The National accessArts Centre (NaAC) will be observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 2023, and our offices will be closed on Monday October 2 2023 in lieu.
Two years have passed since the Government of Canada designated September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, directly responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #80, which calls upon our government, in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples:
“to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour survivors, their families and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.”
The NaAC continues to walk our own journey in the Truth and Reconciliation process, anchored by our Indigenous Ways of Knowing program. Launched in 2022, this program focuses on local Indigenous histories, art practices, and storytelling that is open to all NaAC artists. Alongside Elders and Indigenous artists, program participants have shared stories, asked questions, and have started to learn how they can respect the cultural practices of Indigenous people. Thanks to funders like the Canada Council for the Arts, ATB Financial, and Calgary Arts Development, the NaAC is continuing this innovative program, led by Richelle Bear Hat, Coordinator, Indigenous Programs.
“I’m honoured to be working with a group of artists who are continually showing up with courage and care to learn about Indigenous ways of knowing. The conversations and respect we hold for one another is an important part of our process. The Ways of Knowing program is a space where we can celebrate the knowledge that each person’s lived experiences have shaped within them.”
Richelle Bear Hat, Coordinator, Indigenous Programs
“The NaAC is very committed to deepening our own role in the Truth and Reconciliation process. Our Way of Knowing program is just the start of what we believe will become a nationwide conversation connecting disability communities across Canada to the reconciliation journey.”
Jung-Suk Ryu, President and CEO
We encourage you to view this video that shares some of the learnings from our Ways of Knowing project, which recently culminated in an impactful multimedia exhibition, Hey You! Land!, at the Leighton Art Centre.
