The decision marks a significant milestone following years of Indigenous community leadership, Elder guidance, advocacy, engagement and partnership. A portion of the City-owned lands currently leased to The Confluence will be reallocated to IGPS for the future Indigenous Gathering Place. The exact location and size of the parcel will be determined through the next phase of work between IGPS, The City and The Confluence.

“This is a significant milestone in a journey that has been guided by Elders and Indigenous community for many years,” says Buddie Dixon, co-chair, Indigenous Gathering Place Society. “Moh’kinsstis has been a place of gathering since time immemorial. Knowing the Indigenous Gathering Place will have a visible and permanent home here brings us one step closer to creating a place where Indigenous Peoples can gather, practice culture, share knowledge and strengthen community for generations to come.”

Moh’kinsstis has been a place of gathering and significance for Indigenous Peoples since time immemorial. Its history extends far beyond the establishment of Fort Calgary in 1875. The future Indigenous Gathering Place will be rooted in this much longer relationship between Indigenous Peoples and the lands and waters where the Bow and Elbow rivers meet.

The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland Society (formerly the Fort Calgary Preservation Society) acquired operations of the 42-acre site in 1985. In recent years, the civic partner has evolved to centre the land’s Indigenous significance through programming, exhibits and committed land stewardship.   

“For close to four years, The Confluence has focused on building relationships with Indigenous community members and developing offerings like the Confluence Reciprocity Program and the Holy Gathering Place, which actively welcome and support Indigenous-led initiatives to the site,” said Jennifer Thompson, president of The Confluence. “We believe that a neighbouring Indigenous Gathering Place will be complementary to that work.” 

The City, the Indigenous Gathering Place Society, and The Confluence will now work together to identify the specific parcel for the future Indigenous Gathering Place and determine the changes required to the existing land lease. 

“Confirming a future home for the Indigenous Gathering Place at Moh’kinsstis is an important step in The City’s commitment to reconciliation,” says Mayor Jeromy Farkas. “This is a vision that Elders and Indigenous community have carried forward for many years. We are committed to working with the Indigenous Gathering Place and The Confluence to establish a home where their vision can take root for generations to come.”

Mayor Farkas, Jennifer Thompson and Buddie Dixon were at an event for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation commemoration at The Confluence, to share the news. 

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Mayor Jyoti Gondek emphasizes the importance of recognizing the Métis community's vital role in Calgary’s cultural and economic landscape. "As we kick off Métis Week, let’s celebrate the unique culture and traditions of the Métis community, whose legacy and contributions are vital to Calgary’s identity. Moving forward, it is crucial that we actively work to strengthen our relationship with the Otipemisiwak Government and all Métis people ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions recognized in every aspect of our community." 

Carmen LaSante, District Captain of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government echoes Mayor Gondek’s sentiment adding, "Métis Week not only celebrates our heritage, but it also inspires hope for a future where Métis people have a greater say in our own lives. Like our forebearers, it’s crucial that we continue to advocate for spaces for Métis voices and perspectives."  

Calgarians are encouraged to participate in a variety of Métis Week events throughout Calgary. All Calgarians are invited to visit the Revealing Riel exhibit at The Confluence Cultural Centre to gain deeper insights into the historical and cultural significance of the Métis community. This unique exhibition features the personal letters and diaries of Louis Riel, shedding light on his life and legacy.  

These events provide a valuable opportunity to learn about and celebrate the enduring spirit of the Métis Nation.  

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Nominations close on May 17 at 4:30 p.m.

The two awards, the Chief David Crowchild Memorial Award and the Indigenous Isgaakuwa (Young Persons) Achievement Award, will be presented on Thursday, 
June 20.

Last year’s winners were Lowa Beebe and Danyka (Aahwanakii) LaBelle.

Join in the shared journey of reconciliation by nominating someone today.

Visit www.calgary.ca/CAUAC and submit the completed forms to CAUAC1@calgary.ca.

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The Indigenous Firefighting Camp will provide hands-on training, valuable insights into the firefighting profession, and an opportunity for participants to learn new skills and engage with experienced firefighters from the Calgary Fire Department.

