National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 5
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2026
“I hope that they walk away with a greater sense of understanding
and empathy.” - Tashina Houle-Gaywish Indigenous programming
and engagement, Manitoba Museum
ORANGE SHIRT DAYS POW WOW DEMONSTRATIONS ALSO INCLUDE Q & As, GIVING VISITORS A SAFE SPACE TO ASK QUESTIONS.
years. She works primarily with the learning and engagement team to develop and deliver Indige- nous-related programming for people of all ages and backgrounds. She also assists curators with exhibits and works with the curatorial team in delivering collections access visits.
Collections access visits are scheduled visits to see non-public pieces in the museum’s collection, available to community members, artists, research- ers and others who want to see ancestral belongings from their communities or nations. During Orange Shirt Days, some of these ancestral belongings will
be on display at the ‘connecting with collections’ table with staff on hand to talk about the items and provide an opportunity for visitors to see belongings that are not typically in the galleries. “We have many people who come and are trying to reclaim that part of themselves, and it’s an honour to be a part of that and to help,” explains Houle-Gaywish. “Last year we completed our largest repatriation to Piapot First Nation, which was such a beautiful experience, and made me so proud to work at the museum and see the honestly trailblazing work that’s being done, that I have the opportunity to be a part of. I think it’s a very important part of cultural reclamation. As somebody who grew up knowing who I was as an Anishinaabe woman, I can attest to how important it is to know who you are and to know your history and your material culture and your language. As a museum, one of our responsibilities is to help with that.” Outside of Orange Shirt Days, the museum offers a variety of professional learning programs for adult learners. The ‘Welcome to Treaty One’ tour is a dialogic program that aims to help participants connect more deeply with content related to trea- ties, colonization, and the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. There are also Indigenous-focused tours, which highlight treaties and cultural content
like the pre-contact trading network and Indian residential schools, providing a general overview of the First Peoples of this land. “A lot of our programming is meant to be accessible for anybody of any background, any age. Doesn’t matter where they’re from or what kind of academic background they have, it’s meant to be something that’s easy to understand,” Houle-Gay- wish says. “And because it’s easy to understand, people are more receptive to the content.” “I hope that they walk away with a greater sense of understanding and empathy. I truly believe that by creating space for accessible education, listening, and learning, the world would be a better place, and there would be a greater sense of empa- thy in our community and society. And that’s why I do this work: I believe museums can be a great place for anyone to learn. I hope that, if they have not yet learned about Indian residential schools and the impacts, I hope that it makes them feel something for our people who are struggling today as a result of it. Just showing up and learning, that means the world.” ▲
Confirm the times and dates of your desired activity and plan your visit at manitobamuseum.ca.
ALONG THE SELF-GUIDED TRAIL, VISITORS CAN STOP AT THE SCHOOL HOUSE EXHIBIT IN THE MUSEUM GALLERIES TO LEARN ABOUT THE WITNESS BLANKET AND READ STORIES FROM SURVIVORS.
SUPPLIED PHOTOS
H elping ou r clients
Allies in reconciliACTION. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a time to honour Survivors, their families and communities, and to remember the children from First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities who never made it home. It calls us to move beyond reflection and into meaningful action. At Assiniboine Credit Union, reconciliation is an ongoing commitment rooted in respect, accountability, and partnership. Through cultural respect, financial inclusion, education, economic opportunity and community-led relationships, ACU is working to help remove barriers and support stronger futures for Indigenous members, employees, and communities. Guided by the Indigenous Leadership Circle at ACU, an employee-led group of Indigenous ACU employees, this work is shaped by insight, understanding and practical, community-centred action. ReconciliACTION means listening, learning, and acting with purpose. Today and every day, ACU remains committed to walking alongside Indigenous leadership, supporting healing and helping build respectful relationships for present and future generations.
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Truth & Reconciliation for Business Economic Business Partnership Program Truth & Reconciliation Resources & Education
Group Pension & Benefits Group Benefits Administration Benefit Coverage Design Plan Member Claim Support
ACU.ca/About/Our-Story/Reconciliation
Truth2 Action Awareness Program
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