024
Time: 9:30 am – 5 pm
Where: Heritage Park
Address: 1900 Heritage Dr. SW, Calgary, AB
Phone: 403-268-8500
Website: www.heritagepark.ca
Monday, September 30, 2024
Arts Commons
The Arts Commons is hosting a variety of events beginning at noon. Check out the Indigenous Makers Market, Gallery Tours, and an Elders Story Project.
When: September 30, 2024
Time: Gallery Tours, 2 & 4 pm; Indigenous Makers Market, 12 – 5:30 pm, Elders Story Project, 6:30 pm
Where: Arts Commons
Address: 205 8 Ave SE, Calgary, AB
Website: www.artscommons.ca/ndtr
Calgary Library – Select Locations
Select Calgary Public Library locations will open on September 30, 2024, from 12 – 5 pm. They will have special Indigenous programming to honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
When: September 30, 2024
Time: 12 – 5 pm
Where: Central, Crowfoot, Forest Lawn, Saddletowne, Seton, Signal Hill, Shawnessy and Village Square libraries
Website: www.calgarylibrary.ca
The Confluence
You can mark Orange Shirt Day with a presentation at The Confluence (formerly Fort Calgary) at 9 am. Then there will be free programming from 10 am – 5 pm.
When: September 30, 2024
Time: Presentations begin at 9 am; Free programming from 10 am – 5 pm
Where: The Confluence
Address: 750 9 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB
Website: www.calgary.ca; www.theconfluence.ca
The Military Museums
Head to The Military Museums in the afternoon to join a special tour at 1 pm or 3 pm. These tours highlight Indigenous peoples within the history of Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces.
When: September 30, 2024
Time: Tours, 1 & 3 pm
Where: The Military Museums
Address: 4520 Crowchild Trail SW, Calgary, AB
Website: www.tmmf.nationbuilder.com
National Music Centre
In honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Studio Bell will be open with free admission from 10 am – 5 pm on September 30, 2024. Explore the Speak Up! exhibition and listen to powerful remarks by Elder Eldon Weasel Child. There is also a special evening concert at 7:30 pm, featuring Inuk artist and activist Elisapie, known for bringing awareness to the culture, language, and realities of the Northern Arctic Inuit through her music.
When: September 30, 2024
Time: 10 am – 5 pm; 7:30 pm
Where: Studio Bell at the National Music Centre
Address: 850 4 St. SE, Calgary, AB
Phone: 403-543-5115
Website: www.studiobell.ca
Pokaiks Commemorative Walk
Join the Pokaiks Commemorative Walk. The walk will begin at Peace Bridge at 10 am and continue to Contemporary Calgary. This will be followed by traditional drumming and dancing performances, remarks from members of the Indigenous community, artisan and community booths, food and beverage offerings, and other engaging activities. The event is free and all are welcome.
When: September 30, 2024
Time: 10 am – 4 pm
Where: Peace Bridge to Contemporary Calgary
Address: Contemporary Calgary: 701 11 St SW, Calgary, AB
Website: www.cifrs.ca
Do you know of more events happening in your community to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation? Send them to calgary@familyfuncanada.com.
On September 30, wear your orange shirt and find a way to honour those who never came home.
