The Gathering: Full Schedule

9:00am CST

Opening Plenary: Untangling Our Roots: The Role of Community in Systems Change

The Gathering Opening is an invitation to continue untangling our roots, together. The pandemic has unearthed the inequities in our society like never before. Calls for systemic change are loud and clear. Community builders have stepped up to meet the needs of our communities like never before.

We also know you are seeking to change and upend systems toward a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable future.

What is the role of community organizations, community organizers, community builders, and community developers in supporting communities, building fairer local economies, and addressing inequities? How do we challenge systemic oppressions in our work and systems to build an inclusive community?

The Gathering Opening turns our collective attention and thought to these questions and to the role of community in systems change.

Elder Mae Louise Campbell, from the Ojibwa-Saulteaux Metis Nation, a mother and grandmother, will welcome us, begin the Gathering in a good way, and open our minds and hearts to this conversation with reflections on this year’s theme.

Keynote speaker Kai Cheng Thom, writer, performer, cultural worker & speaker, will bring us deep into this conversation with a keynote on ‘Tokenization to Transformation’. While social movements have increasingly become led by non-profit organizations, we know these organizations are regulated and constrained by their reliance on government and private funding. Kai Cheng Thom will reflect on over a decade of working both within and outside of non-profit movements to share their limitations and how to channel energy into grassroots community networks for change.

The Gathering Opening is also your guide to the rest of the three day event. Come get important information to make the best of your experience for the next three days.

Speakers

Elder Mae Louise Campbell

Elder and Co-Founder, Clan Mothers Healing Village and Knowledge Centre

Elder Mae Louise Campbell is from the Ojibwa-Saulteaux Metis Nation. She has birthed five children and is a Grandmother to many. She grew up in the small Metis northern community of Kississing Lake-Cold Lake, Manitoba. Mae Louise’s commitment to the healing of Aboriginal Women has... Read More →

Kai Cheng Thom

Writer, performer, cultural worker & speaker

Kai Cheng Thom, MSW, MSc, is an author, performer, queer healer, sex educator, mediator, wicked witch and lasagna lover based in tkaronto/Toronto. She is the author of five award-winning books in various genres, including the novel Fierce Femmes and Notorious Liars: A Dangerous... Read More →

Tuesday December 7, 2021 9:00am - 10:30am CST

Opening/Closing

11:00am CST

Changemakers Shaping the Future of Food

Explore how container farming empowers your community to create a reliable supply of fresh, nutritious food and make an impact year-round. You’ll also hear examples of leaders in Manitoba using container farms to grow the economic and educational opportunities in their communities. This session will be hosted by Branavan Tharmarajah, lead project consultant with Growcer, who has helped more than 35 communities across Canada grow locally year-round.

Speakers

Branavan Tharmarajah

Lead Project Consultant, The Growcer

Branavan Tharmarajah helps communities take control of their food system as The Growcer's Lead Project Consultant. He is an alumnus of McGill and Acadia University, with a background in business and nutrition. He is also presently finishing his MBA in Community Economic Development... Read More →

Tuesday December 7, 2021 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Workshop

11:00am CST

Combating Racism and Prejudice through Bridge Building and Education

Immigration Partnership Winnipeg has created an Indigenous Orientation Tool Kit to provide Newcomers with information on Indigenous Peoples. It is a beneficial tool for community-based organizations to help educate people on misconceptions and negative stereotypes of Indigenous Peoples.

Speakers

Adrianne Breyfogle

IOTK Project Coordinator, Immigration Partnership Winnipeg

Adrianne comes to IPW after many years in theatre management. The skills she has acquired during her years planning, coordinating, and running theatre events benefits the area of project coordinating greatly. She has worked with people from all different communities during her time... Read More →

Tuesday December 7, 2021 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Workshop

12:30pm CST

Lunch Activity: Creating Positive Spaces With Strength in the Circle

Strength in the Circle aims to help members build emotional intelligence by creating safe spaces where participants can share experiences, supports, and understanding with one another. In this session, a glimpse into the program will be offered through an exercise focused on gratitude and positive affirmations.

