National Day For Truth and Reconciliation
WHAT

Special programming all day in support of truth and reconciliation

WHEN

Saturday, September 30

TIME

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

TICKETS

General Admission: $26

FREE for First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples

🧡 September 30, 2023 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

It is a time to reflect on the lasting negative effects of residential schools and to learn about reconciliation, while recognizing the culture and contributions of all people on Turtle Island. Spark Indigenous Advisory Circle will offer special programming all day to honour and support learning, connection and ReconciliAction.

🧡 What can we do?
Participate in Orange Shirt day. #PhyllisWebstad is the Founder and Ambassador of the Orange Shirt Society. It grew out of Phyllis' story of having her shiny new orange shirt taken away on her first day of school at the Mission residential school, and it has become an opportunity to keep the discussion on all aspects of residential schools happening annually.

Read and learn about the history of residential schools, donate to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS hotline, 1-800-721-0066) and attend an Orange Shirt Day event in your area. Celebrate the strength and resilience of Indigenous people every day.

🧡 Resources:

https://www.irsss.ca/

https://orangeshirtday.org/

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html

https://www.calgary.ca/events/orange-shirt-day.html

  • LEARN
  • ELDERS SPEAK

Members of Indigenous Advisory Circle

Learn about conciliation from the Spark Indigenous Advisory Circle:

Diana Melting Tallow (Siksika)

Alice Kaquitts (Îethka Nakoda)

Hal Eagletail (Tsuut'ina)

Rob Cardinal (Siksika)

1:00 - 2:00 PM

Location: Infinity Dome theatre

  • EXPLORE
  • REFLECTIONS

Short Films

Four Faces of the Moon: Follows Fawn, a witness to the many atrocities committed by the settler, as she weaves through time and learns who she is.

How to Steal a Canoe: The story of a young Nishnaabeg woman and an Elder rescuing a canoe from a museum and returning it to the lake it was meant to be in.

10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Location: Feature Gallery South

  • EXPLORE
  • OUR HOME

Native Land

Find out who shares your home with this interactive map.

Location: Infinity Dome theatre

Learn More
  • RECOGNIZE
  • STORYBOOK NOOK

Readings

Listen to stories from Indigenous authors and illustrators from across Turtle Island.

CKM: 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM

WWG: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 3:30 PM

Location: Creative Kids Museum and Where We Gather (outside)

  • reconciliIACTION
  • TAKE ACTION

Forest

What actions will you take next? Tell the tree ancestors by tying your action on a ribbon.

Location: Atrium South and Brainasium Outdoor Park

Or leave a message for others to see upstairs.

Location: Steven's Lab

  • INFINITY DOME

Movie Showing

Since the last Ice Age, First Nations people have lived among the bears in the Great Bear Rainforest. Their living history is inseparably connected to the vibrancy of the rainforest, which they have protected for thousands of years.

Catch this incredible film showing in the Infinity Dome theatre all day. (outside of the Elder talk at 1:00 PM)

Learn More

Commitment to Indigenous Programming

Spark is committed to being a science centre that is welcoming and reflective of Indigenous ways of knowing. Your support helps provide access to the science centre and its programs for Indigenous community members.

Donate to Indigenous Engagement Program Fund