In 2001, a group of Traditional Elders, Indigenous Grandmothers, and community members came together with a shared vision: to strengthen social and economic opportunities for the growing Indigenous community in Winnipeg. More than two decades later, Ka Ni Kanichihk has grown from that vision into a cornerstone organization with over 140 employees, offering culturally grounded programs and services that support Indigenous children, youth, families, and individuals on their journeys toward healing, wholeness, and self-determination.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
Ka Ni Kanichihk’s work is grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems and cultural practices. We believe in meaningful transformation that involves community and is supported through culturally safe, trauma-informed approaches. We provide Indigenous-identified programs and services that focus on wholeness and wellness and that build on the strengths and resilience of Indigenous peoples. We do this to provide resources for people to support themselves, to build healthy and strong relationships and to create a sustainable future for our community.
What problem does it aim to solve?
In 2001, Ka Ni Kanichihk was created from a vision shared by Traditional Elders, Indigenous Grandmothers, and community members who saw a need to strengthen social and economic opportunities for the growing Indigenous community in Winnipeg. Our goal is to lead our people back home to a place where we are self-determining, healthy, happy, and respected for our cultural and spiritual strengths and ways of being. Some specific problems we address include reclaiming Ancestral laws, values, knowledge and technologies, and to support Indigenous children, youth, and families heal from the intergenerational impact of the colonial past and present.
When did you start/join it?
I joined in April 2025.
What made you want to get involved?
I have Métis roots, with my grandmother coming from St. Laurent, Manitoba. When an opportunity opened up at Ka Ni Kanichihk for a Summer Event Planner, I saw it as a meaningful way to combine my work with my culture. Starting in events, I had the opportunity to plan engaging activities and gatherings for staff who dedicate their time each day to supporting our relatives and community members through important, heart-centred work.
What was the situation like when you started?
At the time I joined Ka Ni Kanichihk, the organization had just over 100 employees. Our capital expansion project was still underway, and operations were spread across five locations throughout the city. As our programs continued to grow, so did the demand for culturally grounded services. We expanded alongside that need, guided by the belief that strong families create strong communities. Ka Ni Kanichihk has always been committed to supporting children, youth, and families. Through culturally based childcare, life skills training, education, and violence prevention initiatives, we help families reconnect with their roots, strengthen relationships, and pursue new opportunities. We also offer culturally grounded healing and recovery programs rooted in traditional Indigenous teachings, supporting individuals on their journeys through trauma, addiction, and adversity with a holistic approach.
How has it changed since?
Since then, we’ve experienced significant growth, now with over 140 employees. Our capital expansion project was completed, and as of October 2025, all Youth and Education programs have moved into a newly expanded space- bringing our teams closer together and strengthening collaboration. The expansion increased our space from 8,700 square feet to 22,000 square feet, creating more room for programming and community connection. The upcoming addition of an all-season sweat lodge will further enhance access to cultural learning and ceremony in one central location, supporting continued healing and growth within the community. In January 2026, our Velma’s 24/7 Safe Space also moved into a larger location, expanding from 15 to 48 beds. The new space includes additional amenities such as showers, a warming lodge, and a dedicated cultural room. These ongoing expansions allow us to welcome more community members through our doors and provide greater access to the resources and support needed for their healing journeys.
What more needs to be done?
As we continue to grow, we remain focused on expanding programs and services that meet the evolving needs of our communities. Central to this work is restoring relationships- something deeply impacted by the legacy of the Canadian Residential School System, which disrupted connections to one another, culture, and identity. We continue to provide inclusive, non-judgemental support in response to the addiction crisis, along with accessible HIV and STBBI testing and care. Our services also support individuals experiencing sexual violence, housing challenges, and system navigation needs. Looking ahead, an area to consider is creating more programming for men to support healing from trauma and help prevent instances of gender-based violence.
How can our readers help?
Our Velma’s 24/7 Safe House for our women and Two-Spirit relatives and are always in need of clothing, undergarments, and personal hygiene or beauty items. These items can be delivered to 455 McDermot Avenue (R3A 0B5) in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Monetary donations can also be made to on our website to both our Velma’s House or directly to our programs, helping sustain and expand these important initiatives. Donate here.
Do you have any events coming up?
June 18, 2026: 25th Annual Keeping the Fires Burning
-RBC Convention Center, Winnipeg, 5:30 PM
-Keeping the Fires Burning (KFB), held annually in June, is one of Manitoba’s largest Indigenous gala events in Winnipeg. This celebration of Manitoba’s diverse and dynamic Indigenous cultures blends the arts, music and dance, while annually honouring up to ten of Manitoba’s Grandmothers and Grandfathers who have made a significant contribution to the advancement of Indigenous Peoples, and, indeed, the safeguarding, nurturing, and transmission of Traditional Knowledge and practice.
-Tickets can be purchased here.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
One charity we love is St. Boniface Street Links in Winnipeg, MB. They provide support to those who are unhoused through trauma-informed and person-centred approaches. They collaborate a lot with our Velma’s House in helping our relatives with housing or other needs.
