National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 7
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2026
VISITORS GATHER FOR AN OPENING CEREMONY AROUND A SACRED FIRE PIT.
respect. Beautiful Indigenous artisanship appears through- out the site, and knowledgeable volunteers and educational resources are available for children, adults, and organi- zations. The gift shops at both welcome centres feature artworks and books on Indigenous themes and by Indige- nous authors. “We’re very aware of the privilege and what we have at FortWhyte Alive, and that truth and reconciliation is something that we have to work on doing. It’s been central to what we want the organization to represent: moving forward in truth and reconciliation, doing that work, and knowing it’s not something that’s ever going to be over. We want to be our best selves for the community, and we want to be a place that feels welcoming and open, honest and truthful,” Carter says. Carter shares that one of the things she loves about welcoming people to FortWhyte Alive on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is seeing young families and newcomers engage with Indigenous culture for the first time. Among her tips for a successful visit on Sept. 30 are: walk or bike in if you live nearby; wagons for kids are very welcome; and reusable water bottles are welcome (several water-filling stations are available). Limited parking will be available at both the McCreary and McGillivary en- trances. While there is no charge on this day, donations are welcome and will go to FortWhyte Alive’s truth and recon- ciliation committee for reconciliation work and education. “It’s a day that you’re able to go at your own pace, and you’re able to be out in nature, which I think is really im- portant,” says Carter. “You can join us on your own. You can join us with your family. You can be with friends. You can do activities if you choose, but there’s no obligation. It’s an important day, and I think that FortWhyte Alive has worked hard to provide a safe place for learning.” ▲ Plan your visit and learn more at fortwhyte.org/ndtr.
INDIGENOUS-MADE ITEMS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE NATURE SHOP YEAR-ROUND.
“Truth and reconciliation is one of our pillars. It’s something we’re always trying to improve.”
- Sarah Carter Director of Education, FortWhyte Alive
VISUAL ARTIST PEATR THOMAS SPRAY-PAINTS A BISON MURAL.
traditional games, and there will also be quiet areas for reflection, reading, colouring, and crafting. Various ses- sions will begin on the hour throughout the day so people can come and go at their own pace what FortWhyte Alive’s director of education Sarah Carter calls “a self-di- rected experience.” “All of our programs, all of the things that are happening across the site are being led by Indigenous people, and they’re all people who have an affiliation or have worked with us before. So they’re not just one-offs. They are
relationships that we’ve fostered and built. It’s very intentional, who is there that day,” Carter explains. New for 2026 is an Indigenous market with six First Nations vendors set up at Buffalo Crossing in the Paul Albrechtsen Visitor Centre. The Bannock Factory food truck will also be set up on site. Programming will run until approximately 3 p.m., and the site will close at 5 p.m. “Truth and reconciliation is one of our pillars. It’s something we’re always striving to improve,” says Carter. “This year we went on a two-day retreat to Rolling River First Nation to continue to learn, especially in the education program. We’re starting to get a lot more requests for Indigenous teachings as well as land-based learning, and we’re very cognizant that other peo-
VISITORS LEARNING ABOUT BISON.
To find your nearest used OIL & ANTIFREEZE drop-off location go to 1-888-410-1440 UsedOilRecyclingMB.com
ple are better suited to deliver that. We can provide information and resources, but we don’t want to overstep what is acceptable for us to do. So this is a way that we can still be involved.” There are year-round opportunities to learn from and appreciate tradition- al knowledge and practices. One of FortWhyte Alive’s main attractions is their bison herd. On a bison walk, not only can you learn the history of bison in Manitoba and their importance to the First Peoples who lived here, but you can also learn about the Seven Grandfather, or Sacred Teachings; principles by which to live a good life, in which the bison represents
Manitoba’s Used Oil & Antifreeze Recycling Program
NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION EVENTS AT FORTWHYTE ALIVE 2026.
SUPPLIED PHOTOS
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