On Sunday, June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day, we invite the community to participate in the 17th annual Walk for Reconciliation this National Indigenous Peoples Day. The walk starts at Harry Hays Building (220 4 Ave SE) and concludes at The Confluence (750 9th Ave SE).
The Walk for Reconciliation is a day to reflect on the difficult history of this land and honour the survivors, and the children who never returned home. It’s a day to recognize the inter-generational impacts of residential schools on individuals, families, and communities. Held on National Indigenous Peoples Day, it is also a celebration of the vibrant and lively Indigenous communities and cultures that still exist today.
Program Schedule:
- 8:30 am: Meet at Harry Hays Building (220 4 Ave SE).
- 9 am: Walk begins from Harry Hays Building (220 4 Ave SE).
- 10 am: Walk ends at The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland (750 9th Ave SE). A free community meal and coffee courtesy of Tim Hortons East Village will be available for the first 500 participants.
- 10:15 am: Outdoor gathering with speeches, truth telling from residential school survivors, and performances by drummers and dancers.
More To Do After the Walk:
- 10 am – 5 pm: Free Admission to The Confluence Cultural Centre
The cultural centre will be open at no cost to the public for the day. Visit Kípaitápiiyssinnooni(Our Way of Life), an exhibit celebrating Blackfoot life and culture, as well as temporary exhibits on for a limited time. - 10 am – 3:30 pm: Métis Activations at the Hunt House
Métis interpreters will be on-site at the historic Hunt House on the east bank of the Elbow River to share the rich history of Calgary’s oldest building, Métis culture, and more. Enjoy interactive activities and discover the stories that shaped this region. - 11 am – 1 pm: Fireside Stories with Elders & Indigenous Games
Hear stories and teachings around the fire with an Indigenous Elder from Treaty 7 through the oral tradition at Naatowápitao’ohkánnao’p (Holy Gathering Place), or give traditional Indigenous games a try on the parkland with the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary.
