Tréchelle Bunn | Canada | Championing Truth, Reconciliation & Community Well-Being

SCO Youth Chief | Reconciliation Run Founder | B.A. Criminology | J.D. Candidate ‘26

This story was sent from Treaty 1 Territory,

the original lands of the Dakota, Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree,

and Dene peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation.

Tréchelle Bunn, is from Wampum, Manitoba, and a proud member of Chan Kagha Otina Dakhóta Oyáte (Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation), holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology with a minor in Indigenous Studies from the University of Manitoba. Currently pursuing her dream of becoming a lawyer at Robson Hall, she demonstrated versatility during her undergraduate years as a student-athlete, playing hockey for the Bison Women's hockey team. A four-time Academic All-Canadian, Tréchelle actively engaged in various campus organizations, including the Indigenous Circle of Empowerment and the Neechiwaken Peer Mentorship program. Collaborating with national organizations like Jack.org and the Native Women's Association of Canada, she served as a youth mental health network representative and youth delegate, respectively.

In 2022, Tréchelle founded the Reconciliation Run, Canada's first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation half-marathon. Recognized for her contributions, she received the University of Manitoba Indigenous Award of Excellence for Community Building, the University of Manitoba Emerging Leader Award, and the Manitoba Aboriginal Sports and Recreation Council (MASRC) Indigenous Volunteer of the Year Award.

Now in her first year of law school, Tréchelle continues to excel, receiving the John Mitchell Scholarship and the inaugural Wendy Whitecloud Bursary in Law. Besides her academic pursuits, she serves as the Youth Chief of the Southern Chiefs' Organization, representing the voice of youth across 34 First Nations in southern Manitoba.

Hosting the second annual Reconciliation Run on September 30, 2023 Tréchelle's event, starting at the former residential school in Birtle and concluding on Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation, has grown substantially. This year's run has 156 registered entrants, emphasizing education, reflection, and learning.

Beyond the run, Tréchelle's impactful initiatives include partnering with Under Armour Canada to donate 213 pairs of athletic shoes to every youth in Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation. This event, known as "Under Armour Day," preceded the Reconciliation Run, showcasing her commitment to community well-being.

Commended by the Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO), Tréchelle's efforts honor the children who attended residential schools and the youth in Birdtail Sioux today.

SCO encourages citizens and people across Manitoba, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike, to participate in the Reconciliation Run on September 30, recognizing the significant impact one person can have on a community's well-being.

Social Media Handles:

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