SCO Sponsors Third Annual Reconciliation Run
Press Release
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB —The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is proud to support the third annual Reconciliation Run, founded and hosted by SCO Youth Chief Tréchelle Bunn of the Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation.
“This event is inspired by my Kunshi Mildred, and Unkan Donald, who were survivors of the Birtle Residential School,” stated Youth Chief Bunn. “My Unkan Donald shared that when he was at the school, he wanted nothing more than to run away and go home to Birdtail Sioux. The Reconciliation Run allows participants to symbolically run away from the site of the school on behalf of Survivors and all of those who never made it home.”
The Reconciliation Run is a 21.1-kilometre half marathon starting at the ruins of the former Birtle Residential School and ends in Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation. Participants may choose to run or walk the in-person run. The event begins with a ceremony and testimonials led by Elders and Survivors from Birdtail Sioux with more presentations and a community feast at the end. There is also the option of taking part virtually or at a satellite run in Winnipeg.
“This event has become a fixture on the calendar when it comes to events in Manitoba marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation,” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “By taking part we honour all the children who were denied the opportunity to leave the Birtle Indian Residential School
and especially those who never made it home.”
“I have had the honour of participating in this event and supporting my fellow leader Youth Chief Tréchelle Bunn,” added SCO Youth Chief Josh Gandier. “While a physical challenge, the Reconciliation Run will fill your heart and serve as an act of remembrance for all who were subjected to the horrors of residential school, day school, and the Sixties Scoop.”
This year’s in-person Reconciliation Run takes place on Saturday September 28th and starts at 9:00 am. in Birtle. Participants are asked to sign up today at www.reconciliationrun.ca and everyone is welcome to take part by running or walking. Participants can also participate in a satellite run in Winnipeg on September 30th, or a virtual run or walk of any distance from anywhere in the world.
“The Reconciliation Run allows my Nation, our Survivors, their families and all those impacted by the residential schools to reclaim power and have their voices heard,” concluded Youth Chief Bunn. “I have always been guided by the motto Movement is Medicine, and the Reconciliation Run is founded upon this and uses movement to provide collective healing and promote reconciliation.”
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 33 First Nations and more than 87,000 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions
through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
For media inquiries:
Email: Media@scoinc.mb.ca
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