Wood smoke and burning sage wafted through downtown Winnipeg Monday morning, as the Winnipeg Police Service hosted a ceremony in recognition of the fifth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Officers, for the first time, sparked a sacred fire outside of WPS headquarters on Smith Street.

“My hope is that the sacred fire helps create a space where community can join our members in healing reflection and spiritual connection,” WPS Chief Gene Bowers told a crowd of police, transit security officers and community members who gathered to witness the event.

“As a police service, we carry a profound duty. More than serving and protecting, that duty is about listening, learning and repairing relationships. We must acknowledge that, at times, the relationship between police and Indig

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