Chantal Daniels, director of Ongomiizwin – Education, opened the ceremony with a powerful message. 

“This land has always been with our people,” Daniels said. “This land has always been a place of gathering, of ceremony and care. It holds memory and it holds our truth. But that sacred relationship was finally disrupted by the residential school system. 

“Yet the land never forgot us, and we have never forgotten the land as Indigenous people. Here at Ongomiizwin, we are reclaiming that bond through ceremony, through teachings and through the fire burning as we speak now in our Medicine Garden.” 

Elder Margaret Lavallee, Elder-in-residence at Ongomiizwin, addressed the crowd and said a prayer. 

“We think about the children that have lost their lives for nothing,” she said. 

George Muswaggon, Knowledge Keeper at Ongomiizwin, shared teachings and spoke about the significance of the ceremony. 

“What we’re doing is acknowledging the richness of our past, the strength of our present and the hope of our future,” Muswaggon said.  

A ceremony song was performed by Dr. Lisa Monkman, Indigenous physician advisor with Ongomiizwin. 

Elder Charlotte Nolin places tobacco into the fire at the Medicine Garden.

Smudge was passed around. Elder Charlotte Nolin, Elder-in-residence at Ongomiizwin, shared teachings about sage, which was used in the smudge, and other Indigenous medicines. 

“The medicines teach us about this — how to love one another, how to be gentle with one another,” Nolin said. “We’re speaking of everyone — not just Indigenous people — everyone, because we are all related.” 

Dr. Peter Nickerson, vice-provost (health sciences) and dean of Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, spoke during the ceremony about the significance of NDTR. 

“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an important time for Rady Faculty educators and learners to reflect on the steps we can take to decolonize health care, improve access to equitable care, and provide culturally safe care in partnership with our Indigenous communities,” Nickerson said. 

Melanie MacKinnon, executive director of Ongomiizwin – Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing, talked about Ongomiizwin’s growing reputation. 

“I think we’re called gems of the university,” MacKinnon said. “And part of that is the work that our physicians, our nurses, our physiotherapists, our occupational therapists do, and a number of other disciplines on our behalf in community — every day, all day, throughout the year.” 

In closing, Daniels said: “As health-care professionals, current and future, I want to remind you that you hold the power to shape the future of the care in Manitoba. You are not only healers and educators and advocates — you are the change makers, and Reconciliation must be a part of that.” 

Attendees walked to the Medicine Garden, placing tobacco in the fire as a symbol of commitment. A spirit dish of bannock and tea was shared at the Brodie Atrium.  

Orange Shirt Day Walk on Fort Garry campus 

At Fort Garry campus, over 200 people took part in the annual Orange Shirt Day walk, hosted by the Nursing Students’ Association, on the morning of Sept. 26. 

A ceremony was held prior to the walk, with an opening prayer by Elder Stan Manoakeesick, a lead researcher from Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO), an advocacy group for First Nations in the province.  

Manoakeesick also spoke alongside student researcher Amari Hart about MKO’s Path Forward project, which investigates former residential school sites. He discussed the difficulty in identifying all of the children who went missing in the residential school system. 

“We cannot properly identify them and we cannot properly help in commemorating them and burying them with ceremony according to our traditions. But we honour and commemorate them each day, such as today. We have to remember, in that way, we restore their dignity and we acknowledge their lives,” Manoakeesick said. 

A crowd of people wearing orange shirts gathers inside the Helen Glass Centre for Nursing.

Other speakers included Chief David Monias of Cross Lake First Nation and College of Nursing dean Dr. Kellie Thiessen. 

Following the walk, NSA senior stick Mariam Yusef renewed the nursing students’ pledge to practice culturally safe nursing care. 

“Orange Shirt Day is a powerful opportunity to pause and reflect on the painful truths of the past. It is also a time to come together, to heal, to reconcile and recommit ourselves to building a future rooted in respect, dignity and justice,” she said. 

Yusef reminded the nursing students in attendance not to overlook the lasting impact of residential schools on Indigenous families and communities. “Our responsibility is to walk alongside them with respect and compassion, providing client-centred care that acknowledges trauma, affirms cultural identity and fosters resilience.” 

