National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

Starting in 2021, Canadians recognize September 30th as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We commemorate the intergenerational harm that residential schools caused to Indigenous families and communities, and honour those who have been affected by this injustice. On this day we also acknowledge Orange Shirt Day, originally started in 2013 as a tribute to residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad who had her orange shirt taken away on the first day of school. 

The passing of Bill C-5 allows the opportunity for all of us to acknowledge and commemorate the legacy of residential schools and honour Call to Action #80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Each of us can honour this day by expanding our knowledge on Indigenous heritage, learning Indigenous issues, supporting causes such as purchasing an orange shirt, or directly supporting organizations that help Indigenous peoples.

At the Excel Society, we care about the people in our communities. By taking the time to listen, learn and reflect on Indigenous issues, we can all walk together on our collective pathway of reconciliation.

Listen

Reconciliation is a process of healing relationships that require public truth sharing, apology, and commemoration that acknowledge and redress past harms. 

Learn

Educating yourself, and taking accountability for building knowledge, is an ongoing process and change will not be easy. This step is ongoing and will look slightly different for each person.

Act

It is our responsibility to learn about indigenous ways and to continue to discuss the topic of reconciliation and how we can practice reconciliation in our community. 

Indigenous Resources 

To build our knowledge base and to honour Indigenous legacies.

 

Listen/Learn

Royal Alberta Museum

Indigenous History Resource List

Recommended readings, podcasts, documentaries and courses that focus on the heritage, diversity and strength of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples. 

 

Listen/Learn

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

Truth and Reconciliation Week 2023 Public Lunch and Learns

This year, the NCTR will offer a series of FREE virtual lunch and learn sessions throughout Truth and Reconciliation Week 2023 to facilitate learning for Canadians on topics related to Truth and Reconciliation.

 

Learn

University of Alberta

Indigenous Canada 

A free online course provided by the University of Alberta that explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada.

 

Learn

College of Alberta School Superintendents

Reconciliation

learn about the importance of reconciliation and implementing strategies that include Indigenous learning and how this benefits each of us.

 

Learn

Bent Arrow

Traditional Healing Society

Bent Arrow has been serving Indigenous children, youth and families in Edmonton and area since 1994. Since then, they have developed strong partnerships with many and are proud to see that culture continues to play a central role in our practice. 

 

Learn

Explore Edmonton

Indigenous Landmarks and Spaces in Edmonton

Amiskwaciy Waskahikan, also known as Edmonton, is home to many breathtaking Indigenous landmarks and spaces. Connect with the city’s past, present and future while taking in everything from outdoor art installations to beautiful serene gardens.

 

Learn

City of Edmonton

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Several organizations will be hosting National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events in Edmonton. Check out the 2023 schedule to learn more. 

 

Learn

City of Calgary 

Truth and Reconciliation

With a spirit of celebration and ceremony, The City of Calgary moves forward in the journey towards Truth and Reconciliation. 

 

Act

Orange Shirt Day

2023 Orange T-Shirt

Purchase your 2023 Orange shirt and help support justice and awareness for Indigenous peoples.

 

Act

Indigenous Runner YEG

3rd Annual Orange Shirt Day Run and Walk

JOIN US this SEPTEMBER 30th on National Truth and Reconciliation Day to help honour and remember our little ancestors who never made it home. We also hold space for those who did, which is why we will raise funds for local grassroots movements to support Indigenous Athletes and help provide safe spaces for Indigenous Runners.

 

Act

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

Donate

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation provides educational resources for Canadians to learn more about residential schools across the country.

 

Act

Indian Residential School Survivors Society

Donate

The Indian Residential School Survivors Society is a British Columbia-based organization that has been providing services to residential school survivors for over 20 years.

Excel Society | Enriching Lives 

 

 

Edmonton – Head office

Office Hours: 9 AM – 3 PM (Weekdays)
Phone: (780) 455-2601
Fax: (780) 455-2589
info@excelsociety.org
Suite 500 – 9707 110 Street NW
Edmonton, AB T5K 2L9

Calgary Office

Phone: (403) 730 2117
Fax: (403) 503 1126
cgyinfo@excelsociety.org

intake information

For all intake inquiries please email: intake@excelsociety.org

Edmonton Residential Supports & Day Programming:
intake@excelsociety.org or 780-733-0256

Excel Society Balwin Villa: (780) 757 5550

Excel Society Grand Manor: (780) 441 7979

Calgary Residential Supports & Day Programming:
(403) 730 2117 ext. 1

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