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. There are a few opportunities popping up around Calgary where you can participate in supportive, educational, and community-building events.

For extra resources, you can find the official Orange Shirt Day site here and A Day to Listen here (sponsored by the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund).

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.

The day begins at 11 am, with the Pokaiks Commemorative Walk. The walk will begin at 11 am at City Hall and continue to Shaw Millenium Park. 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, that will bring further awareness to actions Calgarians can take to participate in reconciliation.

You can mark Orange Shirt Day at Fort Calgary, with a variety of free programming all day, including a ceremony at 9 am with the City of Calgary. Enjoy free museum admission, two walking tours, family-friendly crafts, and an after-hours screening of the film Bones of Crows with guest speaker Michelle Thrush.

The City of Calgary is doing events, as well, including a Traditional Pow Wow outside the Bob Bahan Pool at 1 pm. You can also check out events at the Arts Commons.

TELUS Spark is honouring the day with special programming from 10 am – 4 pm. Admission is FREE for First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.

Go to the Calgary Library from 12 – 5 pm on September 30, 2023, to explore Indigenous Placemaking installations by artists connected to Treaty 7 at these Library locations: Central, Crowfoot, Forest Lawn, Saddletowne, Seton, Shawnessy, Signal Hill, and Village Square.

Head to Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre on September 30, 2023, and enjoy free admission all day. While you’re there, catch the Speak Up! panel at 1 pm for a discussion on the power of music in reconciliation.

This Saturday, wear your orange shirt and find a way to honour those who never came home.