“The stories of struggle, creativity, and fierce dedication to building an Indigenous future in Winnipeg are gifts that honour this city’s collective past…”

Exploring the rich historical grounding of Indigenous peoples grassroots organizing developed through resistance and community work, Indigenous Resistance & Development in Winnipeg 1960-2000 traces Indigenous city development through the decades, encompassing generations of Indigenous community organizers. It is the first book that recounts Winnipeg history exclusively through the impactful development and resistance work of Indigenous people and organizations.

Praise for Indigenous Resistance & Development in Winnipeg 1960-2000

“By collecting together many of the key voices most immersed and involved in Indigenous resistance movements in Winnipeg from the 1960s to early 2000s, Shauna MacKinnon and Kathy Mallett have constructed an anthology that meticulously documents one of the most important periods in Canadian history — and in one of its most important places. The stories of struggle, creativity, and fierce dedication to building an Indigenous future in Winnipeg are gifts that honour this city’s collective past while colouring in the portrait of a dynamic city that has been at the forefront of colonialism, change, and reconciliation.”

— The Honourable Murray Sinclair (Former Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and Senator) and Niigaan James Sinclair (Professor at the University of Manitoba and Columnist, Winnipeg Free Press)

“This powerful and inspiring book pays tribute and honour to the incredible Indigenous women and leaders who have led change in the North End community. Through their trailblazing efforts, these women have shown us what true leadership 1neans, with focus on strengthening community, supporting children and families, and using their voices to create positive change. The power of storytelling brings the voices and legacies of these leaders to life, highlighting the collaborative efforts, activism, and wisdom that have shaped the North End and the not-for-profit organizations to bring meaningful support to the community today. Through their dedicated work, these women and leaders have brought Indigenous-led programming and support to children and families in Winnipeg, making a tremendous difference in the lives of so many. These powerful words allow for a deeper understanding of the history of Indigenous leadership, the true meaning of community work in the North End, and the ongoing importance of this legacy for future generations.”

— Dana Riccio Arabe, Executive Director at Blue Thunderbird Family Care

“These inspiring stories bring you on a journey of resistance and resilience, drawing attention to the inherent strength of the Indigenous community while illustrating the connection between Indigenous knowledge and ways of being to the healing of our children, families and communities. A wonderful representation of the importance of Indigenous voices and why Indigenous communities and leaders must lead in the development of policy and programming for Indigenous people.”

— Tammy Christensen, Executive Director, Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre

Contents

Forward | Resistance and Development
Indigenous Organizations in Winnipeg
Nicole Lamy

Introduction
Shauna MacKinnon and Kathy Mallett

Chapter 1 | Preserving the History of Aboriginal Institutional Development in Winnipeg

Research Driven by the Community
John Loxley and Kathy Mallett

Chapter 2 | Establishing and Indigenizing the Indian and Métis Friendship Centre
An Incubator for Indigenous Activism
Shauna MacKinnon and Kathy Mallett

Chapter 3 | Kinew and Payuk
Leadership in Urban Indigenous Housing
Lawrence Deane and Kathy Mallett

Chapter 4 | Indigenous Economic Development in Winnipeg
Lynne Fernandez and John Loxley

Chapter 5 | Indigenous Education and the Thunder Eagle Society
The Fight for Aboriginal Schools
Shauna MacKinnon and Kathy Mallett

Chapter 6 | The Indigenous Women’s Collective of Manitoba
DIBENIMISOWIN (We Own Ourselves)
Doris Young

Chapter 7 | Indigenous Resistance and Development in Child Welfare
The Story of Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre
Shauna MacKinnon and Kathy Mallett

Chapter 8 | Women Working Together
The Native Women’s Transition Centre
Annetta Armstrong and Josie Hill

Chapter 9 | Two-Spirit Resistance and Resurgence in Winnipeg
The Native Women’s Transition Centre
Chantal Fiola and Albert McLeod