Former Assiniboia Residential School Commemorated as National Historic Event
NOTE: The residential school system is a topic that may cause trauma invoked by memories of past abuse. The Government of Canada recognizes the need for safety measures to minimize the risk associated with triggering. A National Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former residential school students. You can access information on the website or access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-Hour National Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419.
Plaques unveiled in Winnipeg honour Survivors and recognize the legacy of the Residential School System, in response to TRC Call to Action 79
WINNIPEG, MB, Sept. 30, 2025 /CNW/ – Today, the Assiniboia Residential School Legacy Group alongside Ben Carr, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, commemorated the national historic significance of the former Assiniboia Residential School with a special ceremony to unveil three plaques near the building that once housed the residential school.
The former Assiniboia Residential School was a federally funded institution that operated in Winnipeg, Manitoba, from 1958 to 1973. As part of the government policy of forced assimilation, the residential school system removed Indigenous children from their families and communities, not only denying them their traditions, language and culture, but also exposing children to grievous harm and even death. The system was imposed on Indigenous Peoples in an attempt to destroy their rich cultures and identities and suppress their histories. In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission described the policy as cultural genocide.
Assiniboia Residential School was established in 1958 when the Oblates of Mary Immaculate repurposed an existing building for use as a high school. Originally constructed in 1915 as a children’s home, the building was later used as a veterans’ hospital before being converted into a residential school. An Oblate principal administered the school, supported by the Grey Nuns of Montréal, who carried out its daily supervision. Although the building had undergone renovations, government inspections in the 1960s found the facility to be overcrowded and inadequate, raising serious concerns about fire safety, sanitation, and ventilation.
The Assiniboia Residential School closed in 1973. Today the stories of Survivors contribute to the ongoing process of truth, reconciliation, and remembrance in Canada. To honour Survivors, the Assiniboia Residential School Legacy Group constructed a commemorative monument and gathering place in 2022, featuring interpretive panels located near the former school building.
The Government of Canada, through the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, recognizes significant persons, places, and events that shaped our country as one way of helping Canadians connect with their past. The designation process under Parks Canada’s National Program of Historical Commemoration is largely driven by public nominations. To date, more than 2,270 designations have been made nationwide.
On this National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, Canadians across the country are taking the time to reflect on this tragic history, acknowledge the past, honour missing children and recognize the extraordinary strength and resilience of the Survivors and all Indigenous Peoples. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that the voices of Indigenous peoples are heard, and that this history is never forgotten.
Quotes
“Today, on the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, we pay tribute to the survivors of residential schools, and to all the missing children and their families. These plaques commemorate the tragic history of the former Assiniboia Residential School and the legacy of all residential schools across Canada. These painful truths remind us how important it is to walk hand in hand along the shared path of reconciliation. I encourage all Canadians to learn about the lasting impacts of residential schools as we continue to work with Indigenous communities from coast to coast to coast on the journey toward truth and reconciliation.”
Ben Carr
Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre, Manitoba
“I am truly honoured and grateful to participate in today’s unveiling. Our relatives and ancestors have a fire spirit within them. This fire, provided, the strength, resilience and love to endure the pain and injustices while they were uprooted and forced to attend residential schools. It is because of their bravery and strength, we are still here. Today, we honour all our relatives who attended Assiniboia Residential School from 1958 to1973, alongside Parks Canada. These plaques symbolize our truth with the hope that history will not repeat itself.”
Toni Kipling
Executive Director, Assiniboia Residential School Legacy Group
Quick Facts
- Assiniboia was the first urban residential high school in Manitoba for Indigenous youth. Over its 15 years of operation, more than 1,025 students from roughly 85 communities across Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Quebec attended the school.
- On behalf of the Survivors and their descendants, the Executive Director of the Assiniboia Residential School Legacy Group requested that the history of the school be commemorated as part of the Residential School System National Historic Event, which was designated in 2019.
- The Assiniboia Residential School Legacy Group and Parks Canada co-developed the commemorative plaque text that was presented to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and organized the unveiling ceremony.
- The plaque text is written in Anishinaabemowin, Anishininimowin, Cree, Dakota, Dene, English and French. The Indigenous languages reflect languages spoken by children who attended the school.
- Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages regarding the national historic significance of persons, places, and events that have marked history in Canada. Together with Parks Canada, the Board ensures that subjects of national historic significance are recognized, and these important stories are shared with Canadians.
- Virtually all nominations brought forward for the consideration of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada originate from members of the public. To nominate a person, place or historical event, please visit the Parks Canada website for more information: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/culture/clmhc-hsmbc/ncp-pcn/application.
Related Documents
Related Links
Assiniboia Residential School Legacy Group
Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program
Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
Parks Canada
Framework for History and Commemoration
SOURCE Parks Canada (HQ)
