Nineteen CAF members from CFB Shilo participated in a two-day educational trip to Winnipeg visiting the provincial legislature on March 17-to19. (Photo: supplied)
With files from: Capt. Kimberly Roode
Edited by Shilo Stag Media
Nineteen members from CFB Shilo attended the Canadian Human Rights Museum to see various exhibits designed to deepen the understanding of human struggles and the ongoing fight for equality on March 19.
The group witnessed a new exhibit, Love in a Dangerous Time: Canada’s LGBT Purge, which focuses on the injustices the LGBTQ2S+ community faced in the Canadian Government, Military, and RCMP.
“An eye-opening and in-depth experience, the exhibit was well received by participants as it offered insight into a dark time in our history. In learning of past injustices, we can better understand how we can actively contribute to change and improve our future,” Captain Kimberly Roode, lead planner for the event, said.
During the two-day trip to Winnipeg starting on March 17, the Shilo members partnered with 17 Wing’s Mission Support Squadron members.
The Canadian Armed Forces contingent visited various institutions in the city to broaden their perspectives, both in the political and military worlds. The trip included tours of the Legislature, multiple museums, and networking with their Air Force counterparts.
“This event is one of several initiatives from Base Commander LCol Cronk aimed at bridging the gaps between our military members and the communities they call home,” Capt. Roode said.
Members started with a guided tour of the Manitoba Legislative Building, provided by David Pankratz, Member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba (MLA) for Wavery.
Throughout the tour, members and the MLA discussed issues that disproportionally affect military members and their families to share insight and expand political knowledge about military lives.
Armed with understanding, a path forward can be created to influence and improve the hardships unique to military life, Capt. Roode said.
“Members were also able to visit with Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew. The tour concluded with a behind-the-scenes look at a caucus meeting to promote civic education and demystify the process.”
Day two of the visit saw the 17 Wing Mission Support Squadron graciously host the members on a tour of their Supply, Transport, Maintenance, and Food sections to strengthen personal relationships between units, exchange best practices, and share operational insights.
“All parties are committed to continued collaboration, confirming and strengthening these bonds to improve overall coordination in future missions and set conditions for future opportunities,” Roode said.
The captain said the members who participated in the trip are taking the lessons learned and applying them to their own lives and communities to strengthen the ongoing dialogue.
Roode said CFB Shilo will continue to plan events and provide opportunities to gain experience and insights into the communities around them and with neighbouring Units.