Ka Ni Kanichihk News
National Day of Awareness for MMIWG2S+ – May 5th
According to the RCMP, there are nearly 1,200 missing and murdered Indigenous woman and girls in Canada, although it’s believed the number is likely much higher. Our hearts are with these many families. “[The National Day of Awareness for MMIWG2S+] was started over 11 years ago by Metis artist Jaime Black, who created a public display of red dresses to raise awareness. It quickly became a tradition to wear red on this day to continue bringing awareness to this important issue that continues to...
Bursary in honour of our sister Jennifer Dawn McPherson
by Gerri-Lee, Medicine Bear Participant In 2013 I walked into Ka Ni Kanichihk and was guided to Medicine Bear Counselling, Support and Elder Services. The last time I went to Ka Ni Kanichihk was to visit my sister Jennifer at work, but this time it was seeking counselling on the bereavement of her death. Our family was welcomed with the most loving councillor who provided us with the utmost care. We were counselled with beautiful traditional teachings, the smell of Sage and Sweetgrass...
Wellness for youth through cultural connection
We recently spoke with a 13-year-old youth who has been in Ka Ni Kanichihk’s Kistesimaw program for four years. We asked him what his top three memories are from his time in Kistesimaw. He told us, “Going to Oskatakatnaak (Jack Pine Hill) a bunch of times to meet with an elder, eat moose meat and go for walks and learn about the land. Also, that time I got my Spirit name in the Sweat Lodge. And, when I first started, making a skate board with you. When asked what would be the main thing he...
Emergency preparedness makes a difference
National Public Safety Emergency Preparedness Week was May 2-8, 2021. Studies show that communities that are prepared for an emergency or disaster (like an extreme weather event), are better able to respond and recover when one happens. Personal preparedness helps build overall community resiliency. Here are some community resources to help you and your relatives be ready if there’s an emergency or disaster: The City of Winnipeg is offering new Ready Winnipeg courses online. The courses...
Increased support for youth and victims of sexual assault
This spring, Ka Ni Kanichihk received funding from the Manitoba government for two important initiatives that will serve our community – the creation of a youth hub and mores services for victims of assault. We are grateful they understand the immense need to meet community where they are. Youth Hubs In March, the creation of five new youth hubs, including one based at Ka Ni Kanichihk, was announced by the Manitoba government, Shared Health, the United Way and other funders. Youth Hubs bring...
The Manitoba Mino Pimatisiwin Model of Care
The Mino Pimatisiwin project was created to improve prevention and treatment services of Sexually Transmitted Blood Borne Infections (STBBI) among our relatives. Ka Ni Kanichihk works in partnership with health clinics and front-line workers to enhance health services through Indigenous leadership and a model of cultural safety. Covid forced many to temporarily put their STBBI work on hold. A hard choice considering that the transmission of STBBIs continues. We applaud the work of Indigenous...
COVID-19 Frontline Workers Photos – Keeping the Fires Burning
As part of our 20th Anniversary Keeping the Fire Burning (KFB) celebration, Ka Ni Kanichihk will honour Manitoba Frontline Workers for their service to Indigenous communities throughout this time of pandemic. We're asking community members to send photos of Frontline Workers which will be featured in a video tribute as part of our June 21, 2021 virtual gala event. Please include the name of the individual(s) featured within your photograph(s) and the community where your picture(s) was taken....
The Medicine Bear Family
2020 was definitely different and came with lots of struggles for our group of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2 Spirit-impacted families. The families of Ka Ni Kanichihk’s Medicine Bear program have always socialized in person and we sure miss eating together, talking, beading, and just enjoying each other’s company. It was very challenging to keep our strong connection going during the pandemic. But Medicine Bear Counselling is doing our best to ensure our families can still...
Heart Medicine Lodge Gathering – Nizaagi’idiz: I Love Myself
After dealing with the impact of COVID-19 over the past 12 months, the ‘I Love Myself’ theme was very fitting for this year’s annual Heart Medicine Lodge Gathering. While 2020 was challenging, it also offered an opportunity to reflect and allowed many of us to spend more time with loved ones. This year’s Heart Medicine Lodge Gathering was also unique, as it was the first time it was held virtually. Even though we met on online, it was wonderful for the community to come together and connect...
Cedar Bath Ceremony Kits – another way to care for yourself
As a part of virtual programming, the Manitoba Youth Transitional Employment and Mentorship (M.Y.T.E.A.M) program delivered Cedar Bath ceremony kits to participants’ homes. The amazing MYTEAM program provides support and mentorship to youth who are in the care of Child and Family Services. The Cedar Bath ceremony kits are prepared by traditional knowledge keeper, Natasha Turner, and each one contains cedar, sage, a small eagle feather, and instructions on how to prepare your individualized...