The event was hosted by NSA Indigenous representative Kayleigh Pagee, who reminded those gathered to continue to think about Orange Shirt Day year-round.   

“To everyone here today, may we carry this work beyond this gathering, into our departments, our conversations, our budgets and our everyday decisions,” she said. “Let us move together from words to relationship, from acknowledgement to action, from remembrance to repair.” 

The morning concluded with a cultural dance performance by UM kinesiology student Jordan Flett, from Norway House Cree Nation.

***

Watch highlights on Instagram: instagram.com/reel/DPMlZULgVQJ/

Each year on September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation reminds Canadians to honour Survivors, remember the children who never returned home and confront the deep wounds of colonial history.  

Across UM campuses this fall, students, faculty, staff and community members will pause, reflect and respond in diverse ways. 

At the Indigenous Student Orientation, UM first-year student Shylo Cloud said, “I just wanted to take a moment to express myself.”

Elders’ fire 

At Migizii Agamik, UM Elder-in-Residence Kookum Karen Courchene is leading an orange shirt origami activity open to all. From now until September 28, participants can fold, write or draw their messages and display them on the Indigenous Student Centre’s windows. On September 29, the shirts and cards will be placed in the fire, carrying memory and prayer to the spirit world. 

“I hope those who know this history continue to tell the story. I hope those who don’t will learn it. And I hope we never forget.” — Kookum Karen

From left to right: Dr. Cary Miller, organizer of the Teach-In for Reconciliation; Survivor Astrid MacNeill, sharing her healing journey at the Heart Garden; and Elder-in-Residence Kookum Karen Courchene, leading the orange shirt origami activity.

Survivors’ voices 

Since its launch in 2023 by the Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous) (OVPI), the Heart Garden has become one of UM’s most symbolic reconciliation spaces. On September 25–26, it will once again gather messages of remembrance, reflection and commitment.

Residential school Survivor Astrid MacNeill will share her healing journey, which began in community-led ceremonies.

“Healing is possible when conditions are right. Accommodation, truth and respect.” — Astrid MacNeill

From Churchill, Manitoba, proud York Factory Cree woman Antonina Kandiurin says taking the brave step into post-secondary at 17 opened doors to growth, helping others, and building connections worldwide.

Students’ journeys 

For many students, reconciliation is both personal growth and collective strength. 

Master’s student in Medicine and Indigenous woman Antonina Kandiurin recalls arriving at UM with little expectation of how her identity would be shaped. She faced discrimination but also found support and belonging alongside growing resources for Indigenous students. 

Kandiurin describes her experience as “transformative, grounding, empowering” and affirms: “Reconciliation is ongoing work, not a checklist. It must be realized through action, not just statements.” 

Dr. Niigaan Sinclair, Professor of Indigenous Studies at UM, is a leading scholar, writer and public intellectual dedicated to revitalizing Indigenous knowledge, language and history.

Academic and institutional change 

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Department of Indigenous Studies. Scholar Dr. Niigaan Sinclair notes that Indigenous knowledge was once confined to “small classrooms and small courses” but is now embedded in daily conversations and institutional planning. 

He points to initiatives such as the Summer Institute, led by Dr. Cary Miller, which builds Indigenous literacy among faculty and staff, and the Indigenous Credit Requirement for all Faculty of Arts students — evidence that reconciliation is becoming integral to UM’s teaching and learning. 

With support from the OVPI, Dr. Miller will also host a Teach-In for Reconciliation on September 29, offering the UM community another opportunity to deepen understanding and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Commitment to the future

UM leadership echoes this shared vision.

Vice President (Indigenous) Dr. Angie Bruce adds that as UM has a unique responsibility to transform commitment into action through education and research.  

“At UM, Truth and Reconciliation is not accomplished through a single day of events, but through an ongoing responsibility. Guided by the Truth and Reconciliation Framework, we are embedding Reconciliation into teaching, research, policy and partnerships with community. Our goal is to ensure that Reconciliation is part of the university’s everyday practice, not just marked once a year.”

