The First Official Half Marathon Hoouring Residential School Survivors Is Happening This Friday

The first official Reconciliation run is happening in Manitoba to honour all residential school survivors across Canada. The idea for this run started with Tréchelle Bunn, a student from the University of Manitoba. She is an athlete and a defensive player for the Bison’s women’s hockey team. After hearing the different stories about Residential Schools from her grandparents, Bunn decided to do something to help heal her community and give them support and energy.

Moreover, she came up with hosting a Reconciliation run of twenty-six kilometres, the same distance Birtle residential school attendees thought of running to get back home. After detailed planning, the Reconciliation run was changed to become a half-marathon organized just for the sake of Truth and Reconciliation Day.

“I believe that movement is medicine. Movement can help you stay balanced physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually; this event brings people together from many different communities in the spirit of reconciliation,” said Tréchelle.

Many Indigenous communities will participate in this event, which will take place today, September 29, 2022, National Truth and Reconciliation Day. Manitobans should show their support by participating in this event and many other events hosted in honour of this big day.

The University of Manitoba announced that the half-marathon is open to all runners and walkers. There are virtual options, too, for people who can’t make it to the run. Friday is a big day for not only Manitoba but also Canada. Bunn believes that with physical exercise, many things can change for the better.

– Halla Alhamed, U Multicultural

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of U Multicultural.

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