[Blue graphic with Indigenous bar graphic across the bottom. Text says Honouring National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.]

Dear Bisons,

As the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approaches, our community is hosting a variety of events we encourage you to take part in. These gatherings are more than commemorations—they are invitations to listen, learn, and act.

Truth and Reconciliation is not a one-day reflection. It is a lifelong commitment. September 30 serves as a powerful reminder of the truths that must be acknowledged and the relationships that must be rebuilt. It is a moment to deepen our understanding of the histories and ongoing impacts of Residential Schools, and to honour the strength, leadership, and voices of Survivors.

We all have a role to play. Whether through attending events, engaging in dialogue, or reflecting on our responsibilities, this is an opportunity to move forward together—with humility, respect, and purpose.

We encourage you to join in the variety of events taking parthttps://umanitoba.ca/indigenous/engagement/national-day-truth-and-reconciliation from September 25 to 29. To help us prepare a welcoming space, some events require prior registration, such as listening to Survivor storieshttps://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=C92AT4wzTE6KFJBEaWL3uKJKa7e1RzNKka0SovpMJ-JUODJYT0g5SlNZUlRIWFowTFM0OTFCNFhHWC4u, visiting the Heart Gardenhttps://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=C92AT4wzTE6KFJBEaWL3uKJKa7e1RzNKka0SovpMJ-JURFdJTk1MUFJIT0YwRFFESllUMElKNjRMMi4u, participating in the Reconciliation Teach-Inhttps://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=C92AT4wzTE6KFJBEaWL3uKJKa7e1RzNKka0SovpMJ-JUMUJHNTBGM0ZNOFRGTTZMME5DOEZQTlpWRS4u, and joining Lunch and Learns hosted by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliationhttps://trw-svr.nctr.ca/lunch-and-learns/ (NCTR). The Orange Shirt Day Walk is open to everyone and no registration is required.

We recognize that each of us is on a unique journey of understanding. As an institution, the University of Manitoba has been clear in its commitment to advancing truth and Reconciliation.

This commitment is not symbolic. It is active, deliberate, and ongoing. We are guided by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and supported by the wisdom of Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Grandmothers and Grandfathers, and the contributions of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and transformative partners like NCTR.

Thank you to the faculty and staff who have helped organize the many events that foster a community of remembrance, learning and healing. We recognize that times of deep reflection can bring distress, which is why we remind our community of the many supports offered, including speaking with an Elder or finding a quiet space to smudge in Migizii Agamik – Bald Eagle Lodge.

As we wear our orange shirts, we do so not only in remembrance but in solidarity. We honour the Survivors and their families, acknowledge the truths of our shared history, and commit ourselves to the work of Reconciliation. Let the orange shirt be more than a symbol: let it be a promise to listen deeply, to learn continuously, and to act with courage and compassion.

Sincerely,

Michael Benarroch, Ph.D. President and Vice-Chancellor

Angie Bruce, Ph.D. Vice-President (Indigenous)