Manitoba invests millions into the new National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

In a powerful step toward reconciliation, the Manitoba government has pledged $20 million to establish a permanent home for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Mitchell Ringos reports.

By Mitchell Ringos

Posted September 12, 2025 5:55 pm.

Last Updated September 13, 2025 1:11 pm.

The former Southwood Golf and Country Club grounds will be the new site of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba.

It will be where leaders, Elders, and survivors are gathering to mark the next step in building a permanent home for truth-telling and healing.

*Location of the new site of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. (Photo Credit: Mitchell Ringos, CityNews)*

The new facility will hold sacred items, residential school records, and oral testimonies from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

It’s envisioned as an international learning lodge, with space for ceremonies, exhibits, research, and education, while serving as a place to advance the Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.

“The children taken away, the families and communities left behind, we are here to work for you. This means preserving millions of documents, including statements of survivors, the new home will allow us to do that under one roof for the first time,” said Stephanie Scott, the executive director of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

The centre has operated out of a temporary location at the university since 2015. Leaders say this funding brings the vision of a permanent home closer to reality, alongside earlier contributions from Ottawa, The Winnipeg Foundation, and the University of Manitoba.

*Current building where the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is located. (Photo Credit: Mitchell Ringos, CityNews)*

“This is going to help with learning and future generations talking about human rights, but it will be a cool place when you’re hosting relatives,” said Premier Wab Kinew.

“You heard one of the survivors say today, this will be one of the only places in the world of its kind, so we are going to be a real leader here in Manitoba, and that will mean good things for future generations.”

Niigaan Sinclair, a Professor of Native Studies at the University of Manitoba added, “The NCTR was a vision that came out of survivor, that survivors said NCTR is a place for our stories to live on, but also lead us forward on a path of reconciliation for the country”

Over 90 per cent of funding for the new centre is now secured; however, an official construction date is unknown.