Exploring Indigenous Histories

A Run Series with Dr. Brian Rice

Join us for the second run in our multi-part run series, "Exploring Indigenous Histories," featuring special guest Dr. Brian Rice, a professor at the University of Manitoba.

This series offers the opportunity to connect with the land and learn about the rich and complex Indigenous histories of Treaty 1 territory, specifically within the Winnipeg area.

Dr. Rice will share his expertise, enriching our understanding of the places we run. His work has focussed on providing a foundation for understanding the historical narratives that have shaped Indigenous communities.

Each run will be held at a historically significant location commonly used as a training and playground for runners in the area. These group runs will provide the opportunities for runners to engage in a different way with the landscapes that hold centuries of Indigenous stories.

Each run will first feature a guided run at an easy pace, where attendees can expect to stop frequently to learn some of the stories of the land. Following one loop under Dr. Rice’s guidance, we invite runners to run as many additional loops as they’d like at their own pace.

This run will take us through Whittier Park from The Forks.

Situated along the banks of the Red River, Whittier Park is part of a landscape that was central to the Red River Settlement, a vibrant Métis community that developed in the early 19th century. This area was a hub of economic and social activity, reflecting the dynamic intercultural relations that characterized the region. It also lies within the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg and Ininiwak peoples, who used the river systems for sustenance and travel for centuries.

Through this series, we aim to continue our work toward reconciliation by providing community-based, experiential learning. Actively engaging with the Indigenous history of the trails we run, teaches us about the enduring presence and contributions of Indigenous peoples in Manitoba and helps us recognize the layers of history embedded in these familiar landscapes.

Come run, learn, and reflect with us as we journey together on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate and Red River Métis. By highlighting the historical significance of the locations to Indigenous peoples, it helps to ensure that these histories are not forgotten.

Run details:

Time: Meet at 9:00 am, welcome and start at 9:15 am. Expect the first loop to take 1-1.5 hours.
Where: The Forks-Whittier Park-St. Boniface