Calgarians gathered across Mohkintsis for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.
Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
The first event I attended was Pokaiks: The Children 2024 walk on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The event started with a walk, then attendees were able to take in an Artisan Market, listen to speeches and take in Indigenous performers. The day took place at Contemporary Calgary and there were hundreds of people in attendance.
The next event I attended was the Every Child Matters luncheon at the Marlborogh Community Hall organized by the Circle of Wisdom Elders Seniors Center. Over 200 community members got together and shared a meal in commemoration of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. They had residential school survivors, entertainers and community dignitaries like Calgary’s Mayor Jyoti Gondek. Mayor Gondek shared the importance of attending events like this on the National day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The final event of the day for me was the 4th annual Every Child Matters Pow Wow at the Bob Bahan Soccer Field in Forest Lawn. Dancers, drummers and community members gathered for this annual traditional Pow Wow to commemorate National Day for truth and Reconciliation. I spoke shortly with Residential School Survivor and the Eagle Staff carrier for the Grand Entry, Bruce Mistaken Chief. Bruce spoke about the Eagle Staff, as well as the importance and significance of dancing on a day like Orange Shirt Day.
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