The Keystone Centre serves as a multi-faceted hub for the people of Brandon and the surrounding Westman region, offering sports, arts, and community events that foster and build connections. This vibrant facility also stands on Treaty 2 territory, the traditional homeland of the Dakota, Anishinaabe, Inninewak, and Red River Métis peoples. Acknowledging this reality is crucial in recognizing the contributions, history, and culture of the First Nations and Métis communities that have thrived in this area for centuries. By situating the Keystone Centre within this context, we invite an understanding of how the land has shaped collective identities and how these identities weave, crucially, into the fabric of our community today.

Recognition of traditional homelands fosters not only respect for Indigenous peoples but also a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship they have with the land. This acknowledgement is a step in the broader commitment to truth and reconciliation, which seeks to mend the historical wounds inflicted upon Indigenous communities by the Canadian government. By embracing the principles of truth and reconciliation, and the 94 calls to action, we create a platform to educate ourselves and engage in conversations that celebrate diversity while promoting equity and justice. The visibility and representation of Indigenous histories and voices within local narratives are vital for promoting understanding and empathy among all community members.

Central to this ongoing dialogue is the idea that conversation is pivotal in addressing historical injustices and moving toward genuine reconciliation. Through thoughtful discussion, and education, we learn not only about the challenges faced by Indigenous communities but also about their integral contributions to our shared society. This collaborative exploration encourages reciprocal learning, allowing both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to deepen their understanding of one another. The Keystone Centre can play a role in nurturing these conversations by commemorating its location and the stories that have shaped it, and the region it serves.

To catalyze this essential dialogue, the Keystone Centre has introduced the “Seat of Truth,” an orange seat prominently placed in Westoba Place. This seat, strategically located in Section 112, serves as a tangible symbol for the conversations surrounding truth and reconciliation. Its placement is intentional; it is immediately visible upon entering the arena, situated in seat 2 to pay homage to the Treaty lands we inhabit. Row K, an additional nod to history, commemorates the signing of Treaty 2 in 1871 at Manitoba House, near present-day Kinosota, Manitoba, marking a significant moment in the shared history of this region.

The “Seat of Truth” stands not merely as a reminder of our past but as an invitation to engage actively in shaping our future. It calls community members to reflect on the importance of visibility and representation in creating a more inclusive society. By sparking conversations through this symbol, the Keystone Centre honours the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples while encouraging unity and understanding, through education and dialogue, among all residents of Brandon and the Westman region. As we gather to watch events in the arena, let us also embrace the duty to listen, learn, and reconcile, ensuring that the spirit of truth is woven into the heart of our community, as it is now in the heart of Westoba Place.