The city of Calgary is hosting a ceremony in commemoration of the victims of residential schools, survivors and their families, starting by 10am, at Fort Calgary today. Residents are encouraged to wear an orange shirt, which marks the Orange Shirt Day celebrated alongside National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The ceremony, which is an annual event, sees several events across the city. Canadians are encouraged to celebrate the national Day for Truth and Reconciliation to “honor survivors, their families and communities and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation”.
The national day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30, was declared in 2021 after bodies of victims were found at a former residential school in Kamloops, BC. The holiday applies to all federal workers.
Calgary city is lighting up Olympic plaza, TELUS Spark Science center, Reconciliation Bridge and the Calgary Tower Orange and all flags will be flown at half-mast.
As part of the events, the Calgary Foundation and the University of Calgary are each hosting several events throughout the day. Mount Royal University is also hosting multiple events for the day.
The annual Orange shirt Day walk will commence, by 9:30pm, at Prince’s Island Park as well as a Walking Tour, by 2pm at Fort Calgary. Also, the Every Child matters: Traditional Powwow will take place at Saddledome by 6pm.
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