Endorsements

Reconciliation is an important part of the growth and development of Winnipeg’s Indigenous people and creating opportunities to bring people together to have the conversations is vital. In the spirit of working together to help one another, we look forward to participating in this initiative. Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata is a grandmother in the Winnipeg family of community service providers. She was established in 1984 to reclaim Indigenous people’s inherent role and responsibility as the caregivers for Indigenous children and families in Winnipeg. We are a community mandated, Indigenous directed and supported human service organization, delivering children in care […]

“Together we are better. Through Circles for Reconciliation, Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals will engage in difficult – yet essential – conversations to gain a deeper understanding of what reconciliation can look like both here in Winnipeg and in our daily lives. I applaud the collaborative and thoughtful approach that Circles for Reconciliation has used in consultations, and highly encourage all Winnipeggers to take part in this important endeavour.” Christie McLeod Founder & Managing Director Human Rights Hub Winnipeg

“There is no more pressing issue in Canada than reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Circles for Reconciliation is a step in this direction and models a partnership we can all learn from.” Niigaan Sinclair Associate Professor &Acting Head Department of Native Studies – University of Manitoba

This work is a concrete response to the Truth and Reconciliation’s 94 ‘Calls to Action’ bringing together Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to engage in meaningful conversation and interaction in a true spirit of reconciliation. Winnipeg Presbytery of the United Church of Canada, representing all of the United Church congregations in Winnipeg, is pleased to provide this letter of endorsement with regard to the work of “Circles for Reconciliation”. The partnership between Indigenous and non-Indigenous persons to organize a community based approach to effect reconciliation is exemplary. Several of our Winnipeg congregations are already involved in the ‘Circles for Reconciliation’ process

We believe this engagement will be a great gift to the city of Winnipeg and all of its citizens – Indigenous and non-Indigenous.  It will provide a way for us to begin to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation 94 Calls to Action that will engage people at the local level.  The Diocesan Executive Committee was pleased to pass this resolution: “The Executive Committee, on behalf of the Diocese, endorses the ‘Circles for Reconciliation’ program, and commends it to our Diocese to grow and encourage a process of reconciliation, and adoption of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to

“If Winnipeg is to succeed as a city, there must be reconciliation – between nations, between individuals. The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce is not only invested in the business-directed Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission—we are committed to holistic, all-inclusive, and innovative person-to-person plans such as those found within Circles for Reconciliation.” – Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce

The Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg is pleased to provide ongoing support to the initiative now widely know as Circles for Reconciliation! I know the beginnings were humble and you took a brave step forward to unite citizens of Winnipeg in this most important goal! Your efforts to build a foundation for Reconciliation within individuals by having them host others at their homes and other local venues has proven more effective that anyone could imagine. In my work as President of the Council, I have personally met some of the participants and heard their stories of personal growth and development in

“Circles for Reconciliation is an important effort to address decolonization and reconciliation. I applaud and support this carefully thought-out initiative.” Ry Moran Past Director, National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, University of Manitoba

Reconciliation is about resilience. It’s also about honoring the truth and reconciling for the future, and I was very pleased to declare 2016 as the Year of Reconciliation for Winnipeg. It is my hope this will build on the years of important work undertaken by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and all of Winnipeg’s grassroots organizations toward reconciling our collective past. I have been excited by Winnipeggers’ warm and dynamic response so far to this being the Year of Reconciliation. From Indigenous Elders and community organizations, to members of our immigrant and newcomers’ communities, and to young people I’ve talked with in high schools all across