The City of Airdrie is helping to co-sponsor two events to mark National Truth and Reconciliation Day, otherwise known as Orange Shirt Day, this coming Saturday.
The Circle Connections for Reconciliation Society is presenting an opportunity to hear Elder John Sinclair, Cree Nation, share his stories and teachings. The Elder Talk will take place at the Bert Church LIVE Theatre lobby and delve into his own residential school experiences. The Elder Talk will take place between 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. The event is free, but those wishing to attend the event are asked to pre-register as seating is limited.
The second event, also presented by the Circle Connections for Reconciliation Society, will be a presentation of a special play entitled, “New Blood - A Story of Reconciliation.”
Featuring poetry, music, contemporary and traditional dance, the show is inspired by the life of Chief Vincent Yellow Old Woman and his experience as a child in residential school, and how he reclaimed his way of life and became chief of his people.
The play is a highly acclaimed theatre production celebrating Blackfoot history and tradition, and will feature Siksika musicians and dancers, and the music of recording star Peter Gabriel, at the Bert Church LIVE Theatre. According to a post listed on the City website about the event, “this commemoration event brings our communities together in truth and reconciliation, honouring survivors, their families and their communities.”
Tickets are available for purchase in advance. Tickets are $10 for non-Indigenous people and $5 for youth between the ages of three and 17 years. The production starts at 4 p.m. Doors open at 3:30 p.m.
For ticket information on both the Elder Talk and the play visit www.airdrie.ca under Community Events Calendar.
