Government of Canada invests in reconciliation at University of Manitoba

In Canada, on December 13, 2024, the Government of Canada made a significant investment to support reconciliation efforts at the University of Manitoba. The announcement was made by Terry Duguid, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and a special advisor for water, on behalf of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Pascale St-Onge. The investment of over $206,000 aims to bolster the Canadian Reconciliation Barometer Project, which monitors and promotes understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities across the country. The Canadian Reconciliation Barometer Project, initiated in 2015, is led by a collaborative group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars and researchers. This project surveys Canadians to evaluate their understanding of reconciliation and document the evolution of this process over time. The newly allocated funding will enhance current initiatives, including the establishment of an advisory council comprised of Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers, fostering community relationships, and producing educational materials aimed at increasing awareness among Canadians regarding the reconciliation efforts between diverse communities. The funding was facilitated through the Canada History Fund, which is designed to support Canadians in learning about the country's history, its stories, and the peoples who contribute to its rich and diverse narrative. Officials emphasized that this initiative is crucial for inspiring dialogue and promoting healing, recognizing that both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians have roles in this ongoing journey. Minister Pascale St-Onge expressed the government's commitment to advancing reconciliation efforts, underlining that while progress has been made, much work remains. The funding not only supports the Barometer Project's current activities but also aims to create a more inclusive environment where all Canadians can engage in the reconciliation dialogue. Through education and understanding, the government seeks to close the gaps in knowledge and relationship between these communities, thus facilitating a more united society going forward.