We are committed to upholding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) 94 Calls to Action specific to education. Our system continues to learn, grow, understand, and honour Indigenous ways of being, belonging, doing and knowing.

This September, we are commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day) through the CBE National Truth and Reconciliation Week from Sept. 25 to 28. Schools will choose to wear their orange shirts any day during the week and plan activities to learn and understand the significance of the day.

There are no classes on Sept. 29, as a day in-lieu to commemorate the National Day on Sept. 30. By observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day), we reinforce our dedication to ensuring that the stories of survivors are heard, their pain acknowledged, and their strength celebrated. CBE staff and their families and friends are invited to attend a public commemorative event hosted by the City of Calgary in friendship with CBE and the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD). The third annual ceremonial event is on Sept. 30 from 9-10:30 a.m. at Fort Calgary.

This year's gathering will include in-person speakers and performers, a live stream broadcast, an aerial salute ceremony, and other events. The event will include an intertribal dance demonstration from CBE and CCSD students. More information on the event is available on the City’s website. Public commemoration of residential schools' tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts is vital to reconciliation.

Many other events are happening to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, including online events and other events in Calgary and across Canada.

Moh’kins’tsis (Calgary)

Sept. 20 to 30

• Southcentre Mall and Colouring It Forward Reconciliation Society | Sept. 20 to 30- A special art installation honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30.
• Calgary Foundation: Truth and Reconciliation Week and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Events | A list of events taking place from Sept. 21 to 30.

Sept. 29

• University of Calgary, Office of Indigenous Engagement/ Calgary Public Library: Orange Shirt Day | In-person and online events taking place Sept. 29
• Women’s Centre of Calgary: Honoring the Children | Sept. 29 at 10:00 AM

Sept. 30

• City of Calgary, Calgary Board of Education, Calgary Catholic School Division National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Ceremonial Opening | Sept. 30 at 9:00 AM  at Fort Calgary
• Pokaiks – The Children Commemorative Walk & Gathering | Sept. 30 at 11:00 AM – Join a walk from City Hall to Shaw Millennium Park
• Four Winds Indigenous Market & Showcase | Sept. 30 at 12:00 PM, Jack Singer Concert Hall Lobby.
• The Elders Story Project | Sept. 30 at 7:00 PM, Jack Singer Concert Hall
• National Film Board: Indigenous Film Screenings | Sept. 30 at 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM, Engineered Air Theatre
• Reconnection, Reconciliation and Resilience 2023 | Sept. 30 at 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Grace Presbyterian Church
• New Blood – A Story of Reconciliation: CIF Reconciliation Society | Sept. 30 at 7:00 PM
• Orange Shirt Day: Indigenous Art Tours, University of Calgary | Sept. 30 at10:30 AM
• Telus Spark: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Events | Sept. 30 at 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Odagugiciye Apîîciyabic/Building Relationships Traditional Pow Wow | Sept. 30 at 1:00 PM at the Spray Lakes Sawmill Centre in Cochrane

National Events

• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation | September 30 at 11:00 AM- A live national broadcast.
• The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund: A Day to Listen Live Event | September 30, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

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