Camp details:

• Date: April 26 - 28, 2024
• Location: Calgary Fire Training Academy & Multi-Agency Training Centre, 5727 23 Avenue S.E.
• Application Deadline: February 23, 2024
• Website: calgary.ca/IndigenousCamp

The camp is open to individuals of all genders who are First Nations, Métis, Urban Indigenous and Inuit who live on Treat 7 territory. Applicants must be 18 years of age before the start of camp.

The application process is now open, and interested individuals are encouraged to visit calgary.ca/IndigenousCamp for detailed information and to submit their applications.

The Indigenous Firefighting Camp will cover various aspects of firefighting, including simulated fire ground training, emergency response procedures, teamwork, and physical fitness. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with CFD professionals, ask questions, and gain firsthand experience in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Assistant Deputy Chief Tom Jukes, of the Calgary Fire Department, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, "The Calgary Fire Department is excited to provide this unique opportunity for Indigenous individuals interested in a firefighting career. We believe that diversity strengthens our team, and this training camp is a significant step toward fostering inclusivity within the fire service."

“The CFD is continually tailoring our programs to be more gender and culturally inclusive,” said Fire Chief Steve Dongworth. “One of our top priorities at the CFD is to focus on enhancing diversity and inclusion, and fostering a work environment where employees, and the Calgarians we serve, feel valued and respected. This camp is an important step forward in achieving this.”

Assistant Deputy Chief Tom Jukes, with the CFD, added, “The CFD already offers programs, such as our Cadet Program, Camp Courage Calgary and our Bucket Brigade camp, to show people what it’s like to be a firefighter. We’ve had a lot of success with those and look forward to bringing the best of those camps into our Indigenous Firefighting Camp.”

For more information about the Indigenous Firefighting Camp, please visit calgary.ca/IndigenousCamp.

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Jointly commissioned by Calgary Economic Development and The City of Calgary, and executed by MNP, the Indigenous Economic Contribution Study reports that the Indigenous economy generated a total GDP of $1.5 billion in 2021, approximately 1.2 per cent of Calgary’s total GDP. First Nations governments contributed $540 million, Indigenous-owned businesses contributed $450 million, and Indigenous households contributed $530 million.

“This study highlights the contributions Indigenous Peoples and businesses make to the Calgary regional economy,” said Mayor Gondek.

“As we pursue Economic Reconciliation, understanding the opportunities and barriers will better enable entrepreneurs, businesses and governments to collectively unlock the talent and ideas of First Nations, Métis and urban Indigenous People.”

The study makes three specific recommendations to increase Indigenous economic participation, led by the City of Calgary, civic partners, community organizations and businesses:

• Support an Indigenous Procurement Program: Collaborate with the City in its current development and implementation of an Indigenous Procurement Program to increase access to City contracts for Indigenous-owned businesses.
• Strengthen Indigenous economic development: Work with the Blackfoot Confederacy Nations, Tsuut’ina Nation, Stoney Nakoda Nations, Métis and urban Indigenous economic development organizations to enhance program offerings and support for Indigenous businesses.
• Attract Indigenous meetings and events: Foster a sense of connection by attracting Indigenous meetings and events, laying the foundation for relationship-building and encouraging the establishment of Indigenous businesses in the region.
   

“Building an economy that is inclusive and accessible for everyone is a priority in Calgary’s economic strategy,” said Brad Parry, President & CEO, Calgary Economic Development.

“Our city can only realize its full economic potential by deliberately removing barriers to economic participation. This study both proves this and provides tangible actions we can take to champion the growth of the Indigenous economy.”  

To continue this important conversation, the Calgary community is encouraged to register for the New Economy LIVE: Advancing Economic Reconciliation webinar on Jan. 18, hosted by Calgary Economic Development.

BY THE NUMBERS:

• For every dollar spent by Indigenous households, businesses and governments in Calgary and the Treaty 7 region, approximately $2.60 of total output is generated within Alberta’s economy.
• The Indigenous population in Calgary is younger and growing faster than the non-Indigenous population.
• Approximately 42 per cent of the Indigenous population in Calgary is under the age of 25, compared with 29 per cent of the non-Indigenous population.
• The Indigenous population in Calgary grew by an annual average of 3.6 percent between 2006 and 2021, nearly double the growth of the non-Indigenous population at 1.6 per cent.
• The median income of Indigenous Peoples in Calgary ($38,800) is lower than the median income of the non-Indigenous population ($45,200).
• Approximately 86 per cent of income for Indigenous households comes from employment.
• Total employment supported by Indigenous expenditures was equivalent to 32 per cent of the total employment in Calgary’s tech sector in 2021.