Facilitator

Jonathan Meikle

Founder and Executive Team Lead, Strength in the Circle

Jonathan Meikle is the founder and Executive Team Lead of Strength in the Circle. He is an Anshinew napew, with Scottish and Irish bloodline, a member of Norway House Cree Nation, Treaty Five Territory, Manitoba. Jonathan was introduced at the age of sixteen to the military through... Read More →

Tuesday December 7, 2021 12:30pm - 1:00pm CST

Break

1:00pm CST

The Role of Procurement In Community Wealth Building

Using institutional purchasing to build community wealth: meet the groups making social procurement happen.

Over the last year, the City of Winnipeg has been developing a Social Procurement policy. This comes on the heels of a multi-year advocacy campaign from the community to ensure our city considers community wealth and well being within its purchasing.

Many other examples of community wealth building from government and institutional purchasers exist in Manitoba, thanks to the work of community builders creating alternatives. The University of Winnipeg procures its food services from Diversity Food Services social enterprise. Manitoba Housing purchases from a variety of social enterprises to retrofit and renovate social housing units. Many municipalities divert mattresses to Mother Earth Recycling, an Indigenous-owned social enterprise.

This session is a discussion with purchasers and suppliers who strive to create a marketplace that focuses on building community wealth rather than a mere economic value transaction. Timed well with the City of Winnipeg taking a big step forward in considering a Social Procurement policy, this session will leave you feeling excited and engaged in how this community-driven innovation can strengthen communities across Manitoba.

Facilitator

Tori Williamson

Director of Education and Communications, Buy Social Canada

With a passion for understanding the systems around us and working collaboratively on community-centred solutions, Tori believes in people and the power of shifting perspectives and objectives to create change. As Director of Education and Communications at Buy Social Canada, she... Read More →

Speakers

Jessica Floresco

General Manager, Mother Earth Recycling

Jessica Floresco is the General Manager at Mother Earth Recycling, an Indigenous For-Profit Social Enterprise, and a proud member of the Metis community. Jessica has been working within the urban Indigenous community and rural First Nations for the past thirteen years on environmental... Read More →

Charlotte Lewthwaite

Chief Operating Officer, CleanStart BC

Charlotte Lewthwaite graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in Economics, with a focus on community economic development and policy. She was initially drawn to CleanStart BC through a keen interest in the logistics and collective benefits of the social enterprise... Read More →

Joseph Wasylycia-Leis

Campus Sustainability Coordinator, University of Winnipeg

Joseph (or Joe) is an experienced activist and community organizer who has been advocating for social and environmental justice at the local and national level for many years. He graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Masters in Environment and Resource Studies. Since then... Read More →

Tuesday December 7, 2021 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST

Panel Discussion

2:00pm CST

Music: Zuki

“It's simple, I’m here to make you dance, feel good or both.”

That’s how Zuki describes his purpose as a DJ. With his eclectic musical taste inspired by his travels, you're guaranteed to go on a musical journey and ultimately be left wondering how you ended up on the dance floor. Growing up to his Mother’s 70’s funk essentials box set and his Dad’s Fela Kuti tapes playing in the household, his range of musical influence is wide. Zuki can take the hypnotizing drums of South African house, saxophone samples from afrobeat hits and blend them effortlessly with your favourite rhythm, funk and hip-hop tunes.

Artists

Zuki

Tuesday December 7, 2021 2:00pm - 2:30pm CST

Music

3:00pm CST

Rebuilding a Treaty Relationship

As farmers and settlers on Turtle Island, we have been asking ourselves how we may meaningfully participate in reconciliation with the original peoples of this land. Recent developments such as the Saskatchewan Treaty Land Sharing Network shows ways in which farmers and landholders have begun the work of honouring the Treaties. Join this conversation with the National Farmers Union and Indigenous collaborators about farmer and settler reconciliation in Manitoba.

As the SK Treaty Land Sharing Network describes: “As part of these sacred commitments to live together in peace, take care of shared lands, and ensure one another’s wellbeing, Indigenous people were guaranteed that their way of life would be protected – that they would be able to move freely throughout their territories and continue to relate to the land through their own laws, practices, and protocols. The need to honour Treaty responsibilities is more critical than ever."