As orange paper shirts turn to ash and heart cards rest quietly in the garden, these acts of remembrance remind us that reconciliation is not a single day or week but an ongoing journey — one that UM continues to walk every day.

As we close out September, universities across Canada are well into their new year of learning. An exciting change is underway. An increasing number of First Nations, Inuit and Métis students have enrolled in post-secondary studies.

Many universities are aware of this growing interest in post-secondary studies among Indigenous Peoples and have actively recruited from this rising demographic. In 2021, Statistics Canada reported an increase in First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples acquiring bachelors-level degrees compared to the previous five years. Statistics Canada data also points to a promising increase in employment status for Indigenous graduates.

But the exciting trend is raising questions about what commitments universities have made to the recruitment, retention and support of Indigenous students.

Read the full story here.

On the Bannatyne campus, faculty, staff and students wearing orange T-shirts attended the event held in the Brodie Centre atrium. The gathering was presented by Ongomiizwin – Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing.  

Elder Margaret Lavallee, Elder-in-residence at Ongomiizwin, gave the opening prayer and Debra Beach Ducharme, director of Indigenous health integration with Ongomiizwin – Education, hosted the event. 

Dr. Peter Nickerson speaks to the audience gathered in Brodie Centre atrium.

Dr. Peter Nickerson, vice-provost (health sciences) and dean of the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, gave remarks and spoke to the audience about the recently completed mural in the atrium by Anishinaabe artist Blake Angeconeb. He asked that people reflect on the symbolism of the art which reminds them that they are on Indigenous land and Treaty 1 Territory.  

“National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an important time for Rady Faculty of Health Sciences faculty members, learners and trainees to reflect on your role in truth and reconciliation and the steps you can take to decolonize health care, improve access to equitable care and provide culturally safe care in partnership with Indigenous communities,” Nickerson said.  

Dr. Marcia Anderson, vice-dean Indigenous health, social justice and anti-racism, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, gave remarks and thanked Elder Lavallee for the important work she does at the Rady Faculty. Anderson said she always thinks about what it must be like for Elder Lavallee on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation because she is a residential school survivor and day school survivor.  

A panel discussion took place that included [from left to right] Dr. Vanessa Poliquin, Dr. Lisa Monkman and Dr. Marcia Anderson.

“Some of us have heard some of the stories of what you experienced there, and you still keep showing up for us with love, with generosity, with humour, with kindness and with teachings … We just really value and appreciate you so much,” Anderson said.   

A panel discussion took place that included Anderson; Dr. Lisa Monkman, Indigenous health curriculum co-lead for post graduate medical education, Max Rady College of Medicine; and Dr. Vanessa Poliquin, associate professor and department head of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine.  

The panelists discussed the apologies by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba and the Canadian Medical Association for harms to Indigenous Peoples, and they spoke about institutional resistance and reconciliation.   

The event concluded with an honour song by Monkman, followed by bannock and refreshments.  

Orange Shirt Day Walk on Fort Garry campus 

At Fort Garry campus, hundreds participated in the Nursing Students’ Association’s (NSA) 10th annual Orange Shirt Day Walk, which started and ended at the Helen Glass Centre for Nursing.  

In the past, the walk concluded at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on Dysart Road, but growing attendance led to the change. 

The Orange Shirt Day Walk started and ended at the Helen Glass Centre for Nursing.

Prior to the walk, Karen Cochrane, grandmother-in-residence for the Migizii Agamik Bald Eagle Lodge at UM, opened the ceremony by sharing the story of Phyllis Webstad, the residential school survivor who inspired Orange Shirt Day. As a child, Webstad had her brand-new orange shirt taken away from her upon arriving at a residential school in Williams Lake, B.C. 

“Phyllis’ mom wanted the best for her, so she bought her a pretty orange shirt. If your mom or your dad bought you something, you knew that was love, you knew you were valued … Phyllis never saw that orange shirt again.” 