QUOTES:

“It has been the resource sector that has led this country’s relationship with the Indigenous People. It is now the resource sector that will lead the Indigenous People’s relationship with this country.”

 - Arthur Cunningham, Elder, Métis of Alberta

“Community Futures Treaty Seven is very pleased with the Indigenous Economic Contribution Study that was conducted by The City of Calgary and Calgary Economic Development and views it as a very positive step in the history of Indigenous economic development. With ongoing updates expected, this assures long-term edification for Indigenous and non-Indigenous stakeholders, as this data will be able to provide an improved and factual explanation of the Indigenous economy in Treaty Seven.”

–Shawna Morning Bull (Ikinnaisipistoohkomi), Manager Business Development, Community Futures Treaty 7

“First Nations are drivers of economic development and prosperity. Reconciliation is important but can only be achieved through ReconciliACTION. Ensuring that First Nations are key players in procurement and project planning and development is the key to success. In the true spirit of Nation Building we all must recognize that we are stronger together.”

- Jamie Springchief, Community and Economic Development Manager,
Siksika Nation

ABOUT CALGARY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Calgary Economic Development is a conduit, connector, catalyst and storyteller for the city of Calgary. Promoting Calgary as the location of choice for people, investment and business, our work is rooted in positioning Calgary for long-term economic success and shared prosperity for all through the expansion, retention and attraction of companies, capital and talent. As stewards of the economic strategy, Calgary in the New Economy, our vision is for Calgary as a place where bright minds and big ideas come together with an unmatched spirit to help solve global challenges. Learn more at calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com, or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @calgaryeconomic.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Calgary Economic Development
Grace Fullerton
Manager, Communications
Media Line: 403 880 7040
Email: media@calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com

The Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary (AFCC) is pleased to celebrate the new Indigenous Elders’ Lodge opening today. Elders and special guests will gather in a ceremony for the grand opening

“This incredible and much overdue new facility will feature 12 units of affordable housing for Elders and provide cultural gathering spaces for residents to practice land-based teachings, hold ceremonies, and promote healing,” says AFCC CEO, Shane Gauthier. “This will not just be a building, but a safe space for Indigenous seniors who are ‘vulnerable’ or ‘at-risk’ and have likely experienced discrimination, abuse,

exclusion, and hardship. This six-million-dollar building is a welcoming place for our seniors to socially connect and access supports that will improve their lives. The building is expected to produce 14,156 kWh (kilowatt hours) per year due to the cutting edge solar energy system. This will drastically reduce our carbon footprint and further reduce environmental impact.”

Many funders and partners came together in a shared vision to create this one-of-a-kind best practice model for other jurisdictions.  Funded by the Government of Alberta, Calgary Homeless Foundation, Calgary Foundation, and Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, The City of Calgary provided integral support for this project by selling land below market value through their non-market housing land sale program and by providing expedited planning approvals for the project. This building is a legacy and is an example of collaboration and commitment between partners to support Indigenous led housing projects to address the needs of urban Indigenous Elders in a time of profound housing crisis.  

Blackfoot Elder Jackie Bromley describes the Elders’ Lodge as “a safe space to live for Elders to build communication, explore language and reconnect with culture.”

Elder Reg Crowshoe and Elder Rose Crowshoe, who last year were named Members of the Order of Canada for their commitment to preservation of Blackfoot culture and reconciliation, expand on the

importance of ethical space. “Indigenous oral ethical spaces are represented in circles. Indigenous Elders build human resources and knowledge capacity in the safety of circles and the Lodge represents the safety of Elders.”

Quotes:

Government of Alberta:

"Alberta’s government is proud to provide support for the Elders’ Lodge through the Indigenous Housing Capital Program. Affordable housing like the units we are celebrating here today allow people to build their futures, connect with their culture, and strengthen their communities. This project showcases our determination to provide housing solutions that respect cultural needs and empower Indigenous families."

--Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services

City of Calgary:

“I am immensely proud to witness the opening of the new Urban Indigenous Seniors Living Facility. This building represents not only a physical structure but a symbol of our city’s commitment to inclusivity, cultural diversity and respect for our Indigenous Elders. Ensuring that Elders can age with dignity and grace while remaining connected to their cultural roots is a milestone in our journey towards a more harmonious and inclusive Calgary. Today, we take a significant step forward in building a city that truly embraces and celebrates the rich tapestry of cultures that make us who we are.” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek

Calgary Homeless Foundation:

“Supporting the Indigenous Elders' Lodge, we are honored to actively contribute to safeguarding cultural heritage through the establishment of a unique building tailored specifically for Indigenous Elders. This lodge is not only a place to call home, but a place for the sharing of wisdom, traditional ceremonies, storytelling, and healing practices.” said Patricia Jones, President and CEO.

Calgary Foundation:

“From our first grant given to the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary in 1966, the Calgary Foundation has valued our decades long partnership built on mutual respect, trust and shared values. Through the Foundation’s Major Grants Program, we are honoured to have supported the Elder’s Lodge, recognizing the significant impact of creating a healing environment, and providing safe, affordable housing.” said Eva Friesen, President and CEO.

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The City of Calgary started working toward establishing a permanent memorial in 2021. This was a direct response to the first 215 unmarked graves discovered at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in June 2021. A temporary memorial was created by communities across Calgary in the wake of these discoveries and the need for a permanent memorial became evident. The City’s Indigenous Relations Office began working closely with several partners, including local Indigenous communities, the IRS Elders Advisory Group and the IRS working group to design a memorial in November 2021.

Earlier this week both The City and Fort Calgary signed a Letter of Intent, confirming that they will work together in a good way to develop and construct the Memorial on City-owned lands at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers.

“As we move along a path that includes both truth and reconciliation, our actions must come from the heart and reflect a commitment to do better into the future,” says Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “This permanent memorial will be a space to honour residential school survivors, their families and the thousands of children who never returned. It will be a reflective space to mourn individually and collectively and ensure that our shared history, no matter how painful, is not forgotten.”

The Fort Calgary site was chosen after broad community engagement through 2022 revealed that the confluence was the first choice of the community for future memorials. A marker indicating the site as the future home of the Memorial is located at the northeast corner of the lands near the Fort Calgary community garden. Exact placement for the permanent memorial will be determined in the next phase of the memorial’s development.

“Fort Calgary’s legacy will forever be tied to role of the North West Mounted Police in enforcing the Indian residential school system. Officers searched for and returned children who had run away, they fined parents whose children did not go to school, and they assisted Indian Agents with the removal of children from their homes,” says Jennifer Thompson, President of Fort Calgary. “Truth must come before reconciliation, and the IRS Memorial will help deepen the community’s understanding of the truth that is represented here at Fort Calgary.  We are grateful to the community and the City of Calgary for selecting this place as its future home.”

“With confirmation of the future location, the next phase of this project has several key milestones,” says Harold Horsefall, Issues Strategist with the IRO and IRS Memorial project co-lead. “Our focus now is further development of the siting and design workgroup, procurement. Then we’ll look towards final design and construction.”

Learn more about the IRS Memorial by visiting www.engage.calgary.ca/IRSmemorial

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Although there are year around opportunities to learn about the history of the Indian residential school system, this is a special day to honour the children who were sent to residential schools in Canada and to remember thousands who never returned home. 

 “This year, The City continues to support community-based events,” says Harold Horesefall, Indigenous Issues Strategist with The City’s Indigenous Relations Office. “The day will begin with stories from survivors and following events at Fort Calgary, we’ll be inviting the public to use a complimentary shuttle from Fort Calgary to Prince’s Island (events will be at the Enmax Stage), or to Olympic Plaza for a walk of remembrance,  where our community partners will be hosting an event from 11 a.m. onwards.”

For those who are interested in attending several events, Calgary Transit will be operating shuttle buses between several locations where Orange Shirt Day events are happening. The route will start at Fort Calgary, and stop at Olympic Plaza, Prince’s Island and Shaw Millennium Park before returning back to Fort Calgary. 

