From Roots We Rise - A Youth Gathering

This 2 hour live educational gathering is a highlight of NCTR’s Truth and Reconciliation Week programming and will immerse you in the rich tapestry of Indigenous culture, music, dance, and history while honouring residential school Survivors. It is designed to open a dialogue with young people about the truth of Canada’s residential school system

This year’s theme, “Good Health and Wellbeing” is rooted in a traditional view of health that encompasses physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental wellness and finding a balance across all four aspects of wellbeing.

Hosted by Mimi O’Bonsawin and Lance Cardinal, the educational program will support classroom learning through the lived experiences shared by Residential School Survivors, alongside a powerful lineup of Indigenous performers, Elders, knowledge-holders, authors, and motivational speakers. Students will also experience performances by Indigenous dancers and singer-songwriters, including platinum-selling group Neon Dreams, helping to bring stories, culture, and reconciliation to life in a meaningful and engaging way.

Day 4 Volunteer Roles September 2026 (Some roles are required both Sep 15 & 16)

Volunteer Registration & Info (2)
(Event Assistant category)
Welcome & register volunteers during the walkabout and the morning of the event
Provide volunteer t-shirts
Direct them to their volunteer role and location
Ensure area is tidy and coffee area is clean
Monitor the volunteer area
Other tasks as they arise

Entrance & Section Greeters (Pairs - 12 volunteers)
(Event Assistant category)
Required at the exterior entrance(s) (in use) - beyond the ushers
Required at floor level entrances to ensure safe transition to arena floor and back
Familiarize self with the layout of the Edmonton EXPO Centre (will receive layout)
Welcome guests upon arrival
Direct guests to appropriate area or section
Escort guests requiring assistance as required
Responding to queries as required or directing them appropriately
Assisting the ushers as required

Artist Greeters (2-4) Required Sep 15 & 16
(Event Assistant category)
Required at the artist entrance 
Greet artists and direct them to the entrance.
Inside entrance:  
Check in artists 
Confirm any soundchecks or programming. 
Notify the production team as each of the artists check in
Ensure any concerns or late arrivals are communicated to the appropriate person
Volunteers may alternate and will escort artists to their dressing room or green room depending upon arrival time, schedule and the production team’s instruction 
Someone must always be present at the entrance. 
Volunteers will take turn escorting artists
Familiarize self with the layout of the Edmonton EXPO Centre (will receive layout)

Elders Assistant & Guest Escort (2-4)
Stationed near the honoured guests registration & seating, and by the elevator 
Greet Elders, assist and/or escort those requiring assistance
Physically take any Elders to the appropriate area/section as requested 
Respond to various requests

Memorial Cloth Assistants (10 volunteers)
(Event Assistant category)
Provide assistance during the procession of the Memorial Cloth as required 
Assist with helping line up those carrying the Memorial Cloth
Ensure anyone requiring additional support has strong individuals on either side of them should their arms tire
May be placed along the route to assist in guiding the procession
Assist handling the cloth at the beginning of the procession as required 
Assist at the end of the procession as required.  
Assist and/or guide guests back to their seats as required

Event Support & Runner (4)
Stationed with the volunteer registration & info section
Assist & direct volunteers and guests to the appropriate spaces - 
Greet elders, assist and/or escort those requiring assistance
Physically take any Elders to the appropriate area/section as requested 
Respond to various requests from event team - many will be time sensitive

Guest Experience Greeters & Concierge (20-25 volunteers)
Greet the youth and educators attending this amazing event 
Greet schools upon arrival
Register schools 
Direct them from buses to ticket pick up or the appropriate entrance
Help facilitate a smooth entry into the venue 
Direct groups to their assigned section as required
Help the venue staff seat groups in their assigned section
Ensure the seats are filled front to back, no gaps (Seating is first come first serve, within the section) 
Assist with disseminating any giveaways as required
Be on stand by to provide assistance during the procession of the Memorial Cloth (approximately mid-way through the program).  If required, fill any gaps in carrying the Memorial Cloth.
At the conclusion of the production, help facilitate exit.

Volunteers will be finished no later than 2pm.