The City of Portage la Prairie took another step forward with Truth and Reconciliation on Friday morning.
Mayor Sharilyn Knox stood alongside every City Council member as they declared September 23 - 30 as Truth and Reconciliation Week in the city and hoisted an Every Child Matters flag.
Knox spoke about the significance of the ceremony in front of a crowd at City Hall.
"As a City Council, Truth and Reconciliation is incredibly important in building partnerships with our indigenous neighbours, citizens and community members."
Knox said that as a non-indigenous person, she knows it is her responsibility to learn and understand the truth. She added that she hopes that residents actively participate in acts of Truth and Reconciliation.
Portage la Prairie Mayor Sharilyn Knox and every city council member proclaim September 23 - September 30 as Truth and Reconciliation Week. pic.twitter.com/BFS5JwVuwL
— PortageOnline (@PortageOnline_) September 27, 2024
Charlotte Prince was on hand and had a very personal connection to the ceremony.
"I am an actual residential school survivor. My parents and members of my family are survivors. It's great that our community is recognizing that, and hopefully, we can all move forward in a positive way."
Janie Bradford was also at the event and told PortageOnline that it was emotional to see Portage la Prairie acknowledge Truth and Reconciliation.
"It's powerful to be recognized and finally for the city to pay homage to survivors particularly, and the people that are impacted greatly by the impacts of residential school."
Both women encouraged everyone, regardless of background, to go to the Truth and Reconciliation events at the National Indigenous Residential School Museum in Portage on Monday.