Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day dedicated to honouring the children who never returned home and recognizing the Survivors of residential schools, along with their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is essential for the reconciliation process.
At SafeLink Alberta, we are committed to Truth and Reconciliation, striving to support our Indigenous participants through culturally informed outreach and programming.
We encourage our audience to engage in the learning opportunities available during National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events. Below, we have provided a list of educational and memorial activities to participate in leading up to and on September 30.
Table of Contents
Tsuut’ina Nation
Tsuut’ina Nation Every Child Matters Community Walk
TTN Health Centre
Thursday, September 26, 2024
9:30 A.M.
Calgary
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Heritage Park
Sunday, September 29, 2024
9:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Heritage Park
Alberta, home to 25 residential schools—the most in Canada, with the last closing in 1996—will be the focus of Heritage Park’s Truth and Reconciliation event on September 29. The day will feature meaningful programming, including immersive activities and opportunities to hear from residential school survivors, fostering reflection on the schools’ lasting impact. This event creates a safe, inclusive space for community unity, empathy, and understanding of the intergenerational trauma Indigenous communities continue to face.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Arts Commons
Monday, September 30, 2024
12:00 P.M. – 6:30 P.M.
Arts Commons
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Arts Commons on September 30 offers a day of reflection, learning, and celebration of Indigenous culture. Visitors can explore Indigenous artistry at the Makers Market, join art tours and talks with Building Bridges and ReconciliACTION artists, and engage with the Elders Story Project to learn about the history of residential schools and the resilience of Indigenous peoples. This event highlights Indigenous ways of knowing, fostering understanding and connection.
National Day of Truth and Reconciliation – Gallery Tours
National Day of Truth and Reconciliation – Elders Story Project
Indigenous Placemaking Exhibits Calgary Libraries
Monday, September 30, 2024
12:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Calgary Public Libraries (Central, Crowfoot, Forest Lawn, Saddletowne, Seton, Signal Hill, Shawnessy and Village Square)
Select Calgary Public Library locations will open on September 30, 2024, from 12 to 5 p.m. They will have special Indigenous programming to honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Celebrate Language and Culture at the Calgary Central Library
Saturday, September 28, 2024
10:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.
Central Library – Level 1 – Shaikh Family Welcome Gallery
Join îethka Elder Alice Kaquitts and Members of the North American Welsh Choir for a conversation about the importance of language to culture and efforts to revitalize the Stoney Language and Welsh before enjoying a performance by the Choir. Members of the audience, youth, and adults will be able to participate in the presentation.
Orange Shirt Day at The Confluence
Monday, September 30, 2024
10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
The Confluence
As part of their ongoing mission of reconciliation and decolonization, The Confluence will be offering a variety of free programming all day, including:
- Free admission to The Confluence Cultural Centre
- Two walking tours (11 am & 1 pm)
- Blackfoot art exhibition
- Film screenings in the Burnswest Theatre all day
- A reconciliation letter writing activity
The Confluence encourages visitors to our site today to wear orange shirts or other orange clothing items, such as scarves, hats, buttons, etc. They recommend purchasing one from the Orange Shirt Society if you need an orange shirt. This non-profit organization aims to create awareness of the generational impacts of Residential Schools through Orange Shirt Day activities.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – National Music Centre
Monday, September 30, 2024
10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Studio Bell
In honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Studio
Pokaiks Commemorative Walk
Monday, September 30, 2024
10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Peace Bridge to Contemporary Calgary
Join the Pokaiks Commemorative Walk. The walk will begin at Peace Bridge at 10 a.m. and continue to Contemporary Calgary. It 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.
Every Child Matters 4th Annual Traditional Powwow
Monday, September 30, 2024
1:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.
Bob Bahan Aquatic & Fitness Centre
In collaboration with Action Dignity, the Calgary Foundation, Yethka Voices, and others, the Every Child Matters Traditional Pow Wow will include tents, rain or shine. Bring the little ones to dance, do arts and crafts, paint faces, and play on the bouncy castle.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Film Screening of Bones of Crows
Sunday, September 29, 2024
6:30 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
Central Library
Join the Calgary Public Library for a free screening of Bones of Crows, directed by Marie Clements, with special remarks from Calgary Public Library CEO Sarah Meilleur and UCalgary’s Dr. Michael Hart, vice-provost (Indigenous Engagement). This multigenerational epic follows Cree matriarch Aline Spears, portrayed by Summer Testawich, Grace Dove, and Carla-Rae, as she and her siblings endure the horrors of Canada’s residential school system. Over the next century, Aline and her descendants fight systemic racism, starvation, and abuse, striving to build a more just future.
Michelle Good Presentation: Getting Under the Myth of Canadian History
Monday, September 30, 2024
12:30 P.M. – 1:30 P.M.
Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, UCalgary, and live-streamed.
Michelle Good, a Cree writer from the Red Pheasant Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, spent 25 years working for Indigenous organizations before becoming a lawyer and advocating for residential school survivors. Her debut novel, Five Little Indians, has won numerous awards, including the Governor General’s Literary Award and Canada Reads 2022. Hosted by Dr. Michael Hart, vice-provost (Indigenous Engagement), this keynote event will feature special remarks from UCalgary President Dr. Ed McCauley and Calgary Public Library CEO Sarah Meilleur, with Piikani Elder Reg Crowshoe opening and closing the event.
