Umbay Nagamon

Many schools in the Canadian prairies now have access to Indigenous consultants, elders and knowledge keepers, and resources for teaching about the true history of residential schooling and moving towards reconciliation. However, these resources are rarely extended or available to community members. One school division in Manitoba recognized that children in K-12 were learning these important things, but then going home to families where that learning opportunity was lacking. Following the inspiration of Carole Shankaruk, a local knowledge keeper, and guided by the wisdom and guidance of Elder Bev Harvey, a residential school survivor, the division decided to extend its resources to educating the whole community. It began offering reconciliation circles and workshops to local businesses, police, child and family service workers, and many others. This project tells the story of the initiative, as well as the significant barriers and pushback they received, followed by the impacts over time.