About NIRSM
From a place of hurting to a place of healing
The National Indigenous Residential School Museum of Canada invites visitors to learn about the history and lasting impacts of Canada’s residential school system through immersive exhibits, Survivor stories, and Indigenous-led education.
The National Indigenous Residential School Museum of Canada preserves and shares the truths of the residential school system while honouring the strength, cultures, and resilience of Indigenous peoples and Survivors.
Through education, remembrance, and community connection, the museum seeks to deepen understanding of Canada’s shared history and inspire meaningful reconciliation for future generations.
Visit
Step inside one of Canada’s former residential school buildings and experience exhibits that explore Indigenous life before contact, the realities of residential schools, Survivor resilience, and the ongoing journey toward truth and reconciliation.
Visitors are encouraged to move through the museum at their own pace, engaging with historical artifacts, photographs, immersive spaces, and stories rooted in both local and national history.
School groups, organizations, and guided tours are welcome.
Location:
The museum is located at 5000 Crescent Rd W, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 4B1, approximately 1 hr 15 min drive from Winnipeg.
Hours and Admission:
Monday to Friday: 8:30AM–4:30PM
Admission to the museum is flexible and we offer several pricing options.
What to see at the museum
Throughout the year, the museum hosts commemorative gatherings, educational programming, cultural events, and community conversations that support truth, healing, and reconciliation.
Guided by Survivors.
Built for Future Generations.
See what’s to come…
See a preview of the updates being done to enhance and expand the physical space at the National Residential School Museum of Canada.
from a place of hurting
to a place of healing
The Good Ancestor Fund supports the ongoing preservation, educational programming, exhibit development, and community initiatives of the National Indigenous Residential School Museum of Canada.
NIRSM Events
Throughout the year, the museum hosts commemorative gatherings, educational programming, cultural events, and community conversations that support truth, healing, and reconciliation.
Events
Mashkikiin (Medicine) Gathering
The inaugural Maskikiin Gathering will be held August 31 to September 2, the Mashkikiin Gathering celebrates Indigenous plant medicines, land-based teachings, and cultural knowledge sharing.…
Events
Orange Shirt Day / National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Each year, the museum hosts Orange Shirt Day programming that brings together Survivors, families, educators, youth, and community members to honour the children impacted by…
Learn With Us
Learning about the history and truths of Indigenous Residential Schools is crucial for reconciliation. Sharing this knowledge fosters understanding, empathy, and a commitment to justice for survivors and future generations.
NIRSM is committed to providing learning resources and educating all age groups about our shared history.