UCalgary to commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day

Calgary, AB – To commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, the University of Calgary will hold events throughout the day to recognize and raise awareness about the residential school system in Canada, bringing people together in the spirit of reconciliation and honouring the experiences of Indigenous peoples. 

Every Child Matters Night Light Tribute
What: The Night Light Tribute acknowledges that much of the trauma done to children at residential schools occurred at night in the dark. It symbolically shines a light on aspects of Canada not well seen, whether these aspects are past abuses within residential schools against individuals, families and nations, or current intergenerational traumas that impact all people, particularly Indigenous people.

When: The tribute can be seen from dusk to dawn September 27 – September 30.
Where: The tribute will be visible on two buildings: Education Tower (South facing side) and the Schulich School of Engineering (West facing side).
Who: Dr. Michael Hart, vice-provost, Indigenous Engagement will be available for phone or zoom interviews September 26-29 and September 30 in person. Dr. Reg Crowshoe, Elder will be available for daytime interviews September 27 – 30. Note: Media are welcome to film the light tribute, but no one will be onsite during the evening for interviews. Please arrange interviews in advance.

Flag Lowering Ceremony
What: UCalgary will host a flag lowering ceremony to mark the importance of Sept. 30.
When: September 30 from 8:15 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Where: University of Calgary, NW side of Rozsa Centre (outside).
Who: Dr. Michael Hart, vice-provost, Indigenous Engagement and Dr. Reg Crowshoe, Elder will be available for interviews before 8 a.m., from 8:45 a.m. – 8:55 a.m. or at 1:40 p.m.

Tipi Gathering for Elders
What: Led by Elder Reg Crowshoe, a sharing circle, purification ceremony and face painting will take place in a tipi.
When: September 30 from 9 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.
Where: University of Calgary, TFDL Quad.
Who: Dr. Michael Hart, vice-provost, Indigenous Engagement and Dr. Reg Crowshoe, Elder will be available for interviews.

Orange Shirt Day: Panel Discussion
What: In partnership with the Calgary Public Library, this panel discussion will revisit the final report on Truth and Reconciliation in light of the unmarked graves, the papal visit and the path forward.
When: September 30 from noon – 1:30 p.m. Register now.
Where: University of Calgary, Husky Oil Great Hall (located in the Rozsa Centre).
Who: Dr. Michael Hart, vice-provost, Indigenous Engagement and Dr. Reg Crowshoe, Elder will be available for interviews.

Orange Shirt Day: Film Screening
What: UCalgary and the Calgary Public Library are offering a free viewing of Night Raiders. Night Raiders is set in a post-war future that follows the journey of a mother trying to rescue her daughter from a state-run institution. From a dystopian sci-fi perspective, this thrilling and compelling story digs deep into Canada's painful past about the forced assimilation of indigenous peoples due to colonial practices.
When: September 30 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Register now.
Where: Calgary Central Library, Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall.
Who: Dr. Michael Hart, vice-provost, Indigenous Engagement and Dr. Reg Crowshoe, Elder will be available for interviews. Please arrange interviews in advance, if possible.

Media inquiries

Michelle Crossland
Senior Communications Specialist
Media & Issues Management
403-975-5832
michelle.crossland@ucalgary.ca

Sept. 30 Contact:
Dean Parthenis
Director, Media and Issues Management
403-629-5806
dparthen@ucalgary.ca
 

About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada’s entrepreneurial university, located in Canada’s most enterprising city. It is a top-five research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 35,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada’s leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary.

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