Truth and reconciliation on display in Winnipeg South Centre

Winnipeg South Centre

After spending several weeks immersed in the busy environment of Parliament, it’s refreshing to reconnect with familiar faces and meet with folks in Winnipeg South Centre.

On Sept. 30, Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, survivors, Indigenous leaders, community members and government officials gathered to unveil three plaques at the site of the former Assiniboia Residential School. The event marked a significant step in recognizing the painful legacy of residential schools and honoured the resilience of those who lived through them.

Located at 621 Academy Rd., the Assiniboia School operated from 1958 to 1973 and was one of the few residential schools situated in an urban setting. I was invited to assist in the unveiling of the plaques, which were installed with the support of Parks Canada and the Assiniboia Residential School Legacy Group. The bilingual and multilingual plaques include text in English, French, and Indigenous languages — Anishinaabemowin, Cree, Dakota, and Dene — reflecting the linguistic heritage of many students who attended the school. Including Indigenous languages on the plaques was particularly significant. During their time in school, children were often punished for speaking their language.

I grew up only a few blocks away from the school, but did not learn about its history until I was an adult. The plaques that were unveiled represent both a painful truth and an educational tool. My five-year-old niece, who attended the ceremony, will grow up understanding what happened here, not from a book or in a classroom, but from this landmark in her own community, with names, languages and stories preserved. This is how reconciliation begins — with awareness, with honesty and with respect.

There are 10 community centres in Winnipeg South Centre. Each represents distinct and unique neighbourhoods. They all offer a variety of events and programming from tots and parents to seniors’ yoga and everything in between. Conversations with the presidents and managers of the community centres keep me grounded and aware of the needs in my riding. These folks have their finger on the pulse of their neighbourhoods. I was grateful for their willingness to share part of their Saturday with me and participate in a round table discussion. These conversations help me, and my staff understand how we can better serve our constituents.

Winnipeg South Centre comes alive in the fall: perogy suppers resume at Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church, the Riverview Community Centre hosts its delicious fall supper, the farmers’ markets are bursting with produce, pickles and baking, and the crisp walks at Fort Whyte Alive are dazzling with colour. I look forward to all of these!

As always, feel free to reach out to my office 204.983.1355 or ben.carr@parl.gc.ca