The Journey of Reconciliation

Over the past few weeks I had the honour of attending the Land Blessing Ceremony at the University of Manitoba – for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s permanent home and was witness to the Indigenous Naming Knowledge Circle’s opening ceremony, where survivors will be bringing forward a proposal to rename Bishop Grandin Boulevard and Grandin Street.

Two different events, but both incredibly powerful as we listened to the truths shared by residential school survivors. We are all on a journey of reconciliation, and these acts are one of many small steps we are taking to help  heal the pain and trauma inflicted on Indigenous peoples.

• The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is located on the University of Manitoba campus. A new building will rise on the banks of the Red River, and the land blessing, and burying of tobacco launched the beginnings of the new building.
• The City of Winnipeg has an Indigenous Relations Division – which provides leadership and experience from an Indigenous perspective on civic programs, services, and initiatives that support and address the needs of Winnipeg’s Indigenous community; now and into the future. This is a very good starting place to learn more about Winnipeg’s truth and reconciliation path forward.

Truth and Reconciliation Week – September 27^th – October 1st:

Truth and Reconciliation Week is a 5-day national event that will continue the conversations from Every Child Matters. Important conversations including the truths of the Indigenous treaties, First Nation, Métis and Inuit land claims, and the residential schools system. This online event will provide historical workshops, exclusive video content, and activities for students and the general public all supported by artistic and cultural performances by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists.

• See details at Truth and Reconciliation Week
• September 30^th is Orange Shirt Day – a day when we honour the Indigenous children who were sent away to residential schools in Canada and learn more about the history of those schools.

There are many healing ceremonies and events occurring throughout the City, especially in this month of September. I encourage you to attend some of them, either virtually or in person, to hear the truths told by survivors, and look inwards to gain greater understanding and compassion.