International Women's Day

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 20 CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY The University of Manitoba has the honour and responsibility of hosting the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Born from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, NCTR is guided by the Governing Circle and Survivors Circle, which are made up of First Nations, Inuit and Métis representatives. Safeguarding statements, records, and sacred items is only part of NCTR's crucial role. Encouraging Canadians to understand the past — and the part they played in it— is key to NCTR encouraging all Canadians to embrace a better future. Despite the daunting mandate, NCTR Executive Director, Stephanie Scott is optimistic. She explains, "Indigenous Peoples cannot walk the path of reconciliation alone; each person in Canada must play a part. What we can accomplish together is to listen to Survivors and honour their truths, call for accountability from governments and institutions, and find ways to participate in reconciliation in our daily lives." Shasta Chartrand, NCTR Director of Communications and Digital Strategy, also sees solid reasons to remain positive. She says, "while progress can be slow, every effort no matter how big or small helps. Last summer, I saw a family of four out for a bike ride, parents and their two children all wearing orange shirts. We had an amazing turnout on Parliament Hill for the national broadcast Remembering the Children…. These instances filled me with hope — hope that people are listening and want to be allies." Collecting and recording Survivors' oral histories is at the heart of NCTR. Accomplishing this feat requires sensitivity, patience and understanding — traits members of this primarily women- lead team exude. Maata Evaluardjuk-Palmer. S U P P L I E D P H O T O

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