6 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2026
REFLECTING IN NATURE:
VISITORS ENJOY OUTDOOR GAMES AT FORTWHYTE ALIVE ON THE NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION IN 2025.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION AT FORTWHYTE ALIVE
BY KRISTIN MARAND
Last year, roughly 6,000 Manitobans chose to spend the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on the land at FortWhyte Alive. This year, the day has been designed with intention to welcome people from all walks of life, free of charge, to listen, learn and enjoy time together in nature and, most importantly, expand their knowledge of Indigenous history and culture. T he site will open at 9 a.m., with an opening ceremony at 9:30 led by Knowledge Keeper Jason Paren- teau, a local Indigenous leader, cultural advisor, and community Nature Shop and Nature Nook, the gift shops located inside both reception centres. A sacred fire will be lit in a special pit, reserved only for ceremony, and three Indige- nous youth will tend the fire throughout the day. Programming begins at 10 a.m. and includes tipi teachings, a medicine walk, live art, tying
worker who collaborates year-round with Fort- Whyte Alive. Parenteau plays an integral role in cultural programming, land-based education and ceremonial events at the nature preserve, and designed the orange shirt for sale in The
orange ribbons, a smudge area, fur and pelt displays and a star blanket teaching. Manitoba Aboriginal Sports and Recreation will host
VISITORS LEARNING ABOUT TIPIS AND THE SEVEN SACRED TEACHINGS.
SARAH CARTER IS THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION FOR FORTWHYTE ALIVE.
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