Ka Ni Kanichihk News

It is hard to learn of the recent discovies of bodies in unmarked graves at former Indian Residential Schools (IRS) in British Columbia and Saskatchewan. A lot of deep, painful feelings and memories have risen to the surface for many.  As an Indigenous community we know there are still many more unmarked child graves of former IRS residents to be found. June is National Indigenous History Month. Our histories have once again surfaced to remind us of the tragedies we faced and still face...

In 2019, the Montreal Indigenous Community Network launched the Indigenous Ally Toolkit, which was created to foster alliances and educate non-Indigenous people and groups on how they can use their privilege to listen, shift power dynamics, and take concrete steps towards ‘reconciliACTION’. Since its launch, 400,000+ people have read the Indigenous Ally Toolkit, 64+ websites have linked it as a resource, and it has been adapted by the Calgary Foundation for Treaty 6 territory. It was also...

On June 24th, Ka Ni Kanichihk was proud and excited to unveil the designs for our building expansion.  Working with a design team of Verne Reimer Architecture in collaboration with Indigenous Design Studio at Brook Mcilroy and Woven Collaborative, the expansion will create 14,200SF of additional space in a new two-storey build, allowing Ka Ni Kanichihk to offer an Indigenous-led culturally safe space for expanded healing, growth and skills development to twice as many people. Almost since...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....