Speakers

Ron Missyabit

Circle Keeper-Care and Protection of The Natural World, First Nations in Treaty 2 Territory

I am very proud and honored by the fact that I was born on the land in Treaty 2 Territory, long story short, my mom was chopping wood and I guess I must have thought it was time to make my entrance into the world. I was born on the kitchen floor in the modest dwelling my parents called... Read More →

Anastasia Fyk

Farmer and Board Member, National Farmers Union

Anastasia Fyk is a 4th generation farmer, artist, translator, and pilot based in Treaty 2 Territory in Garland, MB, Canada. Her practice focuses on cycles, especially agricultural, to address the disconnect between modern society and its roots. To accomplish this, her objective is... Read More →

Tuesday December 7, 2021 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST

Workshop

3:00pm CST

The Co-Creation Model: Working Together Towards Community Transformation

We co-create all the time. In our organizations, we co-create events, programs, policies, and more. We even co-create with our families - shared meals, parties, and working through conflict. But what does co-creation in the Community Development sector look like with actors we don’t often work alongside - government and the private sector?

Co-creation is the practice of bringing multiple stakeholders together to develop policy, programming, and practice that will impact the community in question from beginning to end. This is in contrast to top-down methods of developing policy without the community most impacted. In order to address complex challenges like poverty, we need many stakeholders, perspectives and skill-sets around the table. When the government and the private sector co-creates with CED organizations, the impact and value of policy and programs can increase and deepen.

We can get closer to ending poverty by working together. So what does the experience of atypical cooperation toward addressing poverty look like? Join participants sharing their experiences co-creating between CED organizations, government, and the private sector, and the lessons all community builders need to hear.

Facilitator

Michael Barkman

Manitoba Public Policy Coordinator, Canadian CED Network

Michael is a life-long Winnipegger, based in Treaty 1 Territory. Michael cares deeply about social, economic, and environmental justice, and believes in collective movements and solutions rooted in the knowledge of local communities. At CCEDNet, Michael’s role focuses on membership... Read More →

Speakers

Noelle DePape

Community Development Lead, City of Winnipeg, Community Development Division

Noelle DePape has spent her career working, both locally and globally, for more equitable, inclusive and just communities. Whether in her current role in municipal government or her previous leadership roles in community based organizations, such as IRCOM and the Social Planning Council... Read More →

Aron Skworchinski

Special Projects and Initiatives- Poverty Reduction, City of Winnipeg

Aron Skworchinski is a Métis woman from Winnipeg, Manitoba located in Treaty No. 1 Territory and at the Heart of the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. She currently works in the Community Development Division of Community Services at the City of Winnipeg in the role of Special... Read More →

Kahla Pretty

Collective Impact Facilitator, Winnipeg Poverty Reduction Council

Kahla holds a Master of City Planning from the University of Manitoba, which she completed in 2020. Throughout her graduate studies, Kahla focused on issues around food insecurity, inequitable access to housing, Indigenous planning, and community development. Her major research project... Read More →

Tuesday December 7, 2021 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST

Workshop

9:00am CST

Morning Smudge

Please note that the workshop Human Impacts of Climate Change in Manitoba and Beyond will start immediately after the morning smudge.

Speakers

Jolene Wilson

Restoring the Balance Coordinator, West Central Women’s Resource Centre

Jolene Wilson is a Knowledge Keeper and community advocate. She is the Restoring the Balance Coordinator at West Central Women's Resource Centre.

Wednesday December 8, 2021 9:00am - 9:15am CST

Smudging Ceremony

9:00am CST

Human Impacts of Climate Change in Manitoba and Beyond

The social impacts of climate change are dynamic, deeply complex, and pose largely unfamiliar challenges. We already see impacts of climate change in our communities, health, and wellbeing; yet the full extent of its impact is still unknown.

This session will explore these social impacts through a lens of climate justice. Some of the specific ways we can build climate resilient communities in Manitoba will then be discussed. The best way to deal with your climate grief is to take action and this is a great opportunity to do just that and to make an impact. The workshop will then explore solutions to climate change---opportunities to lower carbon emissions and build community resilience to climate impacts while centring justice and equity.

Participants' input from this workshop will be included in the next version of the Road to Resilience. Participants should come away from this workshop with greater knowledge of and hope for what's possible in Manitoba.

Please note that the workshop Human Impacts of Climate Change in Manitoba and Beyond will start immediately after the morning smudge

Speakers

Dr. Durdana Islam

Program Manager, Climate Action Team

Durdana Islam has a PhD in Natural Resources and Environmental Management from the University of Manitoba. She worked as a post-doctoral fellow in the field of Climate Change at the Prairie Climate Centre, University of Winnipeg. Durdana's heart is in creating a healthier and sustainable... Read More →

Curt Hull

Project Manager, Climate Change Connection

Curt Hull is a professional engineer who has been Project Director of Climate Change Connection since 2007. Prior to that he worked for 25 years managing quality in a global electronics design and manufacturing enterprise. With Climate Change Connection, he works on climate change... Read More →

Hannah Muhajarine

Organizer, Manitoba Energy Justice Coalition

Hannah moved to Winnipeg in 2016 from Saskatoon. She has a Masters in Natural Resource Management from the Natural Resources Institute at the University of Manitoba, and has worked in research and community economic development. She currently works for the Green Resilience Project... Read More →

Wednesday December 8, 2021 9:00am - 10:00am CST

Panel Discussion

11:00am CST

Bringing Systems Change to Life: How Organizations Can Operate from An Anti-Racist Approach

Our organizations are designed to be ‘good’ and do ‘good’ things yet, like everything, they exist in an environment shaped by systemic racism and colonization. Let’s talk about what can support our organization’s capacity to operate from an anti-racist approach.

Speakers

Jackie Hogue

Trainer, Facilitator, J.Hogue & Associates

Jackie is Metis and has Polish Settler heritage. She is passionate about supporting organization to strengthen their capacity to be in good relationship. Jackie’s life experiences, both locally and internationally, have informed her desire to support organizations is dismantling... Read More →

Wednesday December 8, 2021 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Workshop

11:00am CST

Manitoba First Nations Success Stories Reducing Waste

The First Nations Waste Minimization team works in collaboration with First Nation communities in waste diversion efforts through assisting with landfill training, recycling operations, waste reduction toolkits, funding support and development, and connecting them with producer responsibility organizations. The First Nations currently involved include: Buffalo Point, Fisher River, Peguis, Pine Creek, Little Saskatchewan, and Wasagamack. The team promotes environmental education using the 7 sacred teachings with First Nations schools through teacher conferences, in-person/virtual classroom presentations, online webinars, waste reduction activity books, and other types of community engagement. The team has presented at over 30 First Nations around Manitoba, with 6 community events featuring a 4Rs bingo game, landfill presentation and a feast. As a result, First Nation communities are mobilized to act on and address climate change, work in broader systems, and combat environmental racism.

Speakers

Cesar Flores

Community Pathfinder, Green Action Centre

Cesar Flores grew up moving throughout Central and South America. His exposure to rural and indigenous communities throughout his years growing up have fuelled his passion, respect, and hope in community development and indigenous knowledge to address the climate crisis and create... Read More →

Amy Smith

Community Pathfinder, Green Action Centre

Amy's passion for waste minimization began in her childhood home in Pinawa, Manitoba where she helped her parents with the backyard compost and worked a couple of summers at the town recycling depot as a teenager. In 2018, Amy completed a Masters of Natural Resource Management from... Read More →

Chantel Henderson

Indigenous Programs Outreach Coordinator, Green Action Centre

Chantel Henderson is a proud Ojibway woman from Pinaymootang First Nation and Sagkeeng First Nation. She earned a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Urban & Inner-City Studies from the University of Winnipeg and a Master's Diploma in Community Economic Development from Concordia University... Read More →

Wednesday December 8, 2021 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Workshop

11:00am CST

Reweaving our Social Safety Net

Learn about a participatory action research project Reweaving Support - A Feminist Social Safety Net for Manitoba then get involved in one of five area; childcare, transforming CFS, income supports, housing security, or ending gender-based violence for this 3 year social change project. The workshop will explore applying CD/CED and GBA+ or intersectional feminism to governance systems and our social safety net - social programs. It will expand our understanding of systems thinking and systems change as transforming corporate and charity models to CD models; from oppression to collaboration and partnership. This is a hands on interactive workshop that will link new approaches to policy advocacy with lived experience, and creative community action.

