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 honor 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
Remembering the Children
Join us as we memorialize the children lost to the residential school system and honour Survivors and their families. Learning and commemorating the truth of our history from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit knowledge keepers is an important part of the path to 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
2022 Program Guide
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 Calgary
Truth and Reconciliation
It is with a spirit of celebration and ceremony that The City of Calgary moves forward in the journey towards Truth and Reconciliation.
Act
Orange Shirt Day
2022 Orange T-Shirt
Purchase your 2022 Orange shirt and help support justice and awareness for Indigenous peoples.
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