Holding Space for Indigenous Education in the CBE

Sep. 20, 2024


​​Oki, Danit'ada, Âba wathtec, Tânisi, Taanishi, Bonjour, Hello. 

In remembrance of the children and survivors of the residential schools, CBE understands the importance of this journey toward healing, understanding and unity, not just as a public school district but as educators, staff and community members. Our system continues to learn, grow, understand, and honour Indigenous ways of being, belonging, doing and knowing. 

September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which is intended to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action No. 80.  

Within CBE’s Education Plan​, we have committed to “acknowledge and support the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action.” 

Throughout the school year, our schools have weaved and enhanced learning through Indigenous ways of being, belonging, doing, and knowing into the Alberta curriculum. This is achieved through Indigenous pedagogical practices such as land-based learning, exploring texts by Indigenous authors, and delving into language and history. Schools are also promoting self-connection among students by fostering intercultural understanding and creating a sense of belonging for Indigenous students.

CBE encourages staff, teachers and families to participate by attending the City of Calgary event​ at 9 AM, Monday, Sep. 30 or consider participating in one of the many community-led National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events around the city. ​

Community Events​​​

Moh’kins’tsis  (Calgary)​

City of Calgary, Calgary Board of Education, Calgary Catholic School Division National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Ceremonial Opening | Sep. 30 at 9:00 AM: Live event at the Confluence Historic Site and Parkland to commemorate residential school victims, honour survivors and their families, and commit to acting on reconciliation. The event will be live streamed on the City of Calgary website. 

Pokaiks – The Children Commemorative Walk & Gathering | Sep. 30 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM: Indoor event at Contemporary Calgary (Contemporary Calgary, 701-11st SW) focusing on youth performers.

Closer to Home’s All My Relations Healing Powwow | Sep. 28 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM: Healing Powwow at BMO Centre on Stampede Park (Hall A2) to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Arts Commons | The Arts Commons is holding three events on Sep. 30: Gallery Tour & Artist Talks (2 PM, & 4 PM), Indigenous Makers Market (Noon - 5:30 PM), and Elders Story Project (6:30 PM). For locations and more information, visit the Arts Commons website.

The Military Museums Truth and Reconciliation Day Tours | Sep. 30 at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM: These tours highlight Indigenous peoples within the history of Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces.

Heritage Park National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | Sep. 29 from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM: Heritage Park will honour Truth and Reconciliation with a special day full of meaningful programming across the park.

University of Calgary, Office of Indigenous Engagement | Sep. 29 and 30: A list of special events held on campus.

Women’s Centre of Calgary: Bannock and Tea Conversations​ | Sep. 23 at 3:00 PM: Join the Women’s Centre in acknowledgment of Orange Shirt Day, as they explore the impact of residential schools and our journeys towards honoring the actions outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

National and Virtual Events​

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation | Sep. 30 at 11:00 AM A live national broadcast that will commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Watch on APTN, CBC, and CBC GEM.

The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund: A Day to Listen Live Event | Sep. 30 from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Over 500 radio stations in Canada will join together to host guest speakers that will talk about Indigenous identity through conversations about representation in sports and entertainment, the fusion of traditional and contemporary music, land protection, and the impacts of climate change, and more.

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation​ | Sep.23 - 27: Daily Lunch and Learn webinars open to the public to provide an immersive experience to UN-learn the myths of colonial history in Canada.​​

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