Media Advisory: Official naming ceremony for Reconciliation Bridge

In the spirit of Reconciliation, on Saturday, May 26 at 1 p.m., the City of Calgary, alongside Elders, Traditional Knowledge Keepers and youth from Treaty 7 first nations, the Métis Nation Region 3, and the Inuit community, will conduct an official naming ceremony of the Reconciliation Bridge. The event will begin with a prayer circle and a solemn walk across the bridge, followed by flag songs, drumming, messages from the Indigenous community, and a traditional Round Dance.

News release: https://newsroom.calgary.ca/calgarians-invited-to-attend-official-naming-ceremony-for-reconciliation-bridge/

Media are invited to document this important event in the history of Calgary’s reconciliation efforts.

Special instructions:

  • Out of respect for the privacy of those taking part in the prayer circle on the north side of the bridge, media are asked not to film or photograph this portion of the event.

  • In addition, please do not film or photograph anyone taking part in smudging for the duration of the ceremony.

  • Please note that the bridge will be closed to traffic from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Media are asked to park on the south side of the bridge and wait for the procession across the bridge to begin. Once the procession begins, you are free to film and photograph, but please do not step onto the bridge.

  • No media interviews will take place between 1 and 3 p.m.

Sequence of events:

  • Ceremony begins at 1 p.m.

  • Procession from the north side to the south side begins at 1:15 p.m.

  • Flag songs, drumming, messages from the Indigenous community, and a traditional Round Dance will follow.

  • Media interviews will be permitted on the south side of the bridge at 3 p.m.

The following spokespeople will be available for interviews at 3 p.m. on the south side of the bridge:

  • Mayor Naheed Nenshi

  • Cindy Provost, Indigenous Relations Officer, Calgary Police Service

For more information on media logistics and instructions for the event, please contact Jennifer Storm at 403-815-2773.