We invite all Calgarians to join us at The Confluence on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. to commemorate Orange Shirt Day. 

“Orange Shirt Day is a time to come together in remembrance, reflection and learning,” says Lorelei Higgins, Team Lead with The City’s Indigenous Relations Office. “By listening to stories, honouring survivors and those who never returned home, and strengthening our understanding of this history, we each have a role to play in advancing truth, reconciliation and lasting relationships.”  

This event is free and open to the public. 

We encourage everyone to wear orange as a visible commitment to remembering the children impacted by residential schools and supporting the ongoing journey of reconciliation. 

If you cannot attend in person, we invite you to learn more or watch the event live online at calgary.ca/orangeshirtday. 

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The award honours individuals who have made significant contributions to building understanding and strengthening relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

Roy Bear Chief — Oom ka pisi (Big Coyote) — is a Siksika Nation Elder, social worker and residential school survivor whose life and work reflect resilience, leadership and service. Known as an “Espoom tah,” or helper, Bear Chief has dedicated himself to supporting others through mentorship, teaching and community connection.

Bear Chief’s commitment to lifelong learning is a defining part of his journey. He completed his high school equivalency at age 40, went on to earn a Social Work Diploma from Mount Royal University at 46, a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Calgary at 51, and a Master of Social Work at 56.

He has served as Elder-in-Residence at Mount Royal University’s Bissett School of Business, where he has helped integrate Indigenous perspectives into learning while supporting students, faculty and staff. Beyond academia, Bear Chief has contributed to work on social innovation, poverty reduction, age inclusion and equitable health care, while also promoting Blackfoot language and culture.

His contributions have been recognized with numerous honours, including the Mount Royal University Alumni Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Award, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, and honorary doctorate degrees from both the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University.

“Roy Bear Chief’s leadership and generosity have had a lasting impact on the people and communities he has worked with,” said Terry Poucette, CAUAC co-chair. “Through his work, he continues to build understanding and strengthen relationships in Calgary and beyond.”

The Chief David Crowchild Memorial Award is named in honour of Chief David Crowchild, a respected leader known for his efforts to bring people together and foster mutual respect.

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This year's Chief David Crowchild Memorial Award is presented to Doreen Healy, a respected Elder and residential school survivor from the Kainai Nation. Ms. Healy is recognized for her tireless dedication to fostering understanding between Indigenous communities and public institutions, advocating for Indigenous inclusion in various sectors, and shaping culturally sensitive protocols, notably guiding the Calgary Police Service in adopting new approaches for Indigenous families.

The Midzánághá Águnìlíní Achievement Award honours exceptional Indigenous students. This year's recipient is Calleigh Morning Bull-Ben, a Grade 10 student and remarkable young entrepreneur. Despite navigating significant health challenges, Calleigh has launched "Cal's Fun Socks," actively participates in business programs, and showcases her vibrant spirit through Jingle and Fancy dancing, Stampede performances, and independent barrel racing, inspiring many with her resilience and leadership.

"These awards shine a light on individuals who are truly building bridges, fostering understanding, and advancing reconciliation in our city," says Lorelei Higgins, Team Lead Indigenous Relations. "Doreen and Calleigh are amazing, inspiring individuals whose contributions profoundly impact the well-being and empowerment of their communities."

Both awards underscore the ongoing commitment to recognizing those who create positive change and strengthen relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in Calgary.

Learn More: A video of the award ceremony and additional information is available at calgary.ca/CrowchildAwards .

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The public can provide feedback in person by attending one of the following sessions at The Confluence Historic Site & Parklands, 750 9 Ave S.E.:

• Thursday, May 8 – 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Monday, May 12 – 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 14 – 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, May 17 – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The designs will be available online on the IRS Memorial Project Engage page, where Calgarians can also provide feedback if unable to attend an in person session.

“The IRS Memorial Project is an important part of Calgary’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. By participating in this engagement, community members can play a role in shaping a space that will stand as a symbol of remembrance, reflection, and healing for generations to come,” says Lorelei Higgins, Leader, Indigenous Relations Office. 

This engagement is an opportunity for the public to reflect on the proposed designs. All feedback will be shared with an independent jury at the end of May. This jury will consider the feedback as they select the design recommended to Council. The winning design is expected to be announced in late June.

The IRS Memorial Project was initiated in 2021, following the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Nation’s discovery of the remains of 215 children at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. In response, community members created a temporary memorial on the steps of Calgary’s Municipal Building — a powerful symbol of grief and the call for a permanent space for reflection.

The project planning is occurring in partnership with The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, under the guidance of the IRSM Indigenous Elders Advisory Board, and in collaboration with Indigenous communities, survivors, and intergenerational survivors, ensuring their voices and leadership are central to every step of the process.

For more information and to participate, visit the IRS Memorial Project Engage page at https://engage.calgary.ca/IRSMemorial or attend one of the public engagement sessions in person.

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