This September 30 marks the first official National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, a day intended to allow us to take time to learn about the experience of residential schools, to listen to the stories of survivors, and join together to bring about change.
On this day, we wear orange shirts to honor and remember those children lost to residential schools, witness the healing journey of the survivors and their families, and commit to the ongoing process of reconcilitation.
Ways to take part:
WEAR AN ORANGE SHIRT:
Orange symbolizes strength and honors the true story of Phyllis Webstad, a residential school student survivor who on her first day had her orange shirt taken away from her.
Check out CBC Kids for a great child friendly resource that answers important questions like:
- What are residential schools?
- Why is September 30th a special date?
- Why is it an orange shirt?
- What does Orange Shirt Day represent?
- What can you do?
WATCH MOLLY OF DENALI:
A great show for dayhome providers to watch with their kids! Check out CBC Kids Channel on Youtube to learn about Indigenous heritage.
LEARN FROM BOOKS:
- Adult Literature:
- Five Little Indians by Michelle Good
- 21 Things You May Not Know About The Indian Act by Bob Joseph
- The Reconciliation Manifesto by Arthur Manuel
- Beyond The Orange Shirt Story by Phyllis Webstad
- Children Literature:
- Phyllis's Orange Shirt by Phyllis Webstad
- The Orange Shirt Story by Phyllis Webstad
- I Am Not A Number by Kenny Kay Dupuis and Kathy Kacer
- When We Were Alone by David Alexander Robertson
- Shi-Shi-Etko by Nicola Campbell
ATTEND EVENTS GOING ON AROUND ALBERTA
EDMONTON
Royal Alberta Musuem | Virtual Storytime 10:30AM
Virtual reading of Shi-Shi-Etko by Nicola Campbell. Shi-Shi-Etko is a young girl who has four days before she leaves home for residential school. Her family has many teachings to share with her, about her culture and the land.
High-Level Bridge Lighting
The Bridge will be lit in orange to recognize the day and to encourage the city to reflect upon the legacy of Indian Residential Schools.
Hawrelak Park | Roots for Trees Plant Giveaway 10AM to 2PM
Edmontonians are invited to pick up a plant, speak with an Elder and plant their tree as an act of reconciliation at Hawrelak Park.
Indigenous Art Park | Orange Shirt Day Run/Walk
Begins with a ceremony at 3PM, then with a run/walk at 4PM in support of those who did not survive the residential school era and for those who did.
Bringing together a day of education, reflection, and action towards reconciliation and to honor residential school survivors and victims. Activities include book readings, film screenings, reconciling history walk tour led by guides including historian John Malloy, and an action table where you can participate.
Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society | Virtual Orange Shirt Day Event 1 to 4PM
Join the facebook live event, commemorating the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. The day will include Honor Song, Smudge and Prayer, Residential School Survivors Stories, Circle Talk, and Crafts.
Downie Wenjack Fund | Exploring What This Means For Reconciliation in Canada
Virtual Event (Video Available to Public September 30 on either Facebook or Youtube) – DWF President and CEO, Sarah Midanik will be hosting a discussion to explore this new holiday, the significance of September 30, what this means for reconciliation in Canada, and how we can participate meaningfully.
CALGARY
Fort Calgary | Live Stream City of Calgary Outdoor Ceremony 12PM
Ceremony will include remarks from Mayor Nenshi, a Siksika Elder, an Indigenous Canadian Army Veteran, leaders from the City, experts on generational trauma, and members of the City’s Indigenous Relations Office. Drumming and dancing performances will close the event.
Trellis Society | Expanding Our Relations : Oral concepts of understanding 1 to 3PM
Hear from an Elder, a Non-Indigenous ally, a frontline human service worker, a parent, and a youth.
Prince Island Park | Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth IndigiTRAILS App Launch and Walking Tour
Take a 30 minute walk to view seven different art installations focused on starting a conversation about residential schools.
Sharing literature on intergenerational trauma and Indigenous resilience.
Pokaik | The Children Orange Shirt Day Event
CIF Reconciliation Society, City of Calgary, Elders, and Community Members will be attending the event. The Memorial walk will start from the corner of 3rd ST & 8th AVE – downtown Calgary. Walking to Olymic Plaza, where afternoon events are planned. Everyone is welcome and this is a family-friendly event.
Southcentre Mall | CIFRS National Day of Truth and Reconciliation Art Exhibit 10AM to 8PM
All day family activities and crafts intended to promote understanding and awareness of Indigenous culture and experiences, while also educating the community about how they can play a role in reconciliation. Followed by a blessing ceremony and traditional dance and musical performance.
Building and Structures that will be illuminated orange:
- Arts Common
- Calgary Tower
- Glenbow Musuem
- Historic City Hall
- Olympic Plaza
- Orange Ribbon Decals on All City Fleet
- Reconciliation Bridge
- Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
- TELUS Spark Science Centre
SUPPORT INDIGENIOUS BUSINESSES:
Head to the Government of Canada Website and check out their detailed company directory search of Indigenous Businesses across Canada. There are over 2300 listed!
For More Information Check Out:
- Edmonton and Area Events
- CBC Music | Listen to Indigenous songs. Indigenous artists. Indigenous composers. Programming will be dedicated to Indigenous music from 6AM to Midnight.
- Watch APTN on TV ALL DAY | Full day of programming to raise awareness about the significance and meaning. Special coverage in honor of residential school survivors, their families, and their communities.
- Legacy Of Hope
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation University of Manitoba
- It’s Our Time Education Toolkit Assembly of First Nations | Learn about the history of residential school system, and its impacts on Indigenous people