National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (TRC): 11 years since the commission presented its 94 calls to action

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, also known as Orange Shirt Day, is a day to raise awareness of the lasting impact and deep hurt caused by Residential Schools in Canada. 

This year marks 11 years since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) brought its 94 Calls to Action to the Canadian Government. This intiative calls on Canadians, institutions and governments to commit themselves to reconciliation and spread awareness around the harm Residential Schools have done to Indigenous Peoples.

In this spirit, each year on Sept. 30, people from across Canada gather at events that create space for Indigenous people to be heard, while encouraging non-Indigenous people to listen and reflect.

“National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day to honour and remember Residential School Survivors and the ones who did not return. As an academic institution, it is imperative that we continue our journey towards reconciliation and provide opportunities for the entire university to learn about these histories so we can move together for a better future,” says Dr. Michael Hart, PhD, vice-provost (Indigenous Engagement).

Dr. Wilton Littlechild Keynote Presentation

This year UCalgary, in collaboration with the Calgary Public Library, will host three events on campus and at the Central Library aimed at education and continued strides towards reconciliation. These events include a documentary screening of Dr. Jules Arita Koostachin’s WaaPaKe (Tomorrow) at the Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall, an Every Child Matters Flag Raising at UCalgary and a Special Keynote by Dr. Wilton Littlechild also at the university.

Littlechild is a Cree Chief, lawyer and residential school survivor from Maskwacis, Alta. He has worked nationally and internationally in the advancement of Indigenous rights and advised on the Indigenous Delegation to the United Nations in 1977. Littlechild was the first known Indigenous person in Alberta to obtain a law degree. In 1988 to 1993 he became a member of parliament representing Wetaskiwin County. 

Littlechild is also an avid athlete, playing hockey and as a member of the swim team at his alma mater of University of Alberta. He went on to be a founder of the North American Indigenous Games and advocate for a World Indigenous Games.

Orange Shirt Day Events

Sept. 29 – Documentary film screening of Dr. Jules Arita Koostachin’s WaaPaKe (Tomorrow) from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall at the Central Library

Sept. 30 – Every Child Matters flag ceremony at 8:15 a.m. at main campus

Sept. 30 – Dr. Wilton Littlechild keynote address from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. at the Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, main campus

For more information and to register for National Day or Truth and Reconciliation events, visit the webpage.