National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation occurs on September 30. This day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families, and the resiliency of their communities. We encourage everyone to take the time on this day—and all days—to acknowledge and better understand the history and harms done, explore the vast learning resources available, donate to and support important related causes and organizations, and participate in programs created and led by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit organizers.
We raise this Every Child Matters flag and post this text courtesy of The Outdoor Learning Store to honour all Indigenous children who lost their lives during the time of Residential schools.
The first Residential school opened in Canada in 1831. The last Residential school closed in 1997. In the past three years, there have been over 2,163+ unmarked graves found using ground-penetrating radar in Canada.
The flag is designed by Carol Louie, Robert Louie, Denice Louie and Gabe Kobasiuk.
The following text is courtesy of Jenna Jasek, Indigenous Advisor to the Outdoor Learning Store.
Raise this flag to honour those who never returned home, the survivors, their families, and those still missing. Join the journey of healing. In her 2013 release ‘Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants’ by Robin Wall Kimmerer, she writes that “duties and gifts are the same. Eagles were given the gift of far sight, so it is their duty to watch over us. Rain fulfils its duty as it falls because it was given the gift of sustaining life. What is the duty of humans? If gifts and responsibilities are one, then asking, ‘What is our responsibility?’ is the same as asking, ‘What is our gift?’ It is said that only humans have the capacity for gratitude. This is among our gifts. The power of gratitude incites a cycle of reciprocity”. We encourage you to discover your gifts and, in return, spread your appreciation for the world around you. This is a step in healing.
We are grateful for the opportunity to join the healing journey. Let us all continue to find time to connect with the natural world and spread your appreciation.
🍂A Full Fall Schedule 🍂
OCT 11 - Accelerating Climate Action in the Bow Valley!
Come together as a community, learn about great local projects taking inspiring climate action, and add your voice to where we go next.
This meeting will bring together representatives from businesses, not-for-profit organizations, government agencies and other sectors of the Bow Valley community to take climate action and simultaneously address social, economic and health issues in the Bow Valley. There is a lot of fantastic work that is currently happening in the Bow Valley; this event strives to Connect, Strengthen and Amplify community climate action.
Join us for Accelerating Climate Action in the Bow Valley on October 11, 2023, from 1 - 5 pm at the Coast Hotel in Canmore. Find out more and Register Here.
Oct 12 - Renewable Energy Investment Open House
Join the Bow Valley Green Energy Cooperative (BVGEC) and the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley for an informative evening at the Renewable Energy Investment Open House on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 7:00 PM
This in-person event will be held at Temple B'nai Tikvah, where Bow Valley Green Energy Cooperatives' newest solar installation is scheduled for construction this fall.
Discover the latest opportunities in the renewable energy sector and learn how you can invest in a sustainable future. Hear from the BVGEC team and gain insights into upcoming renewable energy projects and the benefits of community generation.
Oct 16 - Earth Talks - Firesmart in the Bow Valley
As we transition out of Canada’s worst wildfire season, we invite you to join us for a presentation and discussion on October 16, 2023 at 7 pm at the Canmore Public Library. Cliff Whyte will be sharing about the current state of our forest in terms of fire, how we got here, and what we might be able to do about it. Find out more and Register Here.
This FREE Earth Talks event will take place on Monday, October 16th, 2023, at 7:00 pm at the Canmore Public Library in the Friends Program Room. Registration is required to attend in person, or you can join online LIVE via Zoom by clicking here.
Oct 19 - Prospective Host Engagement Forum
The Bow Valley Green Energy Cooperative (BVGEC) and the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley invite you to join us at the Prospective Host Engagement Forum on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 4 pm,
This in-person event will be held at Temple B'nai Tikvah, where Bow Valley Green Energy Cooperatives' newest solar installation is scheduled for construction this fall.
Are you wondering if hosting a BVGEC renewable energy installation is right for your organization? Then get ready to connect with like-minded individuals and learn more at this exciting in-person event.
Nov 6 & 7 -Building for Sustainability Symposium
Please join the Bow Valley Builders & Developers Association and the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley for the inaugural Building for Sustainability Symposium, a symposium of strategies, solutions and best practices in buildings, infrastructure, and urban planning.
Tickets are almost sold out, so if you are considering attending, don't delay! Get your ticket today!
We look forward to hosting you at our premier event!
Other Events Coming Soon!
Tonight!
The Freedom Trail with Angus Cockney
Join Angus Cockney, artist, athlete, and Inuit residential school Survivor, for his presentation in reflection of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Date Friday, September 29, 2023
Time7:00 PM
Location Margaret Greenham Theatre
Registration not required. Seating available on a first come, first serve basis.
Angus tells the story of three young boys running away from a Catholic-run residential school in Inuvik, NT, and their journey to Tuktoyaktuk (also called Tuk). When the road to Tuk was being constructed, several Survivors remembered the trek and wanted to honour the memory by renaming the Inuvik-Trek highway to the Freedom Trail. Drawing on his lived experience, Angus shares a powerful testimony from his life as a residential school Survivor and his own freedom trail.
Please note that this presentation addresses challenging topics, including themes of child abuse, assault, and residential schooling.
Find out more.
It's time again to Swap-O-Rama! at the Canmore Public Library!
All sizes, genders, and ages are welcomed and encouraged.
With Halloween just around the corner, costumes are welcome too!
Save the date!
In honour of our 26th birthday, the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley is hosting our second annual Community Square Dance fundraiser on Friday, November 17, 2023! Last year was an absolute blast, and we look forward to another year of boot-stompin' fun with you all!
Date: Friday, November 17, 2023
Doors open: 7:00 PM
Dance begins: 7:30 PM
Location: Cornerstone Theater/Weddings venue in Canmore
Ticket price: $25 (Tickets available soon!)
A silent auction and light snacks will be provided.
Dance the night away to an incredible live band and so much laughing your belly will hurt the next day! All funds raised will go to supporting the Biosphere Institute's programs.
