Posts by Circles

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…

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.…

Circles for Reconciliation is one of the affiliate charity partners of Kinsmen Jackpot Bingo for September! The Winnipeg Kinsmen is dedicated to serving our community’s greatest need by providing funding to nonprofits and charitable organizations through exciting fundraisers and events.Circles for Reconciliation is honoured and humbled to have been selected as a partner of the Winnipeg Kinsmen. To add, we are excited about the difference this donation will make. Through this partnership, the Winnipeg Kinsmen help increase awareness of Circles for Reconciliation, allowing more people to know the existence of and be able to access our services. Additionally, 10% of…

As we move towards the later months of the season, for Southern Manitoba, the time to pick sage is now!White sage, also known as prairie sage, is a traditional medicine for many Indigenous nations across this region and it can be found growing in ditches, parks, and many other areas.   This medicine has been used by Indigenous people for many generations for many reasons, including the cleansing of energies of people and spaces. Additionally, the medicine has become very popular among Indigenous youth as it has been found to aid with anxiety.Due to the sacredness of the picking and use…

Circles for Reconciliation will be starting Talking Circles that are culturally based from Sharing Circles beginning this September! With this, we are specifically inviting our First Nations, Inuit, and Métis (FNIM) Community Members to register and join our Circles. We emphasize this invitation as we currently have over 1000 non-Indigenous participants pursuing the path to reconciliation and who would like to participate in Circles. Each Circle consists of five FNIM and five non-Indigenous participants, ensuring equal representation of voices. Here, they are building “mutual recognition, mutual respect, sharing and mutual responsibility.” (TRC, 2015). It is from this which reconciliation can…

With the snow melted and the arrival of Summer Solstice, the beginning of the Powwow  season starts!  Throughout this season, a series of Powwows known as Powwow Trails appear among communities from coast to coast to coast across Canada. Powwows celebrate a nation’s  culture, art, dance, food, songs, history, and spirituality. It also honors the resilience,  strength, and revitalization of Indigenous culture. Though Powwow dance styles vary among communities, they can often include Men’s  Traditional, Men’s Grass Dance, Men’s Fancy Bustle, Men’s Prairie Chicken Dance,  Northern Traditional, Women’s Jingle Dress, and Women’s Fancy Shawl. Additionally, Powwows can act as a bridge between Indigenous…

Circles for Reconciliation has been in partnership with Peter Croal and Patricia Stirbys, Co-Founders of the National Healing Forest Initiative.  There is a healing forest named “Kapabamayak Achaak (Wandering Spirit) Healing Forest” located in the north section of St. John’s Park in Winnipeg. The park is on the corner of Mountain and Main Street facing the river. It’s a gathering place for reconciliation by remembering the past and envisioning the future.You can find artwork on boulders, a circle for reflection,  trees, and so much more. Take time for a visit and see the different sites around Treaty One Territory-the traditional…