UCalgary Night Light Tribute to honour residential school victims

Calgary, AB – In support of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, UCalgary is hosting a Night Light Tribute the evenings of September 28 – October 1 to honour the children who lost their lives at residential schools, as well as those who survived the experiences, and those impacted intergenerationally. Three UCalgary buildings will be lit up in orange with the Every Child Matters graphic to remember the trauma children and families endured at the hands of Canada’s residential school system.

The Night Light Tribute is taking place at night to acknowledge that most 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. Many Indigenous cultures emphasize things in fours (i.e. the four aspects of life: mental, physical and emotional). The lit-up buildings will be visible in four directions to honour this tradition of indigenous culture and demonstrate that all Canadians have a part to play in honouring every child and survivor of the residential school system.

What: Every Child Matters Night Light Tribute
When: The tribute can be seen from dusk to dawn September 28 – October 1
Where: The tribute will be visible on three buildings and from four directions: Social Sciences building (north and south sides), Schulich School of Engineering building (west façade) and University Theatre (north wall).
Who: Dr. Michael Hart, vice-provost, Indigenous Engagement will be available for daytime interviews September 28 – 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.

Media inquiries

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

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is a global intellectual hub located in Canada’s most enterprising city. In our spirited, high-quality learning environment, students thrive in programs made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. Our strategy drives us to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, engaging the communities we both serve and lead. This strategy is called Eyes High, inspired by the university's Gaelic motto, which translates as 'I will lift up my eyes.' For more information, visit ucalgary.ca/eyeshigh.

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