Brandon’s Truth and Reconciliation Week 2026 is underway, bringing a full week of ceremonies, cultural activities, teachings, entertainment and community gatherings to the Riverbank Discovery Centre and other locations throughout the city.
Running from September 28 through October 4 under the theme “Where Community Comes Together,” the annual event is designed to honour survivors, remember those affected by the residential school system, and promote learning, understanding and reconciliation.
The week opens Monday with a Proclamation and Survivors Flag Raising Ceremony at Brandon City Hall, followed by tipi teachings, a Kairos Blanket Exercise, family activities and a community movie night.
A highlight of the week comes on September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, with a full day of programming including community smudging, sharing circles, dignitaries’ speeches, an Orange Shirt Day 7-kilometre walk and mini-walk, a free community lunch, Indigenous cultural demonstrations, an Indigenous market, food trucks and live entertainment.
Additional events throughout the week include men’s and women’s drum learning circles, a canoe gathering led by Amanda Conway, library programming, healing and celebration activities by the Assiniboine River, and organized school visits focused on education and awareness.
The week wraps up Friday with a community feast, closing speeches and a candy scramble. Weekend events include the Mikanah Project on Saturday and the Sisters in Spirit Petal Ceremony on Sunday.
Organizers invite all residents to take part in the free events and encourage community members to learn about Indigenous history, celebrate Indigenous cultures and continue the ongoing journey toward reconciliation. Most activities will take place at the Riverbank Discovery Centre, 545 Conservation Drive, unless otherwise noted.
