Monday marks the fourth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and a number of events are being held in Winnipeg and across the province to commemorate the day — which is also being observed as a statutory holiday in Manitoba for the first time.
The day is to memorialize the thousands of Indigenous children who died in Canadian residential schools and honour those who survived the system, including the families and communities still living with the impacts of the legacy of the schools, which operated for more than 160 years in Canada.
The day is also known as Orange Shirt Day, in honour of Phyllis Webstad, whose new orange shirt — given to her by her grandmother — was taken during her first day at a B.C. residential school in 1973.
Now, Sept. 30 is observed as a day for reflection and education on the harms caused by the schools, and the ongoing experiences of Indigenous people in Canada.
Here are some of the events you can take part in on Monday.
Winnipeg
Sacred fire at the Leaf: The Leaf, in Assiniboine Park, welcomes visitors to join for quiet personal reflection at the fire node in the Indigenous Peoples Garden, or engage with Indigenous educator Cree Crowchild, who will be interacting with visitors and sharing tobacco teachings from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The sacred fire will begin at 7:30 a.m. and be maintained until 6 p.m.
Healing walk and powwow: Wa-Say Healing Centre is hosting a walk and powwow in downtown Winnipeg. The walk begins with a gathering at Oodena Circle at The Forks at 9 a.m., followed by a pipe ceremony and opening remarks. The walk will depart at 11 a.m. for the RBC Convention Centre, where the powwow will take place.
Ma Mawi Every Child Matters youth gathering: A morning of ceremony, teachings and activities to honour youth at Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre’s Gathering Place for Truth and Reconciliation (445 King St.) begins at 9 a.m.
Assiniboia Residential School reunion: Survivors and intergenerational survivors of Assiniboia Residential School are welcome to join a two-day reunion and memorial event on Sunday and Monday.
National Day For Truth and Reconciliation at the Children’s Museum: The museum at The Forks is providing free admission with programming and activities from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Canadian Museum for Human Rights: The national museum at The Forks is also offering free admission on Monday, along with activities throughout the day.
Orange Shirt Days at the Manitoba Museum: The museum is providing free admission from Saturday through to Monday, along with special programming.
Brandon
The Brandon Urban Aboriginal People’s Council is hosting several events at the Riverbank Discovery Centre to mark the day beginning at 10 a.m. Details can be found on the group’s Facebook page.
Other events throughout Manitoba
- The City of Selkirk and Selkirk Friendship Centre are hosting a truth and reconciliation ceremony at Selkirk Park beginning at 10 a.m.
- In Birtle, the third annual reconciliation run half-marathon is being run on Saturday, starting at 9 a.m. at the ruins of the original former Birtle Residential School, and concludes at Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation.
- The Sagkeeng Health Centre is hosting a powwow from noon to 7 p.m. at the Sagkeeng Anicinabe First Nation powwow arbour.