In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, Wesley Hall at The University of Winnipeg will be lit orange nightly from September 21 to 30. The University will also be closed on Wednesday, September 30.
Throughout the next two weeks, special events, learning opportunities, and activities will be dedicated to honouring residential school Survivors and learning from Indigenous Peoples and perspectives.
“The Office of Indigenous Engagement, and many units and individuals at UWinnipeg, spend weeks if not months preparing for Truth and Reconciliation Week,” said Dr. Chantal Fiola, Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Engagement. “We take seriously the opportunity to demonstrate our unwavering support for Survivors of Indian Residential and Day Schools and their families through the work of reconciliation. We denounce all forms of Residential School denialism. We remain committed to uplifting Survivors’ truths as can be seen in the robust slate of important events at UWinnipeg throughout the week.”
Information on these and other events can be found on the Truth and Reconciliation Week Events page.
Monday, September 21
Survivors’ flag raising
UWinnipeg will be raising the Survivors’ flag in front of Wesley Hall at 10 a.m. Designed by Survivors with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, the Survivors’ flag honours all the lives and communities impacted by residential school. Light refreshments will be served and all are welcome. Hosted by Angeline Nelson, Director of Indigenous Community Learning and Engagement on behalf of Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Engagement, Dr. Chantal Fiola, with remarks by Interim President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Jino Distasio and a traditional drum song by Sarah Delaronde.
Orange steel cut-outs in the shape of T-shirts will also be installed on the front lawn of campus on Monday, September 21. This installation was created by local artist Kendra Gierys.
10 a.m., front lawn
Tuesday, September 22
Orange shirt giveaway
Come to The Hive between 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. where UWSA and Indigenous Engagement will be giving away orange shirts to the campus community, while supplies last. Cash donations to Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre are welcome.
Everyone is welcome to wear their orange shirts throughout the week.
11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., The Hive
Weaving Two Worlds on a Path to Healing lecture
This presentation shares College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba’s reconciliation journey and efforts to address anti-Indigenous racism in healthcare through its 2025 Standard of Practice, mandatory cultural safety training, and the Indigenous-led Restorative Practices Program. Through the themes of Truth, Humility, Courage, and emerging insights, Dr. Ainslie Mihalchuk and Tara Faye Myran (BA4 19, MDP 22) explore how Indigenous and Western worldviews can be woven together to create meaningful change in regulation and healthcare. Central to the story is Ms. Myran’s journey as a First Nations woman, University of Winnipeg alumna, and CPSM leader, highlighting the power of Indigenous leadership, relationship-building, and partnership in advancing reconciliation. Everyone is welcome.
1 to 2:30 p.m., 3C00
Wednesday, September 23
Craft & Cast podcast listening club
Join us in Aabijijiwan New Media Lab (Richardson Building), for the launch of Cast and Craft, a monthly podcast listening and crafting club. This year we will be listening to Ancestral Science, a podcast dedicated to “exploring and sharing the depth of scientific knowledge within stories that humans have been gifted from the Star, Land, and Animal Ancestors for thousands of years”. Organized by the Library, this launch event invites the UWinnipeg community to listen, craft and enjoy tea, coffee and bannock. We will provide limited craft supplies including colouring pages and beading kits. Feel free to bring your own craft of choice.
12 to 2:30 p.m., Aabijijiwan Media Lab, Registration
Thursday, September 24
Indigenous Course Requirement 10th Anniversary
Join the launch of the Indigenous Course Requirement Collection in 3C00 from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. The project will include a digital exhibition featuring a selection of the items collected and the stories behind them as told by those involved in administering, teaching, and taking ICR courses over the years. A physical exhibition will also be available in the Archives this fall. All are welcome to attend.
2:30 to 3:45 p.m., 3C00
Kevin Chief book launch
Come to the launch of alum and Distinguished Alumni Awardee Kevin Chief’s (BA 98) memoir, With a Name Like Chief, where he shares his honest and hopeful account of the struggles and triumphs of his journey from growing up in Winnipeg’s North End to becoming a respected leader, politician, and advocate.
4 to 6 p.m., Duckworth Centre, Registration
Friday, September 25
Fireside chat and book signing
Alum Cheryl Parisien (BA 93) will be presenting her book The Unweaving, a historical novel exploring on Métis family’s fight against colonialism while Dr. Shailesh Shukla presents Indigenous Insights for Planetary Health and Sustainable Food Systems, which aims to improve the understanding and outcomes of planetary health and sustainable food systems.
The campus bookstore will be there selling copies.
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 3C00
Wednesday, September 30
The University will be closed to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This is an opportunity for the UWinnipeg community to take time to reflect and to honour Survivors, their families, and their communities. This can be done by taking part in commemorative community events, and reading, reflecting, and learning more about the history of residential schools and your role in reconciliation.
The Indigenous Students Services Centre (ISSC) is open Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The ISSC provides a safe, culturally supportive space for Indigenous students. The National Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24 hours, 7 days a week at 1-866-925-4419.
