Winnipeg Truth and Reconciliation Week begins with empowerment event [Video]

Thousands of students assembled in downtown Winnipeg on Wednesday to mark the beginning of Truth and Reconciliation Week.

Mino-pimatisiwin – The Good Life Youth Empowerment Gathering brought students from grades 8 to 12 to Canada Life Centre to hear testimonies from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis residential school survivors, elders, and leaders.

Organizers say the gathering is aimed at providing students with a deeper understanding of Indigenous history, culture, and strength.

Students were also treated to performances by cultural dancers and singer-songwriters, including Rebecca Strong. The 21-year-old Denesuline woman from Stony Rapids, Sask. has been singing her entire life, performing in her family’s band since she was five years old.

Rebecca Strong performs at Canada Life Centre on Sept. 18, 2024 during Mino-Pimatisiwin – The Good Life Youth Empowerment Gathering. (Dan Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg)

Strong caught the country’s attention last spring, winning the third season of Canada’s Got Talent as …