Other speakers included Dr. Michael Benarroch, UM president and vice-chancellor, Dr. Netha Dyck, dean of the College of Nursing, Jennifer Chen, MLA Fort Richmond, NSA indigenous student representative Kayleigh Pagee and Grand Chief Garrison Settee.  

Settee honoured the nursing students in attendance for organizing and taking part in the walk. 

UM student Jordan Flett dances a jig in front of the Helen Glass Centre for Nursing.

“Your pursuit of nursing is not just a career, it is a calling. It is a very special calling that not too many pursue. I honour all of you, because you are a gift to our people and a gift to this province,” Settee said. 

After the walk, NSA senior stick Judah Chepil renewed the nursing students’ pledge to practice culturally safe nursing care. He said the event gave nursing students the opportunity to influence their peers and future colleagues. 

“Our health-care system, historically, has not always served Indigenous communities well, contributing to mistrust. Nurses can be key players in rebuilding this trust,” Chepil said. “Participating in reconciliation efforts helps nursing students understand the mistrust many Indigenous people feel toward institutions, including health care, and how they can become allies in healing this divide.” 

The event concluded with a cultural dance performance by Jordan Flett, a 19-year-old UM student who has performed with the Northern Cree Dancers.

On Sept. 30, Canada will observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Formerly known as Orange Shirt Day, the now federal statutory day honours generations of Indigenous survivors, families and communities impacted by Canada’s residential school system and remembers the children who never returned home. It’s also a good time to honour the “Truth” in Truth and Reconciliation and check in on Canada’s progress on the 94 Calls to Action that came out of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee.

Here at Don’t Call Me Resilient, we’ve curated a playlist of episodes for you that explore the historical and current issues of Indigenous communities. Through the voices of experts, the playlist features discussions related to Indigenous history, justice, rights and resistance. In each episode, Indigenous scholars and experts present their research and ideas to help explain the issues. They dive deep into conversations about the importance of preserving and protecting Indigenous land, life and identity.

Read the full story here.

“It is to honour our relatives, the children who never came home from residential schools and their families that had their children taken from them and of course, Survivors, who did make it home, but brought the legacy of residential schools with them,” says Denise Tardiff, Manager, Manitoba Collaborative Indigenous Education Blueprint.

In the lead up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Sept. 30), Tardiff joined staff from the Office of V.P. Indigenous (OVPI) Engagement and Communications and allies to create a heart garden for a second year in a row. Hearts with messages of empathy for residential school survivors or commitments to acts of Reconciliation surround the outside of the Buller greenspace, while a series of hearts in the shape of a large heart, stand in the middle of the space.

Organizers say it was important to start in a good way, with good intentions and when each heart was planted into the earth, an offering of tobacco, and a prayer was offered while the entire area was smudged.

Denise Tardiff, Manager, Manitoba Collaborative Indigenous Education Blueprint with Kayla Lariviere, Lead, Indigenous Engagement in front of the 2024 Heart Garden. Photo: Mike Latschislaw

“We hope this space will be respected, and people will be cognizant of the footprint they’re leaving if they come and read these (hearts) and imagine what it would have been like for them to suddenly lose brothers, sisters, cousins, aunties, uncles and have that void in their life,” says Tardiff.
In total, 465 hearts fill the space, and the group hopes next year that the garden and the powerful messages it holds, will only grow.

“We want to continue to grow it every year. We’ve had people taking photos, asking questions. I had someone come up to me and say, thank you for doing this, so I think it’s having an impact,” says Kayla Lariviere, Engagement lead, Indigenous Engagement and Communications, OVPI.

The hearts are up for Truth and Reconciliation Week until Sept. 27 and if people didn’t get a chance to participate, Tardiff has advice for other ways people can support acts of Reconciliation.

Photo: Mike Latschislaw

“There is fear of saying the wrong thing, doing the wrong thing and it paralyzes folks. My message to them; is do not let that stop you. If you don’t know what the best way to go about on Reconciliation actions, whether you’re making policy, programs or you’re a teacher and you have Indigenous students, humility is the key,” says Tardiff. “Humility is one of our teachings and key values. When in doubt, have the humility to just ask. There is huge diversity in our Indigenous Peoples, in our languages, in our practices, in our protocols. What works with one group may not necessarily work for another. Consult, listen, make plans, but always keep consulting.”

