Honouring Truth & Reconciliation with YMCA Calgary
On September 30, we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour survivors, the children who never returned home from residential schools and the families and communities who continue to carry the impacts of its history. It is also a time to celebrate Orange Shirt Day, which carries the message that every child matters.
This day is an opportunity to pause, listen and continue learning. Reconciliation is more than a day. It's an ongoing journey to learning, action and understanding the experiences of Indigenous Peoples. At YMCA Calgary, we are committed to building spaces of belonging, respect and healing with the guidance of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Calls for Justice and the voices of our Indigenous communities.
As we mark this day, we encourage our YMCA community to pause, listen, learn and to carry that learning forward. Whether it's wearing orange, attending a local community event, learning from Indigenous voices or taking time to reflect on what reconciliation means to you. Together, we can continue building communities rooted in respect, understanding and belonging.
Join Us
As part of YMCA Calgary's ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, we invite you to join us in engaging in learning and cultural celebrations at our facilities:
Artwork Unveiling
Visit Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge for the unveiling of a commission artwork created by a local Indigenous artist.
- Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
- Time: 2:00 p.m.
- Location: Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge
Indigenous Drum and Dance Drop-in Program
Bring your family for a weekly Drum and Dance drop-in night. Learn or brush-up your skills in Pow Wow dance styles, drumming and Indigenous culture.
- Date: Mondays
- Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
- Location: Saddletowne YMCA
- Questions? Contact Dakotah Northcut at dakotah.northcut@ymcacalgary.org
How You Can Support
- Visit sacred Indigenous landmarks, such as the Nose Hill Siksikaitapi Medicine Wheel, the Tsuu’tina Nation Cultural Museum and Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park.
- Support Indigenous owned business, including Boy Chief Trading Post, Sukapii Creations, Cory K’s Creations and many others across Calgary.
- Support YMCA Calgary’s Indigenous programs by empowering Indigenous youth and families through programs that support cultural identity, belonging and community connection by donating or partnering with us.