St Thomas United Church NW Calgary

Truth and Reconciliation Lunch and Learn:
2026-04-26 12:00 (America/Edmonton)
Save the Date: Sunday April 26, 2026.
Please plan to stay after the service for a light lunch & to hear a presentation from guest speakers Sandra Hayes Gardiner, author of the book “Crossing the River”, and Cheryle Chagnon-Greyeyes, an Elder and Traditional Knowledge Keeper. Sandra & Cheryle will recount where their experiences of racism intersected, as well as their perspectives on reconciliation from an Indigenous and non-Indigenous point of view.
An excerpt from Sandra’s book, Crossing the River: an unsettling memoir:
“Growing up in the 1950’s and 60’s, Sandra absorbed the notions of continuing racism and prejudice against Indigenous people. As a social worker with the federal government, she was responsible for removing ‘at risk’ Indigenous children from their families, often sending them to residential school. Over time she was led to advocacy work with Indigenous communities and developed a passionate dedication to unlearning and relearning Canada’s real history. Sandra faced the task of ‘crossing the river’ between two communities, the mostly white town where she lived, and the Cree Nation on the other side. You will be shocked, saddened, encouraged, and ultimately challenged to ask yourself the questions she asks herself even now – what kind of Canada do you want and how will you be part of that unfolding history?”

Art of Farewell for May
2026-05-31 11:30 | St Thomas United Church, 100 Hawkwood Blvd NW, Calgary, Canada