There will also be a time for reflection and healing.  The event is free and open to the public. 

We encourage everyone to wear orange to show their support for Orange Shirt Day. For more information visit calgary.ca/orangeshirtday.

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“In our culture, it's my language, it's my family, it’s the land we live on, the community I grew up in, the stories I've heard my whole life – the way I see my world is all about being Niitsítapi (Blackfoot) so it means everything to me,” says Sweetgrass, director of Indigenous Engagement and Reconciliation for Calgary Arts Development.

Sweetgrass is helping kick off June’s Indigenous Awareness Month (IAM) by sharing her story, what IAM means to her, and why all Calgarians should take part. Hers, and more like it will be shared weekly, as part of this year’s program. These stories underscore the key learnings in series of events planned over the course of the month.

This year’s theme, ‘I am...” reflects The City of Calgary’s commitment to supporting Indigenous staff, friends, family, colleagues, and partners around the community who are sharing their experiences and culture in an authentic way that’s meaningful to them.

“We’ve heard a lot of people ask, ‘What can I do personally to further reconciliation?’, and we tell them, this is it, this is your chance to both learn about the true history of Indigenous Peoples as also really understand what our Indigenous community looks like today,” says Dr Terry Poucette Leader of the Indigenous Relations Office at The City. “By recognizing the kind of skills, talents and innovation happening across these diverse Indigenous communities and sharing that with your family and a next generation of Calgarians, you are playing a role in celebrating the diversity amid the culture this city was built on and in so doing, building new relationships that will help heal and reconcile the current divide.”

Throughout June, Calgarians will be surprised and delighted by the diverse events that will celebrate both the resilience and fortitude as well as the culture both before settlers arrived and today.

Events open to all Calgarians include an elaborate runway fashion show featuring Indigenous youth designers, a hand games tournament where members of both Council and Administration will try their skills competing in the Indigenous tradition (as played by the Siksika Highschool youth team). Local dancers will also be demonstrating the traditional art of Métis jigging.

Another highlight of the month is the 2023 Indigenous Drag Show. Designed to break down old colonial notions of drag, the show will celebrate two spirit community members and their deep, cultural significance and roots in Indigenous communities. This event is meant offers all Calgarians the opportunity to lend support to the broader 2SLGBTQ+ community and for The City to reaffirm its corporate commitment to truth, reconciliation, equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.

The City is also partnering with local groups including Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary, who are hosting the opening ceremonies as well as a family pow wow at Calgary’s Stampede Park.

Sweetgrass hopes the broader community will use the opportunity of Indigenous Awareness Month as a first step to any real understanding and ultimately reconciliation.

“When most people look at the news it can be negative and for me what I see working with Indigenous artists is the high level of creativity and innovation happening at such a rapid speed,” says Sweetgrass. “Especially young Indigenous people – they are moving so rapidly forward in this new age of information and how they see the world around them is evolving. Our youth are leading the way for all Canadians in areas of reconciliation, development, education.”

Alberta is home to the third largest Indigenous population in Canada, covering 3 treaty areas (6,7,8) and over 136k Indigenous Peoples. On the province is home to almost 50 First Nations communities and eight Métis settlements.

This year’s theme, “I am...” reflects The City’s commitment to supporting all members of Indigenous communities. We invite you to join this month’s celebrations and experience Indigenous Peoples as they truly are, rather than seeing them in the stigmatized way they’re often portrayed.

“This month we’re striving to break down old stereotypes and showcase both the shared colonial history that has made us the resilient community we are as well as the passion of our Indigenous communities as they are now,” says Dr. Terry Poucette, Indigenous Relations Lead for The City of Calgary.

Events this month include:

• Runway fashion show featuring Indigenous fashion for men and women by Indigenous youth designers from Siksika Nation High School
• Lunchtime round-robin Blackfoot Hand game tournament as demonstrated by the Siksika High School NLC (Natosi Learning Center). A short tournament will take place at noon hour, featuring a team from some of the City Council and Administrators
• Metis jigging lessons from expert dancers
• IndigiTRAILS: Echoes of the Past, Augmented Reality (AR) Launch Event

Another highlight of the month is the 2023 Indigenous Drag Show. Designed to break down old colonial notions of drag, the show will celebrate two spirit community members and their deep, cultural significance and roots in Indigenous communities. This event is meant offers all Calgarians the opportunity to lend support to the broader 2SLGBTQ+ community and for The City to reaffirm its corporate commitment to truth, reconciliation, equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.

