Calgarians marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Wednesday, taking part in several events across the city. One of the main gatherings was held at The Confluence, where attendees learned about Indigenous ways of life, crafts and traditions, and spent time with Elders. Valentina Fox says she attended Morley Indian Residential School when she was seven years old and remained there for 11 years. She says she hopes people approach the day with open hearts and take time to listen to First Nations stories. “I hope today is a day of healing and all people accept each other for who they are instead of trying to convert them to something else,” Fox said. Elder and residential school survivor Joyce Marie Healy also took part in Pokaiks memorial walk. She says rising denialism is concerning and questions whether meaningful progress has been made over the past decade. “There was a complete society that did not understand that these were not schools per se. They were essentially prison camps for children,” she said. Many participants in the walk shared their own and their families’ experiences with residential schools, saying the day allows them to remember loved ones and ensure those stories are not forgotten. “My stepdad actually talks about his stay in residential school. So when I do these walks I’m walking with him and walking for him,” said Jordan Jackson. Indigenous-focused pop-up care village The City of Calgary also hosted its first Indigenous-focused pop-up care village, organized by the Siksika Outreach team. The event provided cultural connection and access to supports including healthcare, food, clothing, haircuts and resource navigation for people in need. At the Werklund Centre, Indigenous Markers Market featured special ceremonies alongside a marketplace of artists showcasing and selling their work. Events included horse dance, naming ceremonies, song transfers and round dances. With files from CTV News Calgary’s Tyler Barrow