Learn about other events happening across UM campuses and in the broader community to honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. You can also increase your understanding of the issues affecting Indigenous Peoples in Canada and calls to action at:

• United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDRIP)
• Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action

For support: 

• The Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) offers support such as meetings with the ISC Elders or Knowledge Keeper in residence and student counselling services that can be accessed by contacting ISC directly at 204-474-8850 or by email at isc@umanitoba.ca.
• The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families toll-free at 1-866-925-4419.  
• First Nations, Inuit and Métis seeking immediate emotional support can contact the Hope for Wellness Help Line toll-free at 1-855-242-3310 or by online chat at hopeforwellness.ca. 

“I encourage all UM community members to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by participating in events and taking time to reflect on our past while thinking about change for the future,” says Michael Benarroch, president and vice-chancellor at the University of Manitoba. “Our journey to Reconciliation is progressing but is far from over, and I want to thank Indigenous partners for leading the way as we move down this path together. As a settler, it is my duty to continue to learn so that I can help lead change. That is what I plan to do this week and ask others to do the same.”

ON CAMPUS

Engaging in Economic Reconciliation presented by the Faculty of Law, The Law Society of Manitoba, The Manitoba Bar Association, and Manitoba Law Foundation 
Sept. 20, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In person at Robson Hall, 224 Dysart Rd or online viewing 
Register: https://educationcentre.lawsociety.mb.ca/events/homecoming-2024-engaging-in-economic-reconciliation/

Public Lunch and Learns hosted by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR)
Sept. 23-27, daily at various times
Learn more: Truth and Reconciliation Week 2024 Public Lunch and Learns Registration

Beaded Orange Shirt Pin Workshop hosted by University of Manitoba Indigenous Student’s Association (UMISA) and UMSU Indigenous Community Representative
Sept. 25, 12 to 5 p.m.
UMISA Lounge, 113 Helen Glass Building, 99 Curry Pl.
Drop-in for students and staff to come and go as they like.
If you have any questions, email Indigenousrep@umsu.ca 

Teach-in for Reconciliation hosted by the Department of Indigenous Studies in collaboration with the Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous)
Sept. 27, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (doors open at 12:30 p.m.)
Atrium, Faculty of Architecture, John A. Russell Building, 84 Curry Place
Registration is not required.

10th Annual Orange Shirt Day Walk hosted by the Nursing Students Association, College of Nursing, UMSU
Sept. 27, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Helen Glass Centre for Nursing – Atrium, 89 Curry Place
T-shirts will be handed out starting at 9:45 a.m.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Lunch and Learn hosted by the Manitoba Indigenous Law Students’ Association
Sept. 27, 12 to 1 p.m.
Common Room, 203 Robson Hall, 224 Dysart Rd.
Traditional feast offered.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event presented by Ongomiizwin – Indigenous Institute of Health & Healing
Sept. 27, 11 a.m to 1 p.m.
Brodie Atrium & Mishkiki Gitigaan (Medicine Garden)

Orange Shirt Day Event hosted by the Science Students Association
Oct. 1, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
SSA Lounge 209E Armes Building

OFF CAMPUS

Reconciliation Run hosted by Tréchelle Bunn, UM Alum and current student
Sept. 20 to 30
Virtual and In Person – ruins of the former Birtle Residential School (registration required)
Learn more: Reconciliation Run

Craft & Chat hosted by Anish Healing Centre 
Sept. 24, 12 to 3 p.m. 
Kekinan Centre, 100 Robinson St.
Registration required: email registrations@anish.ca or call 204-334-9395 
Painting project donation for upcoming Truth & Reconciliation Art Gallery https://www.facebook.com/anishxcorp 

The Colour Orange, An Indigenous Art Gallery in the Forest in Support of The Akiing Onji Foundation hosted by Anish Healing Centre and Pineridge Hollow   
Sept. 29, 5 to 8:30 p.m.
Pineridge Hollow, 67086 Heatherdale Rd, Oakbank MB 
Learn more: https://pineridgehollow.com/products/the-colour-orange-2024 

