2026-10-29 · TRC education context: Call #62

First published October 31, 2026 · By Delta Owl Eyes · Contact the newsroom

Manitoba gives Indigenous Heritage Month legislation royal assent

On October 29, 2026, the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba recorded royal assent for Bill 231, the Indigenous Heritage Month Act. The legislation amends the province's Commemoration of Days, Weeks and Months Act to recognize September each year as Indigenous Heritage Month. MLA Billie Cross introduced the bill, describing it as an opportunity to recognize First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures, histories and contributions.

Education: The designation creates an opportunity for public learning about Indigenous history and living cultures. It is not the same as a mandate to teach residential-school history in schools. TRC Call #62 asks governments to make age-appropriate curriculum on residential schools, Treaties and Indigenous peoples' historical and contemporary contributions part of education; the connection here is contextual, not a claim that Call #62 has been completed.

Accountability: What Indigenous-led programming, educational resources and community partnerships will accompany the September recognition? What funds or reporting, if any, will support its implementation? Royal assent does not by itself establish those outcomes.

Source: Manitoba Legislative Assembly, Hansard, October 29, 2026 (royal assent) · Legislative committee proceedings, October 5 · Original TRC Calls