Press Releases

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC), the University of Manitoba (UM), and the University of Winnipeg (UWinnipeg) are issuing this joint statement in solidarity with Survivors of Residential Schools following an event yesterday at the UM fort garry campus organized independently by an individual who called into question the truth about residential schools. This individual is expected to attend the UWinnipeg campus today, and we ask people to remain vigilant and safe. We do not condone violence or threats to anyone’s safety. Our priority is always the safety of the community – and today, above all, the safety of our Elders and Survivors.

After speaking directly with both universities, AMC was assured that neither institution invited this individual to speak, and that they took extensive measures to support Elders, Survivors and spaces. Both UM and UWinnipeg confirm this person has no affiliation with their institutions or the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR). AMC appreciates the universities for reaching out and providing this clarification.

“We know this caused deep pain for many, but AMC will always stand with our First Nations Survivors and their families,” stated Grand Chief Kyra Wilson, “Denying the truths of Residential Schools is an attack on our loved ones, and we will not allow those harms to be dismissed.”

AMC is committed to working with institutions to confront denial wherever it appears, to uphold and honour the truths of Survivors, and to defend the dignity, safety, and strength of our communities.

“The University of Manitoba is clear in its commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. We host NCTR, which houses the documented evidence of residential school history, experiences and harms. We know that Reconciliation only holds meaning when reflected in actions. We are guided by UM’s Truth and Reconciliation Framework: Time for action, and after many conversations with our community, UM hosted a number of well-attended events.  They provided positive and supportive space for Survivors, students, staff, faculty, and community to learn about residential schools, the harm they caused, and their ongoing legacy,” says Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor, UM.

 “The University of Winnipeg unequivocally stands with Residential School Survivors and their families. We encourage our community to listen to their voices and not be distracted from our collective efforts towards Truth and Reconciliation. Thank you to the UWinnipeg community for leading and participating in the many Truth and Reconciliation events on campus this week, and to all the teams who have come together to support our community during this time,” – Todd Mondor, President and Vice-Chancellor, UWinnipeg

The AMC, University of Manitoba, and University of Winnipeg stand together in acknowledging the immeasurable harm caused by residential schools and the truth of the stories told by Survivors. We remain committed to advancing truth, Reconciliation, and accountability, and ensuring campuses are safe, respectful spaces for all students.

The AMC will also continue to press the Government of Canada to enact legislation that makes residential school denialism a crime, recognizing it as a direct attack on Survivors, their families, and the truth of our shared history.

For more information, please contact: 

Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email:  media@manitobachiefs.com

UM Media Relations
Email: mediarelations@umanitoba.ca

UWinnipeg Media Relations
Email: media.inquiries@uwinnipeg.ca