Beading Workshop with Laurie McDougall hosted by Dalnavert Museum and Visitors’ Centre  
Sept. 29, 1 to 4 p.m.
61 Carleton Street 
Registration required: https://www.friendsofdalnavert.ca/calendar/2024/9/29/beading-workshop-with-laurie-mcdougall-culture-days

Remembering the Children hosted by National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
Sept. 30, 3 p.m. EDT
Parliament Hill (Ottawa), Live Broadcast
Learn more: Parliament Hill – Truth and Reconciliation Week (nctr.ca) 

4th Annual Orange Shirt Day Healing Walk hosted by Wa-Say Healing Centre, The Forks, City of Winnipeg, True North Sports and Entertainment, Canada Life Centre 
Sept. 30, 10 a.m.
Starting at Oodena Circle (The Forks), 1 Forks Market Rd.
Learn more: https://wa-say.com/event/orange-shirt-day-2024/

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event hosted by Winnipeg Art Gallery – Qaumajuq in partnership with Hey Cuzzin!
Sept. 30, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Winnipeg Art Gallery – Qaumajuq, 300 Memorial Blvd. (Winnipeg)
Learn more: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation » WAG

4th Annual Every Child Matters Youth Gathering hosted by Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre
Sept. 30, time TBA (morning)
Gathering Place for Truth & Reconciliation (445 King Street, Winnipeg)

Treaty Right to Education, Residential Schools and Reconciliation hosted by Treaty Relations Commision of Manitoba
Sept. 30, 2 to 4 p.m.
Agowiidiwinan Centre at the Forks
Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/trcm1871

Orange Shirt Days: Every Child Matters 
Sept 30 – Oct 2, various times
Manitoba Museum, 190 Rupert Ave. 
Free admission. Learn more: https://manitobamuseum.ca/manitoba-museum-honours-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation/  

Visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website to learn more about work being done to support truth, reconciliation and healing across Canada.

*Note: event details may change after publication. Please check links directly for any updates.

Listen here

“One thing that always stuck with me was my Unkan Donald once told me that when he was at the “school”, he wanted nothing more than to just run away and go home,” says Bunn.

UM law student Tréchelle Bunn

A member of the Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation, and an athlete who believes in the power of movement as medicine, Bunn founded a healing walk in July 2021 which has since grown into the Reconciliation Run, Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation half marathon.

The Reconciliation Run returns this year to continue to promote education and reconciliation across the country.

“Playing hockey my whole life and growing up as an athlete, I’ve always lived by the teaching of movement as medicine and using sport as a way to stay balanced physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually – the four quadrants of the medicine wheel – and the idea of doing a walk or a run really speaks to me and my family as a way to heal,” says Bunn.

The Reconciliation Run begins in Birtle, Manitoba, at the ruins of the former residential school, and concludes on Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation with a community gathering and feast.

For many non-Indigenous people who participate in the run, Bunn says it may be the first time they’ve seen a residential school in person, the first time they’ve heard a Survivor tell their story and, in some cases, even the first time they’ve been on a First Nation in Canada.

“The Reconciliation Run ties all those three elements together and gives participants from all different backgrounds the opportunity to take what they need from the day,” says Bunn. “Whether it’s Indigenous people finding healing, re-claiming space and engaging with community; or non-Indigenous people learning and reflecting on their own family’s history and impact on colonialism and the legacy of Indian residential schools in Canada.”

The Reconciliation Run is open to all runners and walkers and includes an opportunity to participate virtually for those who are unable to make it out to Birtle.

To learn more about the run or to register, visit Bunn’s website at reconciliationrun.ca.

She will host the second annual Reconciliation Run half-marathon in Birtle on Saturday, Sept. 30, an event that recognizes the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. The 23-year-old member of Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation is the founder of the event, which attracted approximately 100 in-person participants in 2022.

This year’s run already has 156 registered entrants, and that number is expected to grow.

Read here