Returning to Spirit – Residential School Reconciliation Inc.

Located on the picturesque eastern shores of Lake Winnipeg, Hollow Water First Nation has deep roots in the land, inspiring spiritual connections within its members. Despite a strong legacy of community-led healing, the Nation has experienced many recent tragedies, including in September 2025.

This senseless violence reopened intergenerational wounds and caused deep grief in individuals, families and local service providers. The aftermath of this incident has led to isolation, fear, and the breakdown of relationships as a once tight-knit community turned on each other with suspicion.

Seeking to prevent anything like this from happening again, the young Indigenous Peoples of Hollow Water are calling for concerted action to strengthen the community fabric and create programs for people to reconnect, rebuild trust, and work together. From these conversations, the Community Healing and Relationship Building in Hollow Water First Nation initiative was born. Supported by the Indigenous-led organization Returning to Spirit (RTS), this 18-month program will involve workshops focused on connecting community members with frontline workers, structured seminars to share experiences and needs, and leadership development to facilitate mitigation measures and long-term sustainability. Over the course of the project, participants will develop shared ways of working and build a group of community members with the skills and confidence to support reconciliation and healing from within the community.

The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) recognizes the significance of Community Healing and Relationship Building in Hollow Water First Nation, and the sensitivity and nuance required following these tragic events. It is honoured to provide funding to ensure the program runs efficiently and without barriers. RTS is a trusted provider, delivering more than 360 reconciliation workshops, with previous experience working in Hollow Water.

Archdiocese of Saint-Boniface