News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

December 13, 2018

Province Announces Funding for Circles for Reconciliation



The Manitoba government is strengthening its support for reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people by funding Circles for Reconciliation, Indigenous and Northern Relations Minister Eileen Clarke announced today.

“Our government is pleased to provide $25,000 to Circles for Reconciliation, furthering the opportunity to learn about the shared history of Canadian Indigenous nations and peoples,” said Clarke.  “By building significant relationships between individuals and groups, we are building a stronger Manitoba.”

Established in 2016, Circles for Reconciliation aims to create trusting, meaningful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples as part of the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

A small circle of 10 participants, five Indigenous and five non-Indigenous, is created and led by two trained facilitators, one of whom is Indigenous.  Groups meet weekly or biweekly for 10 gatherings and volunteer facilitators lead participants through discussions on various themes such as the meaning of land for Indigenous people, residential schools, intergenerational trauma, the pass system and the ‘60s Scoop.  There is no cost to participate, only a commitment to treat everyone with respect.

“The desire to foster respectful relationships is the heart and soul of what we set out to do in our project, Circles for Reconciliation,” said Raymond Currie, project co-ordinator.  “In the circle, people hear stories about the history of relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people over the last 150 years and everyone has a chance to listen, learn and share with one another.”

To date, 430 circle meetings have been hosted involving 1,100 people and more than 4,800 hours of discussion on reconciliation.  Circles have been completed with faith groups, corporations, educational institutions, social services agencies, service clubs and new Canadian agencies.

Clarke noted that while the project started in Winnipeg, circles are taking place throughout rural Manitoba and have been expanded to Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.

To learn more about Circles for Reconciliation, visit www.circlesforreconciliation.ca.

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