Medicine Hat
Medicine Hat College National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Monday, September 30, 2024
2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Campus Main Entrance
Medicine Hat College, Miywasin Friendship Centre, and the Firekeepers Women’s Society are hosting their third annual community event for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 from 2-4 p.m. at the Medicine Hat campus. The event will feature a reconciliation walk, story sharing by Indigenous Elders, a blanket ceremony, an honour song, and a round dance. Mental health professionals, including MHC’s Nicki Eastly, will be present to offer support. Attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather, bring a lawn chair, and wear an orange shirt in solidarity with Orange Shirt Day.
Lethbridge
University of Lethbridge National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Monday September 23rd – Thursday September 26th
Various Times
Various Locations
Banff
Movie at Lux Cinema: Indian Horse
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
7:00 P.M.
The Lux
Follows the life of Canadian First Nations boy, Saul Indian Horse, as he survives residential school and life amongst the racism of the 1970s. A talented hockey player, Saul must find his own path as he battles stereotypes and alcoholism.
A Community Conversation with the Smalleyes Family
Thursday, September 26, 2024
2:00 P.M.
The Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre
Come and join members of the Smalleyes family as they share intergenerational and heartwarming stories about their family, Stoney culture and their shared love and amazing talent of beadwork and dance.
Gentle Reflection Walk
Monday, September 30, 2024
9:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
Bow Falls
Join Dani, granddaughter of a Metis Residential School Survivor, on a gentle reflection walk to Bow Falls in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On the walk Dani will share her journey of joining a Truth and Reconciliation committee and will help us pay homage to those who walked on these lands before us. The walk will end with light snacks and refreshments.
Canmore
Honouring National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Saturday, September 28, 2024
Dance at 1:00 P.M.
Canmore Civic Centre
On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we confront the painful truths of residential schools. We acknowledge their impact, honour the survivors, and remember those who did not return. By facing these truths, we take crucial steps toward healing and justice. Come to the Civic Centre in person on Saturday, Sept. 28, for the Every Child Matters Round Dance, which honours this day and Orange Shirt Day.
Okotoks
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Pipe Ceremony
Monday, September 30, 2024
10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Ethel Tucker Park 7 Riverside Drive, Okotoks
Join the City of Cochrane on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation for a Pipe Ceremony to honour the victims, survivors, and those impacted by the residential school system. Held at the Memorial Site for Residential School Victims, Survivors, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Ethel Tucker Park, the ceremony will include a blessing from Blackfoot Elders. Community members are encouraged to bring meaningful offerings, and berry soup and bannock will be served after the ceremony. The event will move to the Council Chambers at the Municipal Centre in inclement weather.
Cochrane
Cochrane’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Event
Monday, September 30, 2024
12:30 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.
‘The Station’ at Cochrane Crossing
Join the Town of Cochrane on September 30, 2024, from 12:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at ‘The Station’ at Cochrane Crossing for a special event to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day will focus on education, reflection, and actions we can take toward reconciliation.
Event Highlights (free bannock for the first 150 guests):
- Flag Raising & Drumming Ceremony: 12:30 p.m.
- Tipi Talks & Hide Tanning Displays: 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- LetterPress Postcards for Truth & Reconciliation: 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Métis Storytime: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Reconciliation Conversation: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Virtual
Connecting Oral and Written Traditions: Knowledge Transfer for Truth and Reconciliation
Friday, September 27, 2024
10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
Online, hosted by the Alberta Chamber of Commerce.
Join The Alberta Chamber of Commerce virtually on September 27, 2024, for a one-hour event exploring “Connecting Oral and Written Traditions: Knowledge Transfer for Truth and Reconciliation” in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Keynote speaker Desmond Jackson – Mii’ Siin’ Skii Saahk’ koom’ apii (Badger Boy) – will lead a discussion on bridging Indigenous oral traditions with Western written frameworks, emphasizing mutual respect and the importance of knowledge transfer for reconciliation. This session offers businesses a valuable opportunity to engage in the ongoing conversation about Indigenous rights and fostering meaningful partnerships.
Virtual Storytime – Shi-Shi-Etko and Shin-chi’s Canoe by Nicola Campbell
Monday, September 30, 2024
10:30 A.M. -11:00 A.M.
Zoom and Facebook Live
Join the Royal Alberta Museum for a virtual reading of Shi-Shi-Etko and Shin-chi’s Canoe, both by Nicola Campbell. In Shi-Shi-Etko, a young girl has four days to absorb her family’s teachings about their culture and the land before leaving for residential school. In Shin-chi’s Canoe, Shi-shi-etko returns to residential school for a second year, this time with her younger brother, Shin-chi. These stories, suitable for children aged 4-8, explore the siblings’ experiences and the deep connection to their family and culture.
Nation Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: Virtual Lunch and Learns
Lunch and Learns
September 23 – 27, 2024
Virtual
Join NCTR’s daily Lunch and Learn webinars during Truth and Reconciliation Week for an immersive experience aimed at UN-learning the myths of colonial history in Canada. These virtual sessions, hosted over Zoom and streamed on YouTube, are open to the public and designed for an adult audience. Expert speakers will present for 40-50 minutes, followed by a Q&A. Each session offers simultaneous English-French and ASL interpretation. These webinars are presented with support from Enbridge and the Canadian Public Health Association.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: A Conversation with Michelle Good
Monday, September 30, 2024
12:30 P.M. – 1:30 P.M.
Online
Join host Dr. Michael Hart, Vice-Provost of Indigenous Engagement, with Michelle Good, an award-winning author from Red Pheasant Cree Nation. Good has advocated for residential school survivors for decades, and her first novel, “Five Little Indians,” is internationally acclaimed. Remarks by Dr. Ed McCauley, Sarah Meilleur, and Elder Reg Crowshoe.
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