Social Impact

Brandon’s Truth and Reconciliation Week fosters education, cultural connection and healing. Organized by the Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples’ Council, the event brings together Knowledge Keepers, community leaders, educators and the public to engage in meaningful dialogue and immersive experiences that honor the past and build a stronger future.

The week-long event features sacred ceremonies, storytelling, traditional teachings and hands-on cultural activities such as tipi raising, powwow teachings and the Orange Shirt Walk. The initiative not only strengthens relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities but also supports the local economy by compensating Knowledge Keepers and engaging Indigenous artisans and businesses.

With participation growing each year, Brandon Truth and Reconciliation Week provides an opportunity to experience the rich culture, history and resilience of Indigenous Peoples in a meaningful and transformative way.

Folklorama has long been a champion of Manitoba’s ethno-cultural diversity, fostering connections through its renowned festival and year-round programming. Recognizing the need to reflect the desire for deeper inclusion beyond its annual event, Folklorama launched #CelebrateEverything, a groundbreaking initiative that acknowledges cultural, spiritual and religious holidays beyond traditional statutory ones.

Through #CelebrateEverything, Folklorama revised its internal HR policies to grant employees additional time off for non-statutory celebrations, ensuring true inclusivity within its operations. This authentic approach has resonated deeply with the community, reflecting a true commitment to celebrating different cultures not just during the festival but also in the workplace.

Collaboration is at the heart of Folklorama’s success. By working closely with ethno-cultural organizations and artists, the initiative goes beyond spectacle to authentically share stories and traditions. The result is a strengthened sense of belonging among communities, reinforcing Folklorama’s role as a leader in Manitoba’s cultural and tourism sectors.

With more than 296,000 visits to 38 pavilions and a $10 million economic impact in 2023, Folklorama’s commitment to celebrating everyone, every day ensures it remains a cornerstone of Manitoba tourism, fostering a future where diversity is truly embraced.

FortWhyte Alive is committed to making everyone welcome in nature through initiatives that break down barriers, embrace diverse cultures and foster environmental responsibility.

FortWhyte Alive prioritizes accessibility onsite, recently partnering with Manitoba Possible to redesign pathways, improve signage and introduce inclusive design features like the accessible boat launch at Buffalo Crossing. Sustainability is a focus of FortWhyte’s operations, with solar energy, geothermal heating, on-site wastewater treatment and the construction of Manitoba’s first Passive House and Zero Carbon-certified building.

Reconciliation efforts ensure Indigenous history and traditions are authentically integrated into visitor experiences, cultural programming and staff training through partnerships with Indigenous knowledge keepers.

By offering discounted access to newcomers, gender-inclusive facilities and educational programs that highlight climate change and Indigenous knowledge, FortWhyte Alive ensures tourism benefits both people and the planet. Their commitment to environmental stewardship, social inclusion, and community collaboration sets a standard for responsible tourism, making Manitoba a more sustainable and welcoming destination for all.

The Manitoba Museum welcomes more than 300,000 visitors annually and engages 100,000 students as a hub for intergenerational and intercultural learning. The museum prioritizes inclusive initiatives, such as complimentary admission for Indigenous community members, free First Fridays events and targeted programming in collaboration with organizations like Black History Manitoba and the International Day of Pink.

The museum has strengthened its governance structure to ensure diverse representation, including establishing a self-governing Indigenous Advisory Circle and requiring Indigenous representation on its board. New leadership roles, such as the Head of Indigenous Programming and Engagement, drive reconciliation initiatives and develop culturally significant programs. The museum also launched a Newcomer Advisory Committee and is conducting an extensive accessibility audit to enhance its inclusivity efforts.

Community collaboration is central to the museum’s impact. It maintains strong partnerships with local organizations, co-curates exhibitions with groups like the Southern Chiefs’ Organization and actively engages in tourism and arts advocacy. A province-wide “listening tour” shaped its strategic direction, ensuring programming aligns with community needs. The museum’s digital presence, including viral educational content, further amplifies its reach.

The museum’s contributions extend beyond cultural enrichment, supporting the broader tourism industry and local businesses through partnerships and event hosting. By fostering dialogue, celebrating diversity and ensuring broad accessibility, the Manitoba Museum creates lasting positive change.

Trails Manitoba plays a crucial role in expanding and maintaining Manitoba’s trail networks, fostering connections to nature while promoting sustainability, reconciliation and economic development. Since 2020, the organization has been responsible for distributing provincial grants to support trail development across Manitoba, ensuring communities have access to outdoor spaces that enhance health and wellness while bolstering tourism. Projects in Northgate, Whiteshell, Centennial, The Pas and Cranberry Portage have benefitted from Trails Manitoba’s efforts as the province’s contact for the Trans Canada Trail.

A key priority for Trails Manitoba is Truth and Reconciliation, recognizing that trails can provide a pathway to understanding, shared responsibility and honoring connection to the land. The organization actively collaborates with Indigenous communities, integrating cultural knowledge and supporting projects like the wâhkôhtowin Trails initiative, which fosters cross-community partnerships in northern Manitoba.

Trails Manitoba members volunteer many hours each year to build low-impact trails repurposing existing infrastructure such as abandoned rail beds and logging roads. Through initiatives like Trail Talks, Trails Manitoba brings together trail organizations to share best practices, build connections and strengthen Manitoba’s trail community. All of this is based upon the "Leave No Trace" principle.

By prioritizing environmental stewardship, cultural education and accessible outdoor spaces, Trails Manitoba ensures that trails remain a lasting resource for recreation, tourism and community well-being.

The Winnipeg Design Festival 2024 demonstrated an unwavering commitment to sustainability, inclusion and community engagement. Under the theme “Under PRESSURE: Climate Conscious Design + Build,” the festival hosted 27 events, attracting more than 1,700 attendees, including students and young designers. The festival featured workshops, tours and installations highlighting eco-friendly architecture and urban design.

Collaboration was at the festival’s core, engaging local businesses like Arts Junktion and Peg City Car Co-Op, hiring artists and Knowledge Keepers, as well as including educators and government representatives. The festival introduced “open shop hours,” inviting diverse participants to contribute to building a scale model of Winnipeg in the year 2174.

The Nuit Blanche Closing Party included the community-built 3D map of Winnipeg’s future, showcasing collective aspirations for a sustainable city for residents and visitors to enjoy.