The anniversary of a pointed label brought forth a multitude of viewpoints in Winnipeg Friday.

One year after Maclean’s magazine labelled Winnipeg the most racist city in Canada, mayor Brian Bowman was back at the podium to discuss the progress made in embracing diversity.

"We came together to face painful truths," said Bowman. "I believe we responded to the Mclean’s article on Jan. 22 (last year) with honesty and humility."

Bowman touched on some of the year’s progress, including work by Winnipeg students to further the conversation for youth on racism. He also announced future initiatives to combat racisim, including the creation of an urban aboriginal accord and mandated diversity training for all City of Winnipeg staff.

The mayor also said he will visit every high school over the next two years to promote inclusion as Winnipeg continues to explore how other Canadian cities address the issue.

"We have in fact shifted the tone...I also believe that we've been able to drive this conversation to the individual level where it really needs to occur," said Bowman, who commended the work by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission along with that of grassroots organizations.

While racism was the topic of 2015, Bowman suggested reconciliation be the theme for 2016.

Many city and group leaders were also on hand at the news conference to discuss the work thus far. First to speak was Justice Murray Sinclair, who said battling racism is a process.

"Every time that we see it, that we feel it, that we sense its being in our presence – we must stand up against it," said Sinclair.

Sinclair also said Bowman should be commended for his work to bring racism into the spotlight; however, activist Leah Gazan said it’s not enough.

"Racism is alive and well in the City of Winnipeg,” said Gezan, adding policy changes need to be made to ensure everyone feels safe in the city.

'It's going to take generations'

The mayor's media conference didn't come without controversy; it was interrupted by a woman who emerged from the crowd.

"Canadians have to know the truth; I am suffering as a mother Canadian,” the woman said. "They say friendly Manitoba – it's not."

She also told the crowd she hasn't seen her children in years.

Bowman promised to speak with her after the conference was over and she was escorted out. The woman's husband was also led away, by police chief Devon Clunis.

Not everyone required an escort out; Sheila North Wilson, grand chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, walked out of the new conference early on her own.

Pictured with the woman and husband who spoke out, Wilson tweeted, “had to leave because there are people there that don't acknowledge racism and others who do, that aren't there.”

Encountering racist attitudes is a reality for Roxanne Shuttleworth. While she works in retail, Shutterworth dreads going shopping herself because of racism.

"You avoid it because it's an ongoing thing. You know you're being followed, you know you're being watched; you know you’re not getting service," said Shuttleworth, who is indigenous.

Shuttleworth said nothing has changed so far in her mind, but adds she applauds the mayor and other’s efforts because one year isn’t long enough to spark real change.

"Personally, I think it's going to take generations. I know my grandchildren are going to go through this, it's heartbreaking. I watched my kids go through this, that's our life as a person of colour," she said.

'An attitudinal shift'

The author of the article that sparked a localized dialogue on racism said Winnipeg still has a problem, but added she has also seen change.

"What seems to be different is an attitudinal shift," said writer Nandy Macdonald. "I think that's really important."

For those who live and work in neighbourhoods highlighted in Macdonald's article, progress is subtly taking shape.

Louise Champagne runs Neechi Foods Co-op, a grocery store on north Main Street that hires indigenous employees. Champagne said over the last year, more people from all walks of life are gravitating to the business she calls a social enterprise.

"That's a big step for people to step into this place in the location we are,” said Champagne.

Justice Sinclair said it might be hard to envision a day when all racism is eliminated, but urged everyone to strive to achieve it. 

"We may not become perfect, but we should strive to be perfect," said Sinclair.

With files from CTV's Jon Hendricks and Jeff Keele.