National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Presented by UCalgary's Office of Indigenous Engagement and Calgary Public Library
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation / Orange Shirt Day 2026
On Sept. 29 and 30, 2026, UCalgary’s Office of Indigenous Engagement, in partnership with Calgary Public Library, will honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada / Orange Shirt Day with special events held on campus and at the Central Library.
These events are intended to raise awareness about the impact and legacy of the Indian Residential School System in Canada and bring people together in the spirit of reconciliation.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada / Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity to learn about the history of residential schools, intergenerational trauma and Indigenous resilience. This day aligns with the time of year when Indigenous children were forcibly taken from their homes to attend residential schools. Many did not return home, many were traumatized for life, and some have been brave enough to share their stories. Through the acknowledgement of truth and increased awareness, we walk together on our path towards reconciliation, aspiring to become a country where “Every Child Matters.”
Film Screening of “WaaPaKe”
Date: Sept. 29
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. MST
Location: Central Library, Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall
Join us for a screening of "WaaPaKe (Tomorrow)," a documentary from Dr. Jules Arita Koostachin. In her efforts to help the children of residential school survivors contended with unspoken trauma, Koostachin steps in front of the camera and participates in the circle of truth.
Special remarks by UCalgary’s Office of Indigenous Engagement.
*Please note space is limited. Registration is required and will be closed once capacity is reached.
Every Child Matters Flag Raising
Date: Sept. 30
Time: 8:15 a.m. MST
Location: Rozsa Centre flagpoles
Join us as we raise the Every Child Matters flag to honour residential school survivors and the ones who did not return home.
Registration is welcome but not required for this gathering, and all are encouraged to attend.
Dr. Wilton Littlechild Presentation
Date: Sept. 30
Time: 12:30 – 1:45 p.m. MST
Location: Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, UCalgary, and livestreamed
Hosted by Dr. Michael Hart, vice-provost (Indigenous Engagement), this keynote address includes a conversation with UCalgary President Dr. Ed McCauley.
Piikani Elder Reg Crowshoe, Hon. LLD’01, will open and close the event in a good way.
Dr. Wilton Littlechild is a Cree Chief, residential school survivor, and lawyer. Littlechild has worked with the United Nations and made contributions to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
He has used his voice as a lawyer to fight for rights and protections for Indigenous people.
Ermineskin Cree Nation
Wellness Support
National Indian Residential School Resolution Help Support Program
1-866-925-4419
Hope for Wellness Help Line and Chat
1-855-242-3310
Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society
24-hour Crisis Line
403-531-1972 or 403-531-197
Elbow River Healing Lodge
Traditional Wellness and Healing (Spiritual, Cultural, and Ceremonial supports)
403-955-660
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
403-297-1700
Distress Centre
403-266-HELP (4357)
CCASA – Calgary Communities Against Sexual Assault
403-237-6905
Writing Symbols Lodge Wellness and Cultural Support
Addiction Helpline
Available 24/7 1-866-332-2322
Urgent Care for Mental Health
Sheldon Chumir 1213-4th street SW or,
South Calgary Health Centre: 31 Sunpark Plaza SE or call 403-943-9300
Kids Help Phone
Text CONNECT to 686868 or call 1-800-668-6868
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Support Line
1-844-413-6649
Education & Teaching Resources
Calgary Public Library Indigenous Services
Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Reconciliation Canada
Provides programs and initiatives to inspire positive change in communities. The resource page provides links to the TRC webpage, Calls to Action, findings from the commission and other resources.
Legacy of Hope Foundation
An overview of the history of residential schools. Includes oral histories and survivor stories.
Residential Schools Podcast Series
Made by Historica Canada
National Center for Truth and Reconciliation, University of Manitoba
Resources for students from elementary to high school about the Residential School experiences and some history. The information is sectioned into level of grade.
First Nations Child and Family Caring Society
Provides research, policy, professional development and networking to support First Nations child and family service agencies in caring for First Nations children, youth and families.
Teacher Resource Guide
Developed by the First Nations Education Steering Committee in British Columbia. FNESC is a policy and advocacy organization that represents and works on behalf of First Nations in British Columbia.
Wellness Support and Resources PDF