Working for truth and reconciliation in St. Vital

St. Vital

This year marked the second time Manitoba officially observed Sept. 30 as a provincial statutory holiday, following legislation introduced by our government in 2023 in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action No. 80.

The pursuit of truth and reconciliation involves all of us. It calls for ongoing learning, growing, and coming together as a community.

A local St. Vital initiative, funded through our NDP government’s Orange Shirt Day Fund, is helping advance this important work. The star blanket — unveiled late last year at the René Deleurme Centre (in the Louis Riel School Division — honours residential school survivors and educates the community on Indigenous culture.

Every colour and design choice was made with the intent to honour survivors and build community through reflection and education. Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members collaborated on its creation, learning traditional skills under the guidance of knowledge keeper Eric Flett. The RDC plans to install a plaque recognizing the individuals who contributed to the project.

Feedback from the St. Vital community attests to the impact of this project. Misty Belcourt, manager of community and settlement services at RDC, shared that the star blanket is “so visual” that it draws people in, sparking questions and conversations about residential schools, Indigenous customs, and the significance of the ceremonial gift. It has become a powerful tool for ongoing learning and engagement.

This project stands as a symbol of how we can bridge gaps, deepen understanding, and honour First Nations history and Métis history here in St. Vital and across Manitoba. Through this project, we see that reconciliation is not just a word; it’s an ongoing commitment to learning, dialogue, and connection.

The star blanket is bringing people together, sparking meaningful conversation, and helping our community continue its journey toward truth and reconciliation.

If you have stories, questions, or ideas to share, please reach out to my office at 204-219-5407 or jamie.moses@yourmanitoba.ca