Sacred fire a sign of reconciliation

Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) members set a sacred fire outside their North District Station to honor residential school survivors in advance of Orange Shirt Day. Chief Gene Bowers acknowledged that the relationship between law enforcement and Indigenous communities has often lacked trust. The fire, guided by elder Mike Calder, burned for 24 hours at the Sinclair Street station before naturally extinguishing.

This is the second year WPS has lit a sacred fire to commemorate the survivors, with last year's event taking place at WPS headquarters. Manitoba is set to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, which was officially established as a provincial statutory holiday in 2024. Justice Minister Matt Wiebe emphasized that the province must confront the overrepresentation of Indigenous individuals in the justice system and recognize the trauma experienced by survivors.

Manitoba Chiefs executive director Kayla Frank stressed that reconciliation is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Survivor Jennifer Wood, who witnessed the event, highlighted the connection between homelessness and the legacy of residential schools, urging empathy and understanding.