Elders Story Project

To recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Elders Knowledge Circle Society will host the first public event for the Elders Story Project, a powerful evening of Elders sharing their stories about their Residential School experiences and healing journeys, highlighting the resilience and strength of Indigenous people and the power of traditional practices.  

The Elders Knowledge Circle Society (EKCS) is a collective including 33 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Elders and Knowledge Keepers who either experienced Residential and Day Schools themselves, or who are the children of those who did.  

Together, the members of the EKCS hope to create a sustainable model to protect Indigenous stories, language, and oral culture through bridging gaps with the next generation while also providing a centralized source of information for Western organizations.   
 
The event on September 30 will provide an opportunity for all community members to gather, free of charge, to hear from EKCS members, bear witness to their experience, and listen to, learn from, and build relationships with Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers. Learning the truth is an important first step for all Canadians toward healing our shared communities. 

The Elders Knowledge Circle Society was formed when the initial members connected in response to the discovery of over 200 unmarked graves at the former site of the Kamloops Indian Residential School in Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation in May 2021. The event reawakened traumatic experiences and highlighted the need for cross-cultural supports around Indigenous experiences of Residential Schools, including ways that settlers can support Indigenous communities through learning our true shared history.  

The Elders Story Project will take place at 7:00 pm in the Jack Singer Concert Hall at Arts Commons. The Elders Knowledge Circle Society partners with Arts Commons, Calgary Counselling Centre, Calgary Public Library, Ernst & Young (EY), United Way of Calgary and Area, and the University of Calgary on the Elders Story Project.   
   
Learn more about the Elders Story Project