The City’s partner Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary, is hosting both the opening ceremonies and a family pow wow at Calgary’s Stampede Park during Aboriginal Awareness Week this month, so there are a number of ways that Calgarians can get involved.

For more information, visit www.calgary.ca/IndigenousMonth

“This monument will provide a place for people to gather, pay respects, and ensure that the history and legacy of the schools are never forgotten,” says Sherri Kellock, Indigenous Consultant and co-lead of the IRS Memorial project.

Last fall The City opened phase one of engagement from September 8 to December 31, 2022 and focused on gathering input from Indigenous community members and Indigenous-serving community agencies and organization. The online portal received 9,512 unique visitors and 732 contributions. The Indigenous Relations Office also hosted in-person engagement sessions attended by 185 members of Indigenous communities in and around Calgary.

Phase one engagement focused on two main topics – location and design themes. The central themes that emerged through the engagement period were healing, ceremony, truth and acknowledgement. 

Design elements favoured:

• Traditional Indigenous design
• Incorporating the spirit of the temporary memorial currently in front of the Municipal Building (bronzing of shoes from the temporary memorial is the most preferred method)
• The inclusion of nature and meaningful symbolism
• The value of both accessibility and seating availability

Locations favoured:

• Fort Calgary
• Olympic Plaza
• Municipal building

Phase Two of the project, slated to start later this year, will involve completing the site feasibility studies, procurement, design, construction, and blessing of the ground and construction itself.

Stay up to date on this project by visiting https://engage.calgary.ca/IRSmemorial.

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Orange Shirt Day started in 2013 as a way to honour and remember the 150,000 Indigenous children forced to go to residential schools, and the thousands of children who never made it home. The Indigenous Relations Office is taking this opportunity to educate school children, youth and citizens about the impacts of residential schools on Indigenous communities, as told by  Elders. 

“This is the third year the City of Calgary has recognized Orange Shirt Day and is an important step on the path to reconciliation. This ceremony is an opportunity for the truth to be shared, listened to and learned from,” says Harold Horsefall, Issues Strategist with the Indigenous Relations Office.  

The ceremony will begin with the Calgary Fire Department raising an orange banner at 10 a.m. , remarks and a moment of silence at approximately 10:20 a.m. to remember the more than 150,000 Indigenous children forced into residential schools, and the thousands of children who died at these schools.  

Morning events include inter-tribal dances, Metis jigging demonstration, fiddlers, a hoop-dance exhibition, messages from Elders, the Mayor and more. The event will conclude with a free burger lunch for attendees. Everyone attending is strongly encouraged to wear orange.  

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Getting around

​Calgary Transit 

Transit service will run as usual on Sept. 30, except for school bus routes, which will be suspended for the day. Customer service centres will remain open. For more information on fares, schedules and service changes, please visit calgarytransit.com.

Parking
Payment is not required for on-street ParkPlus zones and holiday rates will be in effect in select CPA surface lots and parkades. Regular rates will be in effect at Calgary Zoo, TELUS Spark and Heritage Park. Our Impound Lot will also be closed.

Things to do

Citizens are invited to join online Indigenous Elders, community leaders, and all Calgarians committed to the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children at Calgary.ca/live for this important event. The livestream will begin at 12 p.m.

The Orange Shirt Day ceremony is one of the ways The City of Calgary is recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Orange ribbon decals will be applied to all City vehicles to show solidarity with our Indigenous neighbours, friends, co-workers and family. For more information on Orange Shirt Day and other ways to observe the National day for Truth and Reconciliation visit Calgary.ca/orangeshirtday.

Around the house

Landfill hours 

Landfill hours and locations are available on calgary.ca/landfill. Hours for this day are as follows:

Facility hours and closures

On Sept. 30, Calgary Recreation will have modified hours of operation in observation of the Government of Canada’s National Day for Truth & Reconciliation.

