What places around Winnipeg are the most important to you? That is one of the things the City of Winnipeg wants to know as part of Welcoming Winnipeg.
The initiative, launch at the end of January, aims to re-examine historical markers and place names to resolve the absence of Indigenous perspectives, experiences, and contributions in the stories remembered and commemorated.
Welcoming Winnipeg aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action #79 which calls upon the federal government to work in collaboration to develop a reconciliation framework for Canadian heritage and commemoration.
Personal stories are being collected through a public engagement process to help determine how to move forward in reconciling Winnipeg’s past and will become a part of telling our city’s history.
There are several ways to take part in this initiative, including in person, online, and over the phone.
In Person
Two story recording events are being held at the ideaMill on the 3rd floor of Millennium Library. The first is on Thursday, February 7 and the second on Thursday, February 28. Both run from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Library staff will be available during this time to help you record your story.
Online
You can share your story online as well as complete an online survey to share your thoughts on what makes a place welcoming and how to create a sense of belonging. The survey is open until March 18.
By Phone
Stories can also be shared by voicemail. You can call 204-986-5200 anytime of the day to leave a message. You should also be sure to leave your name, location of your story, and contact information.
You can also write your story down and either mail or email it to the City of Winnipeg.
A panel event and discussion about Indigenous stories and experiences related to historical markers as well as Indigenous place names will be held at the University of Winnipeg from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on March 13. It is open to the public.
Stories gathered as part of Welcoming Winnipeg could be used in future storytelling opportunities and will be stored with the City of Winnipeg Library PassForward archives provided a person gives their permission to do so.
It is anticipated a final report on the information collected will be made available later in 2019.