The Winnipeg administrative offices of Circles for Reconciliation Inc. are on Treaty 1 territory – the traditional land of the Ininiw (Cree), Anishinábé (Ojibwé), Anisininew (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 seven gatherings 90 minutes in length.
- These seven 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.
The winter solstice, December 21st, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. This astronomical event happens when the Earth’s axial tilt is farthest from the Sun, causing the Sun to appear at its lowest point in the sky. For millennia, this moment has been recognized as a turning point, celebrating the return of longer days and the promise of renewed life.
For many Indigenous communities, the winter solstice is a deeply spiritual time, symbolizing renewal, reflection, and the interconnectedness of all life. It often signifies the cyclical nature of existence and humanity’s connection to the Earth and cosmos. Further, many communities mark the winter solstice with ceremonies that honor the return of the light and the cycles of life.
Winter Solstice December 21
As a whole, the winter solstice reminds us of our shared human experience and connection to nature’s rhythms. It is a time to honor the balance of light and dark, reflect on the past, gather with community, and welcome the opportunities of a new season.
Winter, and especially the solstice, is traditionally a time for storytelling. Elders share oral histories, legends, and teachings that connect people to their ancestors, cultural values, and the natural world. These stories often convey lessons about creation, resilience, and respect for all living beings. Additionally, feasts are a way of bringing people together to celebrate, give thanks, and share abundance. The community aspect of these events strengthens bonds within the community and fosters a sense of belonging. The solstice is also often a time to honor those who have passed on. Offerings such as tobacco, food, or small items are placed in sacred spaces, symbolizing gratitude and connection to ancestral spirits.
Two videos about the 2023 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Treaty 1 Territory in Winnipeg, Manitoba
2024 National Indigenous Peoples Day Highlights
New Theme Video
Kéhtéyátis (Elder) Clarence Anderson shares a story about The Mouse and The Weasel speaking in Cree. “If you talk to me, I will be your friend too…”
Circles for Reconciliation is recognizing the principles in Call To Action #14 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Report – “i. Aboriginal languages are a fundamental and valued element of Canadian culture and society, and there is an urgency to preserve them.” This video is used in the theme presentations in our Sharing Circles. Video editing provided by Austin Apetagon.
Read more about Kéhtéyátis (Elder) Clarence Anderson at this link.