Winnipeg city council’s executive policy committee (EPC) has voted unanimously in favour of formally recognize the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
Recognition of the national day was on the table at EPC Tuesday, and prior to the vote, mayor Brian Bowman voiced his support for the motion.
“Formally recognizing the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation would build on a number of efforts put forward by Council and the City of Winnipeg to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice,” Bowman said.
“I will be supporting the recommendations in this administrative report and I am proud of our continued commitment to truth and reconciliation.”
The motion still needs to pass a full council vote.
At the EPC session, Coun. Sherri Rollins (Fort Rouge – East Fort Garry) said recognition was an important step for Winnipeg.
“I’m really hoping that all staff will take the opportunity to observe the National Day on Sept. 30,” she said.
“I think it is important that it isn’t a holiday that we observe and and reflect, just like Remembrance Day. And I think it is important that the city of Winnipeg is extending this through this these recommendations to all city staff.”
Approval would mean all city employees would get a paid holiday beginning on Sept. 30 of this year.
On Sept. 30, flags at civic facilities will be lowered city-wide (including at City Hall), and the Winnipeg sign at The Forks will be lit orange in recognition.
The province also touched on the national day Tuesday, announcing funding of $50,000 to the Manitoba Museum to offer programming to the public Sept. 30.
Admission at the museum will be free from Sept. 30 to Oct. 3 to raise awareness about the national day, as well as to showcase exhibits and programs that educate and raise awareness about the history and impacts of the residential school system.
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