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Reflecting on Truth and Reconciliation

Reflecting on Truth and Reconciliation
Reflecting on Truth and Reconciliation
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Reflecting on Truth and Reconciliation
Jordan Rebagliati, Communications Officer

A Powerful Assembly 

On Friday, Sept. 27, the WIC community came together for a moving assembly in honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. We were deeply touched by the teachings of Elder Charlotte YellowHorn-McLeod, Walter MacDonald White Bear and Samantha Whelan Kotkas, whose wisdom and experiences profoundly resonated with us.  

A special thank you to those who supported our Truth and ReconciliACTION club’s orange shirt fundraiser. Together, we raised $650 for the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary, a meaningful contribution to supporting Indigenous-led initiatives in our community. 

Donating cheque for Orange Shirt Day

The assembly featured a powerful performance of Gathering of the Eagles by our senior band, a melody originally composed by Bob Baker and reimagined by Robert Buckley. You can watch the performance and see photos & videos from the assembly in this video. 

We also invite you to enjoy the special performance of Bear Love, an original song by Walter MacDonald White Bear, beautifully reimagined by Mr. Michalak and performed by our senior band. This unique collaboration showcased the talents of our students and celebrated the creativity and cultural wisdom of Walter and Samantha Whelan Kotkas. Their presence at WIC reminds us of the importance of Truth and Reconciliation through music, storytelling and shared experiences. Watch the performance here.

Reconciliation calls for all of us to take meaningful steps. Today, consider:

🧡 Educating yourself on Indigenous history.
🧡 Supporting Indigenous artists and businesses.
🧡 Having open conversations about reconciliation.
🧡 Volunteering or donating to Indigenous-led organizations.

Reconciliation is an ongoing journey that requires both reflection and action. By taking these steps, we honour the truths shared and commit to fostering understanding, respect, and meaningful change within our community and beyond. Together, we can build a future rooted in empathy and reconciliation.

Contributor 
Jordan Rebagliati
Communications Officer

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