Manitoba Indigenous advocates want reflection, learning to continue beyond Sept. 30
Following National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Indigenous advocates say it’s important to continue reflection and learning beyond Sept. 30.
On Friday, thousands of Manitobans dressed in orange and marched through Winnipeg for the second annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada.
Kyle Mason, a reconciliation consultant, says he was glad to see the mass turnout, but says it’s just one step on the journey towards reconciliation.
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“The journey requires multiple steps,” said Mason. “It requires time and energy, effort. I sincerely hope people continue growing, learning as the days, weeks and months go on. It should be a life-changing experience for people. When we talk about reconciliation, we talk about relationships, and with any relationship, it requires time and energy for it work.
“It’s encouraging. It brings me a lot of hope for the future and the present.”
Winnipeggers march on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30, 2022. (Credit: CityNews)
Katherine Legrange, the director of 60s Scoop Legacy of Canada, says she hopes people not only continue to reflect throughout the year, but hopes people don’t treat this day as another holiday or long weekend going forward.
“Survivors carry this trauma with them all the time, it’s not just for one day that we get to take a day off, it’s with us always,” said Legrange. “It’s really important to reflect on that and continue the education piece.”
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Legrange says it’s imperative that survivors are part of the conversation when it comes to reconciliation.
“These conversations really need to continue throughout the year, and we will certainly remember that in the next provincial election,” she said.
Winnipeggers march on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30, 2022. (Credit: CityNews)
On Thursday, the Manitoba government voted against Bill 200 – the Orange Shirt Day Statutory Act – to make Sept. 30 a stat holiday in the province.
Mason says he was disappointed by that decision.
“It’s time,” he said. “If they want to take serious steps towards reconciliation and have a relationship as equals, that’s the step in that way. This was the second year. I hope it’s in place for the third year.”
