Reanna Merasty

Nîhithaw in Architecture | Blue Blanket Woman ☀️ | she/her | M.Arch | Artist, writer, advocate, educator | 2023 Youth First Nations Indspire Award Laureate

[Reanna Merasty @rmerasty]

The Indigenous Relations Divisions did a fantastic job documenting the entire process. For more information:

IRD Abinojii Mikanah Webpage: https://t.co/E0rpX6axuZ

Abinojii Mikanah Video (includes interviews): https://t.co/m4CPbzEBJ3

[Reanna Merasty @rmerasty]

These people were instrumental in the process.

From left to right: Frank Beaulieu, Joan Winning, Aron Skworchinski (IRD), Danielle Carriere (IRD), Heaven-Lee Lundberg (IRD), Trevor Prystupa (IRD) & Betty Ross. Not pictured is Eliza Beardy, Cecil Svienson & rest of IRD.

[Reanna Merasty @rmerasty]

This month there has been ground blessing ceremonies, which involved, prayer, ceremony, and a sharing circle for all involved in the process. And there will be an official unveiling ceremony led by the Elders Council.

[Reanna Merasty @rmerasty]

In the end the Circle initially proposed renaming Bishop Grandin Boulevard to Abinojiiak Awasisak Oshkii Miikanah Meskanow.

The Circle agreed that any correspondence with the City and IRD on the name moving forward would be led by a newly established Elders Council.

[Reanna Merasty @rmerasty]

June is Indigenous History Month, so here is everything you need to know about "Abinojii Mikanah" and the renaming of Bishop Grandin Boulevard in Winnipeg.

[Reanna Merasty @rmerasty]

The discussion centered around the importance of the reclamation of language, children, and the journey it has been to find the children that did not return home. Themes included coming together, truth, connections, learning, caring, and the journey/road.

[Reanna Merasty @rmerasty]

The Circle met for a two-day gathering in September of 2021.

From left to right: Mitch Bourbonniere, Barbara Bruce, Joan Winning, Janell Henry, Betty Ross, Darian McKinney, Frank Beaulieu, Reanna Merasty, Eliza Beardy, Amber Laplante, Dawnis Kennedy & Dene Sinclair.

[Reanna Merasty @rmerasty]

These included Bishop Grandin Boulevard, Bishop Grandin Trail & Grandin St.

The City directed the Indigenous Relations Division (IRD) to establish an Indigenous Knowledge Naming Circle ("the Circle"), comprised of Elders, Residential School Survivors, Knowledge Keepers & youth.

[Reanna Merasty @rmerasty]

In 2021 when the remains of the 215 children sparked nation-wide outrage & had residential school survivors, Elders, knowledge keepers, & Indigenous org. calling for the removal of names associated with Bishop Grandin, an 'architect' of the Indian Residential School system.

[Prairies Economic Development Canada @PrairiesCanEN]

Today Minister Vandal announced a joint federal investment of over $31M to @SCOIncMB to help advance economic reconciliation while helping to revitalize downtown Winnipeg through the development of Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn – “It is visible.”

https://t.co/TeBY68HpI7 @INFC_eng

[Future of Good @futureofgood]

ANNOUNCING: Future of Good's 2024 list of 30 #YoungImpactLeaders to Watch, presented by @RBC Future Launch! 🚀

CC: @sera_kazmi @smuermann @Uppity_African @QArnatsiaq @rmerasty @StellaIgweamaka

https://t.co/dDz4KTIiVn

[Indspire @Indspire]

One of the most exciting things we do at Indspire is celebrate #IndigenousExcellence: every year, we honour First Nations, Inuit, and Métis leaders and their work with the #IndspireAwards. 🏆

Without further ado, we're thrilled to introduce the 2024 Indspire Award recipients!

[Dani 🪶✨🦦 (she/they) @Danishinaabe]

The shit they found in the basement of the Marlborough Hotel in Winnipeg today is bone chilling. It is terrifying being an Indigenous woman in this country. I’m so tired, man.

[Reanna Merasty @rmerasty]

Met the incredible @TanyaTalaga yesterday at the @SCOIncMB Survivors Healing Gathering 🧡

Ekosi for all that you do!

[Reanna Merasty @rmerasty]

I’m writing a children’s book series!❤️

I signed with HighWater Press for a 3-part picture book series inspired by my upbringing & the holistic practice of Indigenous architecture.

The first book on Place-making will be illustrated by the talented Diné artist, Nicole Neidhardt!

[PWKidsBookshelf is now on Bluesky @PWKidsBookshelf]

New projects coming from @AS_King, @alexandratdiaz, @rmerasty, @gigigriffis + more https://t.co/cdTivi6DGt

[Reanna Merasty @rmerasty]

Always a pleasure to sit in ceremony with some aunties ❤️

From yesterday in the new Agowiidiwinan Centre at The Forks. And was a good way to get introduced to the Urban Trails research project!

[Reanna Merasty @rmerasty]

@DaveAlexRoberts Amazing, congratulations David!