By: Renee Lilley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Event marks 50th anniversary of school’s closure; future memorial planned for four anomalies found by radar search.
Hundreds of people gathered under a warm autumn sun at the National Indigenous Residential School Museum on Tuesday, September 30 to mark the fifth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The event, held on the grounds of the former Portage la Prairie residential school, carried a dual significance this year, also marking the 50th anniversary of the institution’s closure. The day was a blend of solemn remembrance, cultural celebration and education, aimed at honouring survivors and ensuring the truths of the residential school era are never forgotten.
Long Plain First Nation Chief David Meeches addressed the crowd, confirming that a recent ground-penetrating radar search of the immediate area in front of the school found four anomalies. He announced plans to create a memorial on the site.
“We’re going to do something in remembrance of them for everybody, not only those that attended this school, but everybody across the land,” Meeches said. For living survivors, Meeches said the day is a culmination of ongoing support.
“We acknowledge them year round and so today, to witness everybody come together as such, the day was meant to be. It was very, very significant. Not only beautiful to everybody in attendance, but especially to our people.”
Long Plain Chief David Meeches
The day’s activities included a free community meal, drumming, and dancing. Orange Shirt Day founder Phyllis Webstad was originally meant to attend as keynote speaker, but was unable due to a family emergency. Former chief Dennis Meeches filled in, sharing messages and music with the large crowd. Long Plain member Lisa Meeches served as emcee of the event. Survivors from the area shared their stories with the crowd, and the United Thunder dance group dazzled with traditional jigging. The winner of the national Orange Shirt Day contest, Sloane Cameron attended from Innisfail, Alberta. The grade seven student was gifted a traditional medallion for her work creating this year’s t-shirt design.
Children take part in crafts inside the museum.
For Lorraine Daniels, the museum’s executive director and a survivor of Birtle Indian Residential School, the day is about strength and healing.
“Personally, it’s about being resilient. It’s about moving forward in your life,” said Daniels, whose parents both attended the Portage school. “I always talk about forgiveness, and forgiveness is so important in your healing journey. Today is just one step towards healing.”
Daniels said attendance appeared higher than in previous years, reflecting a growing commitment from the wider community to engage with the difficult history. She emphasized the museum’s vital role in that process.
“When you go through the rooms, each room has a story to tell,” she said. “It’s a testimony of what had happened and that it’ll never happen again. It’s a reminder.”
Lorraine Daniels, executive director of the National Indian Residential School Museum.
A separate celebration for survivors to mark the 50th anniversary of the school’s closure is planned for Oct. 9.
City of Portage la Prairie council members were in attendance to give remarks, including Mayor Sharilyn Knox, as well as RM Reeve Roy Tufford and MLA Jeff Bereza. MMF Portage Local Chair Wes Hannah and Ginette Lavack, parliamentary secretary for the Minister of Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) were also at the event.
Hon. Nellie Kennedy, Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism with Mayor Sharilyn Knox.
Along with other dignitaries was Nellie Kennedy, Manitoba’s Minister for Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism. She stressed the importance of having a day for all citizens to reflect on the past and commit to the future.
“It’s incredibly important to be here where the National Museum is,” Kennedy said. “Our government is very committed to truth and reconciliation, and I think it’s important for all of us to be able to take the day to remember that this is an ongoing journey. Reconciliation is a verb and it’s something that we need to do every day.”
United Thunder dance group
— Renée Lilley is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Portage Graphic. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.