As members of IATSE Local 856, we are committed to supporting reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and part of that is engaging with and participating in local events that honour this process.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a time for reflection, learning and action. This year, we’ve compiled a list of meaningful ways you can participate in events across Winnipeg and Brandon.
WINNIPEG EVENTS
September 30, 2025
Southern Chiefs’ Organization Inc.: Annual Orange Shirt Day Healing Walk and Pow Wow
Date: September 30, 2025
Schedule:
- 10:00 a.m. – Pipe Ceremony at Oodena Circle, The Forks
- 11:00 a.m. – Healing Walk to RBC Convention Centre, Winnipeg
- 1:00 p.m. – Grand Entry
This free event is open to everyone. Expect intertribal dances, special performances, drums, and arts and crafts tables. Join the Healing Walk and powwow in honouring survivors and reflecting on the impact of residential schools.
September 28-30, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Manitoba Museum: Orange Shirt Day
The Manitoba Museum is offering free admission in observance of Orange Shirt Days and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Visit powerful exhibits and educational films that honour Residential School Survivors and the children who never came home. Highlights include:
- Truth and Reconciliation exhibits and short films
- Powwow performances and hands-on art activities
- Beading circles and pop-up survivor art exhibits
- Planetarium shows featuring Cree star lore and Indigenous legends
- “Every Child Matters” merchandise, with proceeds supporting Indigenous charities
Other city-wide Truth and Reconciliation events happening:
- YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg – Indigenous Culture Talk – West Portage
- Manitoba’s Children’s Museum – National Day For Truth & Reconciliation
- FortWhyte Alive: Natuona Day For Truth and Reconciliation
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BRANDON EVENTS
Truth and Reconciliation Week 2025
September 29, 2025
- 10:00 a.m. – Proclamation and Survivors Flag Raising & Ceremony by Elder Frank Tacan at City Hall
- 1:30 p.m. – Tipi Raising and Teachings by Helper Deborah Tacan
- 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Family Movie Night sponsored by the Brandon Police Service “Wapos Bay” episodes – National Film Board of Canada.
Tuesday, September 30th
- 7:00 a.m. – Sunrise Pipe Ceremony & Sacred Fire Lighting with Elder Frank Tacan and Knowledge Keeper Tim Bone (sponsored by Sunrise Credit Union)
- 10:00 a.m. – Wrap the Community “Through smudge, drum & song we honor our Survivors”
- 12:00 p.m. – Orange Shirt Day 7km Walk and Mini Orange Shirt Day 1km Walk
- 3:30 p.m. – Healing by the River – Indigenous Traditions & Celebration with Host Drum Rolling Thunder
Wednesday, October 1st
- 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. – Brandon School Division Student Outdoor Cultural Programming
- 6:30 p.m. – Full Moon Teachings with Grandmother Debbie Huntinghawk
For more details and specific locations, check out the Facebook event page.
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Why It Matters
By participating in these events, we honour survivors, listen to their stories and contribute to a more inclusive, respectful future for all. It is an opportunity for us, as storytellers, to reflect on the impact of history and use our craft to promote understanding.
Ways to Participate
There are many ways you can show your support for Truth and Reconciliation. Whether you’re in Winnipeg or Brandon, here are a few ideas to get involved:
- Attend a local event – Join the Healing Walk starting at Oodena Circle, attend a powwow, or visit an exhibition.
- Wear an orange shirt on September 30 – Stand in solidarity with Residential School Survivors.
- Learn about the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action – Understanding these calls is an important part of the reconciliation process.
- Watch and share Indigenous-made films – Support Indigenous filmmakers and storytellers.
- Talk with your team – Engage in conversations about truth and reconciliation with your coworkers.
- Support Indigenous vendors and organizations – Make a point of shopping locally from Indigenous-owned businesses.
- Keep listening and learning – Reconciliation is a continuous journey, and every step counts.
- Tune into the “Lunch and Learns” virtual sessions – National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is hosting webinars to help unlearn colonial myths and deepen understanding of Canada’s true history. Click for more information.
In Solidarity,
IATSE Local 856
