INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY

City celebrates with cultural events

With walks, artwork, cultural events and flag-raising ceremonies, National Indigenous Peoples Day was celebrated in Calgary on Tuesday.

At Jack James High School, students, staff and community members gathered for a bannock breakfast and unveiling of a new mural in the courtyard of the school. Blackfoot artist Kalum Teke Dan created the mural called Homeland.

Heritage Park debuted an Alberta-created play called New Blood: A Story of Reconciliation.

A walk for reconciliation occurred along the Bow River, providing an opportunity for all to remember the difficulties foisted upon Indigenous people through residential schools and other government policies.

And the Calgary Police Service permanently raised the Treaty 7 and Métis flags at police headquarters Tuesday afternoon.

“We are grateful for the many teachings and ceremonial practices we have been gifted by Indigenous community members, elders and knowledge keepers, and for their guidance on our shared path to truth and reconciliation,” the police service said in a news release.

In a statement, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney noted, “Reconciliation is not a destination, it is a journey. It is a process of living together respectfully while sharing space and resources so we can all succeed.”

In Ontario, residential school survivor Diane Hill said she believes National Indigenous Peoples Day is becoming more broadly recognized.

“National Indigenous Peoples Day is a call to reflect on the history of Canada, and to learn the dark, dark history of Canada, and to learn and to begin to heal,” she said.