The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) is pleased to honour the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation in support of Residential School Survivors, their families, and impacted communities.
At sunrise, a Sacred Fire was lit in ceremony outside Police Headquarters by members of the WPS who are Fire Keepers and Elder Mike Calder. It will be maintained for 24 hours by the Fire Keepers, and will remain burning until sunrise on Tuesday, September 30, when it will be left to extinguish itself in keeping with tradition.
The Sacred Fire serves as a place of reflection, learning, and respect. Members of the public and the Service are invited to approach the fire in a good way, guided by the Fire Keepers, and acknowledge the need for healing, respect and meaningful change.
To mark this event, tobacco ties have been created using repurposed police uniform material.
“These bundles are symbolic of my vision of weaving Reconciliation into the fabric of the Winnipeg Police Service” said Chief of Police Gene Bowers. “It is a gesture of respect and acknowledgement of the need for healing, learning, and meaningful change. Reconciliation must be part of who we are as an organization.”
By recognizing the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, the WPS is reaffirming its commitment to Reconciliation and providing an opportunity to learn, reflect, and strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities.
In addition to today’s gathering, WPS members will also be attending community-led events and ceremonies both on September 29 and on the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation itself, September 30.