September 30th is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
In 2021, a significant milestone was marked in Canada's history with the establishment of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This national day of observance serves as a critical point for the country, offering an opportunity to reflect on the tragic history and ongoing impact of residential schools. This day honors the children who never made it back home and the Survivors of residential schools, and their families and communities. Public commemoration of this tragic and painful history and its ongoing impacts is an essential component of the reconciliation process.
We urge you to wear orange in solidarity! Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots movement that aims to raise awareness of the individual, family, and community intergenerational impacts of residential schools. It also promotes the concept of "Every Child Matters". The orange shirt symbolizes the eradication of culture, freedom, and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations. Stand with us in acknowledging our shared history and fostering healing and reconciliation.
Through various programs and events, we strive to highlight Indigenous voices and stories, offering a platform for education, awareness, and reconciliation. From showcasing Indigenous-led performances to hosting discussions and workshops, we aim to honor this important day, not just annually, but within our everyday practices. Our commitment remains to learning, growing, and contributing to the journey of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada.
Artist of the Month - Michelle Thrush
We are delighted to announce Michelle Thrush as our September Artist of the Month. Hailing from Calgary and of Cree descent, Michelle is a highly accomplished actress and a steadfast advocate for Indigenous representation in the arts. Her contributions to the industry are profound and inspiring. Michelle embarked on her acting journey in the 1980s, while still in high school. Since then, she has graced the screens in numerous films and television shows, including Fargo, North of 60, Arctic Air, Prey, and Bones of Crows.
Michelle's talent was recognized with the Best Actress in a Drama series award for her role in Blackstone in 2011. In 2013, she received the Best Guest Performance by a Female in a Dramatic Series award for her role in Arctic Air. Furthermore, she garnered a nomination for the Shaw Media Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role at the Canadian Screen Awards for her work in Blackstone in 2014.
This September, Michelle will be honored with the esteemed Lieutenant Governor Distinguished Artist Award. This prestigious recognition is a testament to her incredible talent, unwavering dedication, and her impactful efforts in promoting Indigenous stories and perspectives within the arts. We wholeheartedly congratulate Michelle on this well-deserved honour.
Join Michelle at the Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre in Medicine Hat on September 16th at 4pm for the prestigious awards ceremony. Lieutenant Governor Salma Lakhani will be presenting the awards as part of the “Art in Motion Festival”. Admission is free and no reservations are required.
Furthermore, Michelle is also the director of 'O'kosi' (pronounced oh-goh-see), our highly anticipated production at The Flanagan Theatre. We extend a warm invitation for you to join us from September 21st to September 30th to experience this transformative performance, guided by the expertise of such a devoted and accomplished artist.
Also, be sure to catch Michelle in the Canadian drama film "Bones of Crows" premiering on CBC on September 20th. This Canadian drama film, written, produced, and directed by Marie Clements, tells the story of a resilient Cree woman who survives the Indian residential school system and later becomes a code talker for the Canadian Air Force during World War II. With an incredible supporting performance by Michelle, this is a film you won't want to miss.