The Winnipeg Police Service held a moving ceremony outside its headquarters to mark National Truth and Reconciliation Day. A sacred fire was lit and will be tended by fire keepers and officers for 24 hours, culminating in the raising of a survivor flag.
Chief of Police Gene Bowers expressed his commitment to integrating reconciliation into the fabric of the police service, emphasizing the significance of the day. Indigenous relations advisor Sheila North praised the police service for their efforts in fostering trust and reciprocity on the path to reconciliation.
The ceremony featured speeches from WPS and provincial government representatives, a soul-stirring singing performance, and heartfelt testimonies from residential school survivors. Jennifer Wood shared her family’s painful history with the residential school system, underscoring the bittersweet nature of the event.
Participants were deeply moved by a surprise testimony from nine-year residential school survivor Geraldine “Gramma” Shingoose, who bravely shared her ongoing pain and called for remembrance and understanding beyond the designated day.
The event was hailed as a significant step towards true reconciliation and understanding, offering hope for a more compassionate and inclusive future for all.
Keyphrase: National Truth and Reconciliation Day