CBE students, staff and their families and friends are invited to join an event being hosted by the City of Calgary in partnership with the Calgary Board of Education and the Calgary Catholic School District. The third annual ceremonial opening is taking place on Sept. 30 from 9-10:30 a.m. at Fort Calgary (750 9th Ave SE). This year's gathering will include a smudge tent, in-person Indigenous speakers and performers, an aerial salute ceremony, and other events. The events will also include an intertribal dance demonstration featuring Indigenous students from the CBE and CCSD. Participants are encouraged to wear orange.

Following the YYC, CBE & CCSD event, all are invited to join the Pookaiks – The Children Commemorative Annual Walk and Gathering 2023. The walk will begin at 11 a.m. at City Hall (15-minute walk from Fort Calgary or 2-minute drive) and continue to Shaw Millenium Park (30-minute walk). The walk will be followed by drumming/dancing, Indigenous community speakers, artisan booths, and food sales.

Alex Ferguson will mark Orange Shirt Day on September 28th. Please consider sending your child to school wearing an orange shirt on this day. It is important that this day is more than just about wearing an orange shirt. It’s about honouring victims and survivors of residential schools, about making right on past mistakes, and it’s about being kind, caring and compassionate human beings. Alex Ferguson School acknowledges and supports the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action and has committed to Calls to Action #63 for the 2023-2024 school year. Over the year, our students will partake in various age-appropriate lessons including learning about Indigenous ways of Being and Knowing through our continued partnerships with various Elders. Please take a moment to reflect on the importance of this day with your child. More information on Orange Shirt Day can be found here: www.orangeshirtday.org