The National Day for Truth & Reconciliation began early for Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, beginning the previous Friday, September 26, 2025. SVDN members began the final year of their Every Child Matter ride, from Birtle Indian Residential School, stopping to feed the spirits of the residential school students who never came home. Birtle Indian Residential School was day one, adding Elkhorn residential school on Day 3 and finally reaching Brandon Indian Residential School on September 30, 2025.
Each year, Brandonites, along with the Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples Council (BUAPC), coordinate a week long event at the Discovery Centre to honor and recognize National Day for truth & Reconciliation. Several years ago, they incorporated a memorial walk, from the Discovery Centre to the Brandon Residential School site. SVDN has had events on the site recognizing “Orange Shirt Day” since 2014. When this memorial walk first began, there was some confusion, but no conflict.
in 2024, SVDN established a planning committee to help oversee events, and this year, 2025, that planning committee took the initiative to join BUAPC in some of their planning meetings so as to have a better understanding oof their schedule and practices. The planning committee worked alongside BUAPC, the Every Child Matters ride, and the SVDN BIRS Investigation team with their agendas for the day. Though there was a slight delay with the memorial walk, the riders met up with them and escorted them to the Brandon Residential school site and brough them into the circle. There was a collective unification of all parties involved and a brief round dance to recognize and embrace all people and cultures together.
We look forward to future events working together.
Pleasse enjoy the photo recap below and a video about the ride to come in the near future.
