How the UCalgary Bookstore supports Truth and Reconciliation

As the campus reflects on Truth and Reconciliation, the UCalgary Bookstore offers more than merchandise; it becomes a space of education and connection. Every September, the University of Calgary Bookstore supports reconciliation by offering tangible ways for the campus community to engage. This year, that commitment is visible across the month, from the sale of Orange Shirts to curated Indigenous book displays and community partnerships.

Orange Shirts are now available in-store and online. For each purchase, $10 goes directly to the Orange Shirt Society. With no markup on the shirts, the Bookstore ensures that every dollar possible goes toward the society.

Beyond Orange Shirts, the Bookstore has created a Truth and Reconciliation display at its main entrance in MacEwan Student Centre. The display features a curated selection of books by Indigenous authors, celebrating Indigenous voices while encouraging the UCalgary community to deepen their understanding.

One book given special focus is The Story of ii’ taa’poh’to’p: University of Calgary's Journey Towards an Indigenous Strategy. It tells how Elders, senior administrators and community members came together to shape UCalgary’s path forward in Indigenous engagement. In a video interview, Dr. Michael Hart, vice-provost (Indigenous engagement) and associate vice-president (research, Indigenous engagement), shares the book’s importance.

“This story of ii’ taa’poh’to’p addresses the creation of our Indigenous Strategy,” says Dr. Hart. “It is about the work that brought together Indigenous Elders from the region and beyond with our members of the University of Calgary. With the coming together of elders, senior administrators and other members of the University of Calgary, with more than 2000 people participating, we developed 27 recommendations on how to go forward with Indigenous engagement, the work needed to ensure that Indigenous members are participating in ways that are relevant to them.”

Partnership with Calgary Public Library

The commitment carries into the wider community through partnership with the Calgary Public Library. UCalgary is co-hosting two events, one at the Central Library and the other at the Rozsa Centre, to mark Truth and Reconciliation / Orange Shirt Day. Bookstore staff will be on-site at the Roza Centre selling copies of keynote speaker Angela Sterritt’s book titled Unbroken: My fight for survival, hope, and justice for Indigenous Women and Girls. Angela will be signing copies of her book at both events.

“Our role is to create a space where Indigenous voices and perspectives are honoured,” says John Campbell, director of the UCalgary Bookstore. “Whether it’s through featuring Indigenous authors or supporting events in the community, we see the Bookstore as part of the university’s larger commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.”