Thousands of Winnipeg students gather to mark start of Truth and Reconciliation Week
Thousands of students assembled in downtown Winnipeg on Wednesday to mark the beginning of Truth and Reconciliation Week.
Mino-pimatisiwin – The Good Life Youth Empowerment Gathering brought students from grades 8 to 12 to Canada Life Centre to hear testimonies from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis residential school survivors, elders, and leaders.
Organizers say the gathering is aimed at providing students with a deeper understanding of Indigenous history, culture, and strength.
Students were also treated to performances by cultural dancers and singer-songwriters, including Rebecca Strong. The 21-year-old Denesuline woman from Stony Rapids, Sask. has been singing her entire life, performing in her family’s band since she was five years old.
Rebecca Strong performs at Canada Life Centre on Sept. 18, 2024 during Mino-Pimatisiwin – The Good Life Youth Empowerment Gathering. (Dan Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg)
Strong caught the country’s attention last spring, winning the third season of Canada’s Got Talent as a solo act.
“Performing here today for all the youth is what I do music for, is to inspire others, and my whole Canada’s Got Talent journey was to inspire youth and Indigenous youth, so seeing all those kids out there meant a lot to me,” she said.
The event was hosted by The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, which is housed at the University of Manitoba. It preserves the memory of Canada’s residential school system and legacy.
The full event can be streamed on YouTube.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Tracking Hurricane Milton: Storm becomes world's strongest of 2024
After reaching peak intensity with wind speeds of 180 m.p.h. (285 km/h) on Monday night, Milton became the strongest storm on our planet for 2024.
Hurricane Milton will likely hit Florida cities like Orlando, Tampa and Daytona Beach
Hurricane Milton is expected to leave a path of devastation across central Florida, from Tampa in the west to Daytona Beach in the east.
'This is just horrific': Meteorologist becomes emotional while providing Hurricane Milton update
A seasoned American meteorologist became emotional on air as he gave an update on a major hurricane, later suggesting the reason behind his strong reaction.
'A cause for concern': Canadian universities slip down world ranking list
An organization that ranks the best universities across the globe says its latest report shows a concerning trend that several of Canada’s institutions are slipping down its list.
B.C. man convicted of killing neighbour's chihuahua to protect his chickens
A British Columbia provincial court judge says a Boston Bar man who shot a teacup Chihuahua named Bear claiming it was menacing his chickens was not justified in killing the animal.
Liberals considering proroguing Parliament amid document impasse? Freeland says 'no'
The minority Liberal government is not considering proroguing Parliament, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said Tuesday, despite persisting uncertainty over who is willing to keep propping them up and procedural wrangling over a Conservative led-privilege debate.
Hertz tells B.C. tribunal online reservations do not 'guarantee' an available car
A man who showed up at a rental car company only to be told his online reservation would not be honoured is entitled to compensation, B.C.'s small claims tribunal has ruled.
'Extremely disappointed': Family of homicide victim storms out of courtroom as judge reads decision
Emotions boiled over after a judge acquitted two out of three defendants in a manslaughter case, while the third accused has since died.
'I find it really disheartening': Family calls out police after Ottawa senior falls victim to theft in parking lot
On September 11, Madeleine Gervais was the victim of a theft in Ottawa's west end. It happened in the Loblaws parking lot in College Square, when she was approached by a man and a woman who insisted to help her load her groceries into her car.