Manitoba Government Provides $20 Million to Support Construction of Permanent Home for National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation in Winnipeg

Press Release

September 12, 2025

The Manitoba government is providing $20 million to support the construction of a permanent home for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) at the University of Manitoba, Premier Wab Kinew, minister responsible for Indigenous reconciliation, announced today.

“The NCTR is a place where we as Manitobans can gather to honour survivors and keep moving forward on the path of reconciliation,” said Kinew. “As Orange Shirt Day approaches, this new permanent home will be a lasting commitment – the stories of survivors will always be respected, their truths will not be forgotten – and the journey of healing will continue for generations to come.”

The premier noted the new facility will be located on the former Southwood Golf and Country Club grounds. It will serve as a home for sacred entities and historical records including oral testimonies from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada that documented the history and ongoing impact of the residential school system on Indigenous children, their families and communities.

The centre is planned as an international learning lodge that will be open to the public. It will feature exhibits, indoor and outdoor ceremonial spaces and other functional spaces. It will offer a place to deliver educational programming, conduct ongoing research and share dialogue on the implementation of the Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, the premier added.

“We are grateful to the Manitoba government for this extraordinary commitment to our new home,” said Stephanie Scott, executive director, National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. “With this support, we will be able to build a space that honours survivors, protects their truths, and welcomes people from across Canada to learn and walk the path of reconciliation. This is a gift that will strengthen both our community here in Manitoba and the national movement toward truth and justice.”

Established in 2015, the NCTR has operated out of a temporary location at the University of Manitoba’s Fort Garry campus. The premier noted this investment will help to bring the vision of a permanent home to life. The project has also received support through the Government of Canada and The Winnipeg Foundation. The land for the future site was gifted by the University of Manitoba, which will continue to provide in-kind support, said Kinew.

The NCTR derives its mandate from the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, which was tasked with listening to survivors, their families, communities and others affected by the residential school system, and educating Canadians about the experiences. The centre was given the spirit name “bezhig miigwan”, which means ‘one feather’ in Anishinaabemowin, the language of the Anishinaabe people.

To learn more about the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, visit https://nctr.ca/.

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For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: mgi@gov.mb.ca or 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.

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