The Winnipeg administrative offices of Circles for Reconciliation Inc. are on Treaty 1 territory – the traditional land of the Ininiw (Cree), Anishinábé (Ojibwé), Anishiniw (Ojibwé Cree), Dakota and Dene people, as well as the Birthplace of the Métis Nation and the Heart of the Métis Homeland. Circles for Reconciliation is an Indigenous-led non-profit corporation, with at least 51 % of our Board of Directors being peoples of First Nation, Inuit, or Métis status. Circles for Reconciliation is a registered charity, registration no. 748256930RR0001.
Circles for Reconciliation is grateful for all who have joined the journey to reconciliation on the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. We acknowledge that Tkaronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa Bands. As of October 31, 2023, we sadly had to lay off the Toronto Team due to severe lack of funding. Our Winnipeg team will continue to address the waiting registrants or hosts in this area.
What we do
The aim of Circles for Reconciliation is to establish trusting, meaningful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples as part of the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
The means to achieve this is the creation of small gatherings of an equal number of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in discussion circles.
Every Circle needs five Indigenous and five non-Indigenous participants. Relationships are built by equal voices.
How we do it
- Each group of ten participants, led by two trained facilitators, meets weekly or biweekly for ten gatherings 90 minutes in length.
- These ten meetings allow for the beginnings of respectful relationships, which the TRC stresses is the basis of reconciliation.
- The participants sit in a circle, providing greater opportunities for sharing and being respectful of traditional Indigenous values and customs.
- Themes for each Circle continue to be developed and, where necessary, are being adapted to different Indigenous customs and practices across Canada.
Did you know...?
The celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD) formerly known as “Aboriginal Day” was in the North End for over 15 years. Our organization has brought it back for the community and we will be hosting for our second time, the NIPD Celebration, Friday, June 21st, 2024.
Last year we had a “Free Barbeque, Sharing Circles, Children’s Activities, Artisan market, Exhibition tables, and entertainment for all!” This interactive community event will celebrate NIPD at the community centre and provide further education on the name change of the centre. The centre was renamed in 2018 from the North Centennial Recreation and Leisure Facility to Sergeant Tommy Prince Place as part of the City of Winnipeg’s commitment to reconciliation.
Sergeant Thomas George Prince was born October 25, 1915 and comes from the Brokenhead First Nation, Manitoba. He became Canada’s most decorated war hero having served in WWII and the Korean War. For more info on Sergeant Tommy Prince, please click here.
The centre is in the Dufferin community and located at 90 Sinclair Street (North End-Winnipeg). The event is from 11:am to 2:30 pm. This is a day that Canada recognizes and celebrates the cultures and contributions of our First Nations, Inuit & Métis people.
The NIPD Event will bring community members and families together in the spirit of reconciliation and the celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day!
View the 2024 Poster here.
See you there!
CFR Staff Members.
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