Honouring Brenda Reynolds and Her Nelson Mandela Award

Know History extends heartfelt congratulations to Brenda Reynolds, who recently received the United Nations’ prestigious Nelson Mandela Award for her lifelong dedication to advancing Indigenous rights, mental health, and trauma-informed care. Brenda first began supporting Residential School Survivors in 1988, working with 17 girls involved in Saskatchewan’s first Residential School abuse case. She went on to play a key role in the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, advised the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and helped develop a national, culturally grounded mental health program for Survivors and their families.

We were honoured to celebrate this incredible achievement by hosting an online and in-person watch party at the Know History office as the award ceremony was livestreamed. Brenda’s trauma training for our staff has made a profound difference, helping us approach this work with greater compassion, awareness, and understanding. We are so grateful for her expertise, empathy, and unwavering commitment to healing.

This is a well-deserved recognition for a true “good troublemaker.”

Congratulations, Brenda!