Press Release: Heritage Park to Host Accessible Round Dance for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Heritage Park Historical Village is proud to announce that it will host an accessible round dance on September 29, 2024, as part of its observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This unique event, dedicated to celebrating Indigenous culture and promoting healing, will be accessible to participants with mobility needs.

The round dance reflects Heritage Park’s commitment to inclusivity, cultural education, and reconciliation. Accommodations will include an “Inner Circle” for participants with mobility challenges to ensure a welcoming environment for everyone.

“This round dance is a significant moment of unity and reflection as we honour the resilience of Indigenous communities,” said Anita Crowshoe, Senior Indigenous Engagement Advisor at Heritage Park. “By making this event mobility-friendly, we are ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate.”

The accessible round dance is part of a full day of programming that will include:

• A flag-lowering ceremony

• Performances by Juno Award-winning Blackfoot Confederation drummers

• ‘What is Reconciliation’ – The Truthing Session

Featured Guests Include:

• Joe Starlight (Tsuut’ina Nation): Sharing the generational impact of residential schools as a child of survivors. “We are the generation who were not given hugs… we had to ask.”

• Sandra Sutter: Sharing her journey of rediscovery and the complexities of Indigenous identity as a Métis woman.

• Doctors Reg and Rose Crowshoe: Offering wisdom from their lifelong leadership and cultural preservation efforts as survivors of residential and day schools.

In addition to the round dance, the Park will host a smudge-protected ethical safe space with a fire, and guided walks that connect ReconciliAction themes to the land and Park exhibits. Special reconciliation sessions will also be held to encourage deeper engagement and understanding.

As part of its ongoing commitment to reconciliation, Heritage Park will offer complimentary admission to self-identified Indigenous individuals on September 29, 2024. All other programming is included with regular paid admission.

Heritage Park acknowledges the Government of Alberta’s support through the Community Initiatives Program and the generosity of sponsors like the Nickle Family Foundation, who have been instrumental in fostering Indigenous engagement at the Park.

For more information, visit:
heritagepark.ca/events/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation

Media Inquiries

Pam Taylor
Director, Marketing and Communications
Heritage Park Historical Village
ptaylor@heritagepark.ca
403.519.3409

About Heritage Park Historical Village

Heritage Park is one of Canada’s largest living history museums and a registered charity. Located on Treaty 7 territory, the Park honours the history, languages, and cultures of the nations whose traditional land it occupies.

Each year, the Park welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors, offering immersive educational experiences that preserve and share the multicultural history of Western Canada.