Recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Calgary Public Library is recognizing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with resources and programming the week of September 26, followed by a special event at Central Library.

Calgary Public Library recognizes National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with special programming and activities at Central Library on September 30.  

A commitment to Reconciliation is one of the Library’s strategic pillars and reflects the responsibility of all libraries to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Actions.   

On September 30, the Library invites all community members to explore its wide range of resources and visit Central Library from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm for special programming, including:  

• A virtual panel discussion presented with the University of Calgary on how the confirmation of unmarked graves changes how we think about the Calls to Action over the lunch hour  
• An exhibition of Indigenous Placemaking installations in the Shaikh Family Welcome Gallery at Central Library  
• Short films acknowledging Indigenous stories at the Library in the Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall over the lunch hour  
• A KAIROS interactive history lesson blanket activity (registration required, noon to 4:00 pm)  
• A film screening of Night Raiders, a female-driven film about resilience, courage, and love in the Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall at Central Library and streamed virtually, 6:30 pm (registration required)  
• Leaving messages of hope, love, or well wishes for members of the Elders’ Guidance Circle to be displayed through the next month  

The Library is also inviting all community members to visit their local Library location from September 26 – 29 to enjoy special book displays related to Truth and Reconciliation and celebrating Indigenous culture, pick up a button to show support for Indigenous communities, and to create a thank-you message to one of the members of the Elders’ Guidance Circle at the Library. 

“Libraries have an important role to play in Truth and Reconciliation. Learning the truth is a first step in the important and personal journey of Reconciliation and healing, and the Library provides access to truth through information and resources. I invite all Calgarians to visit the Library online, or in-person this month to learn more about how they can be a part of that healing. I thank the Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous community members for guiding our work and challenging us to know more and do better,” says Sarah Meilleur, CEO, Calgary Public Library. 

As noted in the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and the City of Calgary’s White Goose Flying Report, Calgary Public Library has an obligation to share the truth about residential schools and the ongoing, intergenerational trauma they caused.   

For more resources, including supports for those who have been personally impacted by residential schools more information about the Library’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, please visit calgarylibrary.ca/truth-and-reconciliation.  

Other Resources  

• The Library's Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation  
• The City of Calgary's White Goose Flying Report: Calls to Action  
• The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada  
• Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line 24-hour support line: 1.866.925.4419