The City of Portage la Prairie is strengthening its role in regional reconciliation efforts as its mayor joined Indigenous and municipal leaders at a prominent forum in Winnipeg. Mayor Sharilyn Knox reflects on the connections made, the collaborative opportunities ahead, and the vision of shared economic prosperity. A meaningful gathering The Mayor says attending the Economic Reconciliation Forum was a significant honour. “It was a real honour to be a part of this forum,” notes Knox. She adds that the gathering was not just formal but genuinely energizing for everyone involved. “You could really feel the energy, the people coming together with purpose and hope,” she continues. Knox says it was especially rewarding to stand alongside longtime partners and connect with new ones. “It was also great to have our Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI) partners, Dakota Plains Wahpeton Nation here, as well. For me, I’m always happy to see many of the people that we’ve already formed strong relationships with and also to make new ones,” she adds. Partnerships and progress Knox explains that real progress emerges through trust and collaboration. “That’s how real progress happens, through connection and trust,” she continues. She mentions the insights shared by Indigenous leadership that left a strong impression on her. “Hearing from leaders like President Chartrand, Grand Chief Kyra Wilson, and Chief Darcy Bear from Whitecap Dakota Nation was incredibly inspiring,” she notes. She says particular interest focused on innovative community health infrastructure. “Seeing what’s happening in Whitecap, especially their new virtual health hub, I know it will be transformative for health care in rural and northern communities,” she adds. Vision for inclusive growth Knox frames the forum as reflecting far more than dialogue—it exemplifies action. “Economic reconciliation is really about more than words. It’s about partnerships, respect and creating opportunities that lift everyone,” she says. She adds the sense of hope and possibility she encountered there carries back to Portage. “There was such a sense of hope here and I believe that together we can build stronger communities and a stronger Manitoba,” she notes.