As the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approaches, Canadians from coast to coast will be encouraged to show their support for the Indigenous community – not only on September 30th, but every day going forward.

An occasion meant to honour the many Indigenous children who were forced to enrol in the Canadian residential school system, this Friday will be met with many opportunities to learn, listen and support the community – though it will be up to you to take action.

If of course, you’re not sure where to start, here are just a few ways that you can participate in Calgary.

SHOP AT INDIGENOUS-OWNED BUSINESSES 

If you haven’t already taken the time to find some local Indigenous-owned businesses in your community, today should be the day. From food, clothing and jewellery – here are just a few Indigenous-owned companies you should check out right now.

For more, you also visit the Shop First Nations database, which provides a more extensive list divided by industry and location.

Related Posts:
Here’s how the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be observed across Canada
How to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Edmonton

WEAR AN ORANGE SHIRT

Designed to bring awareness to the horrors of Canada’s residential school system, Calgarians and people all over the country are encouraged to wear an orange shirt this Friday, September 30th.

“The annual Orange Shirt Day on September 30th opens the door to global conversation on all aspects of Residential Schools,” the organization behind the movement wrote on their website.

“It is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the effects of Residential Schools and the legacy they have left behind, A discussion all Canadians can tune into and create bridges with each other for reconciliation.  A day for survivors to be reaffirmed that they matter, and so do those that have been affected.”

For more information, you can visit the About Us’ page here.

ATTEND AN EVENT

COLOURING IT FORWARD 

Showcasing works of eight Indigenous artists, this vibrant display will feature supersized pieces of art – each of which represents a personal experience or interpretation of culture and the ongoing process of reconciliation. For more information about the installation visit the link above and please, check this out.

When: Until Friday, September 30th
Where: 100 Anderson Road SE, Calgary

UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY PANEL DISCUSSION

Held in partnership with UCalgary’s Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Calgary Public Library will hold a panel discussion with guest speakers, Cora Voyageur, Lee Crowchild, and Kathleen Mahoney. During this event, participants will revisit the final report on Truth and Reconciliation in light of the papal visit and Canada’s unmarked graves, as well as the path forward. 

When: Friday, September 30th
Where: Husky Oil Great Hall, inside the Rozsa Centre, University of Calgary
Time: 12 pm – 1:30 pm

ORANGE SHIRT DAY AT FORT CALGARY

 

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This Friday, wear orange and take a free walking tour of Fort Calgary Park where your guide will confront the colonial history of the area and share insights on what they have learned about reconciliation so far.

When: Friday, September 30th
Where: 750 9 Avenue Southeast, Calgary
Time: 2 pm – 2:45 pm

FIND OUT WHOSE LAND YOU LIVE ON

From coast to coast, it’s important to acknowledge and honour those who were there first.

If you are curious about who called your area home long before you – we’d encourage you to visit Native-Land.ca, an interactive website with a detailed map of the world meant to educate and enlighten people in Calgary, Canada and the world.

DONATE

 

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For those of you in a position to help others financially, there are a ton of incredible charities and organizations where your money will go a long way.

Here are just a few in and around Calgary, Alberta and Canada:

For a more comprehensive list, you can also visit the Canada Helps database here.

OR VOLUNTEER 

If, of course, you’re unable to give an organization your money – you can also give them your time. Many of the not-for-profits above are often looking for volunteers and it’s through work that you can give back, learn and grow.

Lastly, it’s important to note that nothing will ever truly make up for everything the Indigenous community has gone through, however, it’s necessary that we try, so please – do what you can.

For more information about how Canada is commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation can visit their website here or to read more you can read more about the movement, you can do so here. After all, change doesn’t work unless you do!

Curiocity Staff

With a curated slate of what matters in your city, Curiocity presents you with the most relevant local food, experiences, news, deals, and adventures. We help you get the most out of your city and focus on the easy-to-miss details so that you’re always in the know.
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