Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg – Circles for Reconciliation

The Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg is pleased to provide ongoing support to the initiative now widely know as Circles for Reconciliation! I know the beginnings were humble and you took a brave step forward to unite citizens of Winnipeg in this most important goal!

Your efforts to build a foundation for Reconciliation within individuals by having them host others at their homes and other local venues has proven more effective that anyone could imagine.

In my work as President of the Council, I have personally met some of the participants and heard their stories of personal growth and development in terms of their understanding of the true history of Indigenous Peoples of Canada.

For many of us who have devoted our life’s work to these causes, we know that this approach is fundamental to lasting positive change in the relationship between ourselves and other Canadians.

The fact that other individuals and groups are reaching out to you to adopt this model is living proof that it is working!

In closing, I am confident that your proposal will receive the due consideration of which it is most deserving!

Yours in friendship,
Damon Johnston
President
July 6, 2017

The Winnipeg administrative offices of Circles for Reconciliation 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. 748256930 RR 0001.
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.
Artwork by Eugene Demas. Eugene was well featured in Calgary's Bow Museum and known for his use of pencil crayons.

Use the red button to view a list of all our themes.

Your support for the work of Circles would be deeply appreciated.

It is truly the time for reconciliation.

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The Seven Sacred Teachings of the Anishinaabe

These teachings form part of our openings for all Circles.

Circles for Reconciliation Inc. recognizes that all First Nations, Métis and Inuit people have their own cultural teachings that encompass the morals and values of conduct.On page 30 of “Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future.”, it states that The Seven Sacred Teachings of the Anishinaabe—Respect, Courage, Love, Truth, Humility, Honesty, and Wisdom—served as the themes for the seven National Events, and ceremony and traditional observance played an important part in the National Events. It is recognized that there are many adaptions of the teachings. We encourage each circle to adapt the Seven Sacred Teachings of the Anishinaabe to the needs of their circle.

View all the guidelines that we use to ensure respectful and consistent gatherings.

LOVE: it is more important to care for one another
HONESTY: better to fail with honesty than succeed by fraud
RESPECT: give it, earn it, receive it
TRUTH: it is always easiest to speak the truth
HUMILITY: to be humble about your accomplishments is to be strong
COURAGE: let nothing stand in the way of doing the right thing
WISDOM: with hard work and dedication will come knowledge

Your support for the work of Circles would be deeply appreciated.

The Seven Sacred Teachings of the Anishinaabe

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