University of Manitoba President Michael Benarroch in conversation with Executive Director of the National Center for Truth and Reconciliation, Stephanie Scott. Together they discuss the lasting effects of Canada’s residential school system and the forced separation of Indigenous families. They explore how we as a university can help heal these wounds and plot a path forward to true reconciliation.

About the host:
Michael Benarroch became President of the University of Manitoba on July 1, 2020. Dr. Benarroch is
a Manitoban and former Dean of the I.H. Asper School of Business (2011-2017). He returns to Winnipeg where he maintains strong community-wide connections and a lifelong dedication to transformative higher education. His career includes serving as Provost and Vice-President (Academic) at Toronto Metropolitan University (2017-2020), acting as the institution’s chief academic and operating officer as well as a tenured professor in the department of Economics, Faculty of Arts. He co-chaired Toronto Metropolitan University's Truth and Reconciliation Implementation Committee and is an active advocate for the advancement of Indigenous engagement and reconciliation.

About the guest:

Stephanie Scott is currently the Executive Director of the National Center for Truth and Reconciliation. Previously she was Director of Operations with the NCTR where she oversaw all budgeting and financial commitments of the NCTR, along with human resources activities. Prior to joining the NCTR team, Stephanie worked with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) as the Manager of Statement Gathering: she was responsible for the gathering and documenting of ‘Residential School Survivors’ audio and video recorded statements. In addition to this role while at the TRC, Stephanie served as Executive Assistant to the Chair of the TRC where she learned invaluable leadership skills. Prior to her work with the TRC, Stephanie enjoyed a long and successful career operating her own production business, which she still oversees part-time. Through her past and current work with residential school Survivors, Stephanie experiences firsthand their strength, courage and resilience as they overcome many challenges and pass these teachings onto the next generation.

About the University of Manitoba

The University of Manitoba is western Canada’s first university, Manitoba's only research-intensive university, is located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation.