September 27, 2021
Province to Recognize Truth and Reconciliation Week Sept. 27 to Oct. 1
– – –Awareness and Recognition to Inspire Important Dialogue, Positive Change: Premier, Minister
The Manitoba governmentis recognizing Truth and Reconciliation Week to continue important conversations and bring awareness to the history of Indigenous peoples and to honour survivors of residential schools, their families, their communities and all of those who never made it home, Premier Kelvin Goertzen and Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations Minster Alan Lagimodiere announced today.
“As Manitobans and Canadians we have a collective responsibility to acknowledge and learn from the mistakes of our past, so that we can move forward together in the spirit of reconciliation,” said Goertzen. “Our government is committed to working with Indigenous leadership, communities, survivors, elders and knowledge keepers to chart a new path forward based on healing, mutual respect and common understanding.”
“This week we ask Manitobans to join us to reflect upon the impacts of residential schools,” said Lagimodiere. “This is a listening and learning process that must go beyond a week of recognition. We are committed to continuing to engage in an open and honest dialogue with Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to inspire positive change throughout our province and country.”
Goertzen and Lagimodiere, along with representatives from the ANISH Corporation, Wa-Say Healing Centre, Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre and the Resolution Health Support Worker (RHSW), will jointly participate in a ceremony to light a sacred fire that honours and acknowledges Truth and Reconciliation Week. Manitobans are welcome to attend the sacred fire lightings along with prayers and smudging from Sept. 27 to 29 at Memorial Park.
A number of ceremonies, programs and activities across the province will take place during the course of this week, and Manitobans are encouraged to listen and learn from these events to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the premier noted.
Earlier this year, the House of Commons unanimously passed a bill to establish Sept. 30 as a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.The Manitoba government has formally recognized the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a day of observance to encourage reflection and meaningful discussions about the impacts of residential schools.
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