The following are open on Sept. 30:

• Southland Leisure Centre (weight room 7 a.m. – 9:30 p.m., aquatics 1:30 – 9:00 p.m.)
• Village Square Leisure Centre (weight room 7 a.m. – 9:30 p.m., aquatics 1:30 – 9:00 p.m.)
• Golf courses; book your time at calgary.ca/golf
• Bookings at arenas, athletic parks and the Calgary Soccer Centre
• Glenmore Sailing School rentals

The following are closed on Sept. 30:

• All aquatic and fitness centres (except Village Square Leisure Centre and Southland Leisure Centre)
• North Mount Pleasant and Wildflower Arts Centres

For hours of operation visit calgary.ca/recreation

Orange Shirt Day encourages everyone to commemorate the residential school experience, to witness and honour the healing journey of the survivors and their families, and to commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation.

It grew out of Phyllis Jack Webstad’s story of having her shiny new orange shirt taken away by school officials on her first day of school at St. Joseph's Mission Residential School as part of the assimilation process. It has become an opportunity to keep the discussion on all aspects of residential schools happening all year round and annually.

This year, September 30 was also made a federal statutory holiday, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The City will consider September 30 a statutory holiday for all City employees going forward.

The City will mark the day with an Orange Shirt Day ceremony on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Fort Calgary. Fort Calgary is located where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. The ground that Fort Calgary is located on has been called Mohkinsstsis by the Blackfoot; Wîchîspa by the Nakoda; Guts’ists’i by Tsuut’ina; and Otoskwunee by the Metis. This place was also the birthplace of Calgary but has been referred to by those names for much, much longer than Calgary has been in existence.

The ceremony will include remarks from Mayor Nenshi, a Siksika Elder, an Indigenous Canadian Army Veteran, leaders from The City, experts on generational trauma, and members of The City’s Indigenous Relations Office. Drumming and dancing performances will close the event.

“On Orange Shirt Day, it is important we remember not only the children who were taken from our community, but also the intergenerational impacts that residential schools have on families today,” said Terry Poucette, Team Lead for the Indigenous Relations Office. “I encourage everyone today to think about their own commitments to furthering truth and reconciliation in their lives.”

You are invited to join online Indigenous Elders, community leaders, and all Calgarians committed to the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children at Calgary.ca/live for this important event.

The Orange Shirt Day ceremony is one of the ways The City of Calgary is recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Orange ribbon decals will be applied to all City vehicles to show solidarity with our Indigenous neighbours, friends, co-workers and family. For more information on Orange Shirt Day and other ways to observe the National day for Truth and Reconciliation visit Calgary.ca/orangeshirtday.

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Calgarians are welcome to join in a solemn and celebratory ceremony that begins with a walk at 1 p.m. on the north side of the bridge with the continuation of activities on the south side of the bridge.

The renaming of the Reconciliation Bridge was supported unanimously by City Council following a notice of motion submitted by Mayor Naheed Nenshi and a majority of Councillors. It is one of many acts of reconciliation The City has planned with the Indigenous community in and around Calgary. These acts are outlined in the White Goose Flying report drafted in 2016 to address recommendations made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

To commemorate the Reconciliation Bridge naming ceremony, the Calgary Tower, Arts Commons, Glenbow Museum, Jubilee Auditorium, Olympic Plaza, Stephen Avenue Galleria Trees, Reconciliation Bridge and Telus Spark will be lit in the traditional colours of red, yellow, blue and white.

For more information, visit calgary.ca/reconciliationbridge.

Road closure notice:

• There will be road closures around the event on Riverfront Avenue S.E from Reconciliation Bridge to Confluence Way S.E., and turning south onto Reconciliation Bridge from Memorial Drive going east. These closures take effect at 7:00 a.m. and continue until 5:00 p.m.

• There is will also be a parking ban on Riverfront Avenue S.E. from 3 Street S.E. to Confluence Way S.E. Signage will be placed for all parking bans.

• There will be no access to Reconciliation Bridge after 7 a.m. Citizens wishing to take part in the walk are asked to gather on the north side of the bridge just before 1:00 p.m.