In 1981, 45 acres of land and building became part of Long Plain 6B now called Keeshkeemaquah where the former Portage Indian Residential School was located. In December 2001, through a BCR, a vision was established to have a National Indigenous Residential School Museum. In 2005, the former Portage Indian Residential School was designated as a Provincial heritage site and 2020 became a National Historic Site. An eagle statue and some monuments are the beginning of a memorial and healing garden. In 2019, the Museum was awarded the Governor’s Award “for inspiring ongoing efforts to achieve the vision” of the Museum. In 2023, the Museum received the Indigenous Tourism Award for the Manitoba Region.

Currently, Parks Canada and the NIRSM are working on the unveiling of a National Historic Plaque.

The legacy of the Residential School era is shared through displays, pictures, artifacts, stories and songs. It showcases the Indigenous culture. The Museum is a place where history and culture meet for all nations.

The Museum was created to have “a place where people can learn, share, heal and move forward” and to create a memorial to those who went through the Indian Residential School era. It is also about educating the public, to teach and learn about the indigenous culture, languages, heritage, exposing a painful past through the dark Residential School era to present day 94 Calls to Action and embracing the present and hope for a better future for all. The Museum hosts an annual Orange Shirt Day (Truth and Reconciliation Day).It is a day to learn, share, educate, listen to stories, and celebrate a Day of Reconciliation.

Statistics for visitors to the Museum has grown from 325 to over 1,351 in the last 5 years. The Museum has a website. Partnerships are important to the growth of the Museum. The Museum has supports and partnerships with corporations and organizations. Over the years some of the major partnerships have been with Parks Canada, Travel Manitoba, Indigenous Tourism Manitoba and University of Manitoba.

Our local Long Plain Chief and Council, Arrowhead Development Corporation have been instrumental and major contributors for the operations of the Museum. Other key supports are the Assembly of First Nations, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Southern Chief Organization.

The Museum continues to make changes and improvements in their displays and welcome all visitors.