



Canada's new Governor General, Mary Simon, speaking on the occasion of her installation, July 26, 2021
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.
CFR appreciates the volunteer drone photography and editing services provided by Colin Bennett for this meaningful video.
2024 National Indigenous Peoples Day Highlights
Did you know...?
Educational Initiatives at Red River College Polytechnic and the University of Alberta
Many post-secondary institutions across Canada have started programs and initiatives to drive reconciliation. Reconciliation in Canada requires meaningful actions to address historical injustices and promote equitable opportunities for Indigenous peoples. Education plays a crucial role in this process, and institutions across the country are taking steps to support Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners. Two significant initiatives contributing to reconciliation include the waiver of application fees at Red River College (RRC) in Winnipeg and the free Indigenous Canada course offered by the University of Alberta.
Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) in Winnipeg is committed to increasing access to post-secondary education for Indigenous students. As part of this commitment, the college offers free application fees for Indigenous applicants for the month of January 2025. This initiative removes a potential financial barrier, encouraging more Indigenous students to pursue higher education. By eliminating the cost of applying, RRC Polytech supports Indigenous learners in accessing a wide range of diplomas, certificates, and degree programs. The initiative aligns with the college’s broader efforts to support Indigenous students including; cultural programming, student support services, and engagement with Indigenous communities.
Further, the Indigenous Canada course, offered for free by the University of Alberta, is an online program designed to educate learners about Indigenous histories, cultures, and contemporary issues in Canada. This Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) is accessible to anyone with an internet connection and is especially valuable for those looking to deepen their understanding of Indigenous perspectives. The course explores a wide range of topics including; Indigenous Governance, legal systems, and contemporary social and political issues. It is structured into 12 modules, covering pre-contact history, treaties, land claims, and Indigenous resistance movements. Available on Coursera, this course is free for anyone with an optional certificate available for a fee. It has been widely recognized as an important educational resource for Canadians and international learners alike who wish to gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous experiences and contributions.
These initiatives highlight the growing commitment to Indigenous education and reconciliation in Canada. By offering free application fees at RRC and providing free access to the Indigenous Canada course, these institutions are helping to remove financial and educational barriers for learners and promoting greater awareness of Indigenous cultures and histories. Indigenous students and allies are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities to support personal growth, education, and reconciliation efforts across Canada.
View the “Did you know?” archives at this link.
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.