Winnipeg, MB – Today, Executive Policy Committee (EPC) will review an administrative report from the City of Winnipeg public service that recommends the City formally recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
“Formally recognizing the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation would build on a number of efforts put forward by Council and the City of Winnipeg to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “I will be supporting the recommendations in this administrative report and I am proud of our continued commitment to truth and reconciliation.”
If approved by EPC and Council, the administrative report will ensure that all employees of the City will formally recognize the federally legislated statutory holiday beginning on September 30, 2021. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation would become a paid holiday for all civic employees. September 30 is traditionally recognized as Orange Shirt Day and that would continue, however, the City would encourage employees to wear orange on September 29 for 2021 and reflect on how we can all can contribute to reconciliation.
On September 30, 2021, the flags will be lowered city-wide and the Winnipeg sign will be lit orange in recognition.
If approved, formal recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation would build on efforts at the City that include, but are not limited to:
- Embarking on the Year of Reconciliation
- Establishing the Mayor’s Indigenous Advisory Circle
- Teaching the impact of the Residential School System through training for employees
- Creating and implementing the Winnipeg Indigenous Accord
- Initiating the Welcoming Winnipeg Renaming Framework
- Sharing the history of Rooster Town
- Installing the flags of Treaty One, Dakota Nations and the Métis Nation at City Hall
“As we continue to move forward, I want to encourage Winnipeggers and Winnipeg organizations to consider joining the Indigenous Accord,” said Mayor Bowman. “Now in its fifth year, the Accord provides a path for individuals and organizations to come together to learn from each other and to take actions in support of our community’s journey of reconciliation.”
For more information on the Winnipeg Indigenous Accord, please see: