National Day of Truth & Reconciliation in Manitoba
National Day of Truth & Reconciliation in Manitoba
September 30th is a date for us to honour the Survivors of residential schools and the children who never returned home. It is also a date for us reflect on the ongoing impacts of residential schools and colonialism, and to commit to moving forward in a spirit of truth, reconciliation, and meaningful collaboration with Indigenous communities.
We encourage everyone to read through the following information and share it with your Locals and fellow CUPE activists.
If you are looking for a Local activity to participate in on September 30th, please see the following events:
Winnipeg: The SCO is hosting the 6th Annual Orange Shirt Day Healing Walk and Pow Wow. The opening ceremony begins at 9:30am at the Oodena Circle in the Forks. Following the ceremony, there will be a healing walk to the Canada Life Centre.
Grand entry for the Pow Wow at the Canada Life Centre begins at 1pm. To learn more about the event, including accessibility information, please visit: https://scoinc.mb.ca/orangeshirtday2026/
Download the poster by clicking here!
Brandon: Pathways Home and the Brandon Friendship Centre are hosting an Orange Shirt Day Walk (7KM) and a mini walk (1KM) beginning at 11:45am at the Riverbank Discovery Centre. A smudge, sharing, and songs will begin at 9am at the Riverbank Discovery Centre.
After the walk, ‘Healing by the River – Indigenous Traditions & Celebration’ begins at 3pm at the Fusion Credit Union Stage, and Jason Lepine & Band with a Métis Jigging demo begins at 6pm at the Fusion Credit Union stage.
Download the poster by clicking here!
Morden: Genesis House and the Pembina Valley Truth & Action Working Group are hosting an Every Child Matters Truth and Reconciliation ceremony and flag raising, followed by a healing walk. Bannock will be served. The gathering begins at 10:00 a.m. at the Access Event Center in Morden.
Download the poster by clicking here!
The Pas: Cree National Tribal Health Centre, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, and the Pas Friendship Centre are hosting a walk that begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Pas Friendship Centre.
The walk will be followed by a gathering at the OCN Veterans’ Hall with a survivors panel, traditional dancers, honour songs, lunch, and a closing prayer. Orange shirts will be distributed. For more information, please contact Tenielle at (204) 627-7500.
Download the poster by clicking here!
Dauphin: The Northwest Métis Council Inc – Manitoba Métis Federation and Dauphin Friendship Centre are hosting an Orange Shirt Day gathering from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Maamawi Park. Lunch will be at 11:45 a.m., followed by kids’ activities. Download the poster by clicking here!
Gimli: The Rural Municipality of Gimli is hosting a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Gathering at Gimli Park Pavilion from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will be drumming, teachings, and musical performances. Free Bannock and tea will be served. Download the poster by clicking here!
Swan River: The Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre is hosting a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation walk and lunch at the Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre at 11:00 a.m. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. with coffee and muffins being served. Download the poster by clicking here!
To read more about CUPE’s commitment to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, please share the link below with your members:
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | Canadian Union of Public Employees
What CUPE Locals and members can do to recognize this important day:
Participate in free Lunch & Learns hosted by the National Centre for Truth & Reconciliation during TRC Week, Sept.21-30, 2026. All sessions will have simultaneous English-French and ASL interpretation. A listing can be found here: https://trw-svr.nctr.ca/lunch-and-learns/
Download CUPE’s Bargaining Guides and share with your bargaining committees:
Truth & Reconciliation: CUPE Taking Action through Collective Bargaining
Order an Orange Shirt Day T-Shirt for your members through the official suppliers, or pick up a free Every Child Matters T-Shirt and Calls to Action booklets in Winnipeg at the Southern Chiefs’ Organization office @ 1572 Dublin Ave. (Quantities are limited) The office is open Mon-Fri until 4:30pm.
Show your support on Social Media! Share a photo of yourself wearing an orange shirt using the hashtag: #OrangeShirtDay and tag CUPE Manitoba on Facebook: @cupemanitoba, or Instagram: @cupemanitoba
Invite an Indigenous speaker or Indigenous community organization to your next virtual or in-person meeting to talk about Truth & Reconciliation in your region and workplace.
Learn more by taking CUPE Education courses like Solidarity with Indigenous Workers, Reconcili-ACTION & Indigenous Cultural Safety, and other CUPE Human Rights courses.
We look forward to learning more about the ways each CUPE Local will engage in the important work of Truth & Reconciliation!
Solidarity,
Gina McKay, President & Georgia DeFehr, CUPE Human Rights