News Releases

Manitoba Government Provides $167,000 to Support Circles for Reconciliation Inc.

The Manitoba government is providing $167,000 in funding to support the ongoing operation of Circles for Reconciliation, a Winnipeg-based national charity that facilitates small group gatherings – circles – between Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants that aim to establish and maintain authentic, mutually respectful relationships, Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations Minister Alan Lagimodiere announced today.

“Our government is committed to advancing reconciliation to build trust, affirm historical agreements, address healing, and create a more equitable and inclusive society,” said Lagimodiere. “We are proud to support this unique, grassroots program that facilitates meaningful dialogue and learning opportunities on current and historical themes related to reconciliation.”

The Manitoba government is providing Circles for Reconciliation (CFR) with an operating grant of $167,000 for 2021 to 2023. This funding will support staff salaries, allowing CFR to build its capacity to respond to the ever-growing demands for circles in communities throughout the province and to establish financial sustainability, the minister said.

“Over the past five years, we have held well over 100 circles in six provinces in response to the tremendous thirst for reconciliation among Canadians from all walks of life,” said Raymond Currie, co-founder, CFR and retired professor, University of Manitoba. “In Manitoba alone, we have hosted multiple circles in Winnipeg, Brandon, Flin Flon, Selkirk and Thompson. Our success stems from the fact that we are an equal grassroots partnership of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. We have offered circles for virtually every type of organization, from businesses to non-profits to educational institutions. Our ongoing research reveals a very high level of satisfaction from participants, who continually demonstrate an ongoing commitment to actions advancing reconciliation long after the 10-week circle they attend. We are very grateful for this strong vote of confidence from the provincial government to continue our work.”

Circles are purposefully designed to bring together five Indigenous and five non-Indigenous participants, following from the belief that relationships are built by equal voices. Each circle meets for 10 gatherings, led by two trained volunteer facilitators, to lay the foundation for respectful relationships. By participating in Circles for Reconciliation, Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants learn from each other in a safe and respectful environment about important aspects of Indigenous people’s history, such as the Indian Act, the ‘60s Scoop and the justice system.