Speakers

Lara Hunter

Coordinator, Woman Healing for Change

Lara Hunter is the Coordinator for Woman Healing for Change home to the Little Stars Playhouse and the Reweaving Support project. Lara recently graduated from the University of Winnipeg with degree in Urban and Inner City Studies and a diploma from Red River College in Community... Read More →

Marianne Cerilli

Social Innovator and Consultant, Marianne Cerilli - Change Agent

Feminist trailblazer, community development aficionado and change agent Marianne Cerilli has been working for a world that is healthy, sustainable, equitable, and peaceful for her entire life. Beginning as a recreation and fitness leader, then high school guidance counsellor, teacher... Read More →

Wednesday December 8, 2021 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Workshop

12:30pm CST

Lunch Activity: Meditation Break

Join Kerri Twigg, an L2 Mindfulness Coach, who will guide participants through a lunchtime meditation and wellness exercise.

Speakers

Kerri Twigg

Career Contentment Coach, Career Stories

Kerri Twigg is a L2 Unified Mindfulness Coach who teaches people how to use mindfulness and storytelling to increase career contentment. Her book, The Career Stories Method, has been a top selling resume book on Amazon Canada since its release. Kerri regularly gets named a top Career... Read More →

Wednesday December 8, 2021 12:30pm - 1:00pm CST

Break

1:00pm CST

Social Finance & Investment Readiness in Manitoba

What do social finance and investment readiness mean in Manitoba? With Federal programs such as the Investment Readiness Program and the forthcoming Social Finance Fund, what can community-based organizations in Manitoba be doing to prepare themselves for these opportunities? How can financing and investment be used to deepen the impact of our work?

Hear from practitioners in different places throughout the social finance ecosystem in Manitoba and beyond on what investment readiness means to them, and what the future of social finance holds for community-based organizations in Manitoba.

Facilitator

Sarah Leeson-Klym

Regional Networks Director, Canadian CED Network

Sarah Leeson-Klym is Regional Networks Director for the Canadian CED Network. In that role, she works with network leaders across Canada to create opportunities for learning, dialogue, and alignment across a variety of cross-cutting issues like social and community finance, social... Read More →

Speakers

Jane Bisbee

Executive Director, Social Enterprise Fund

Jane Bisbee is the Executive Director of the Social Enterprise Fund, one of Canada’s more active impact investment funds. Over the last decade, she has worked to build SEF’s portfolio to over 80 projects across many sectors, with more than $75M invested.A special focus of Jane’s... Read More →

Nigel R. Mohammed

Director, Community Financial Centre, Assiniboine Credit Union

As Director, Community Financial Centre at Assiniboine Credit Union, Nigel leads a team of specialists with expertise in providing creative financing solutions to support not for profits, social enterprises, cooperatives and small businesses. This unique Centre is the only one of... Read More →

Kalen Taylor

Executive Director, Purpose Construction

Kalen Taylor is the Executive Director of Purpose Construction, a social enterprise that combines social housing development and rehabilitation with trades training and employment run by and for people underrepresented in the skilled trades. Purpose Construction completes over $2.5... Read More →

Wednesday December 8, 2021 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST

Panel Discussion

2:00pm CST

Music: FONTINE

FONTINE crafts sanguine lyrics that tell of loves past and present. often using themes of nature to ground her songwriting. Her identity as a Nehiyaw Iskwew goes back to early memories of visiting the family farm on Cowessess First Nation reserve. Through songwriting, beading, and exploring the natural world, FONTINE is working to uncover the roots buried for years, and become a part of a wider community of songwriters.

Artists

FONTINE

Music Artist

Wednesday December 8, 2021 2:00pm - 2:30pm CST

Music

3:00pm CST

Organizing & Advocacy 101

Our communities have power. But that power can only achieve the change we want to see in our province if we are organized. In community building work, we are called to lead by advocating toward positive changes in government policy or working together to stop something harmful. We need to understand public policy and how it impacts our systems and communities. Plus, we need to know how to organize, whether it's finding a common agenda, coalition building, leading an advocacy campaign, or working with government. These are essential elements to achieve our economic, social, and environmental vision for Manitoba. This is an introductory learning opportunity to learn about why organizing to change policy matters, and how we advocate for change.

Speakers

Sarah Leeson-Klym

Regional Networks Director, Canadian CED Network

Allen Mankewich

Organizer

Allen has a wide range of experience in activism and advocacy experience. He has worked on policy issues in non-profit and public sector organizations, and has served on several community advisory committees, boards of directors, and with grassroots organizations. In 2015 he participated... Read More →

Wednesday December 8, 2021 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST

Workshop

3:00pm CST

Research for Poverty Reduction

A lot has changed in the last few years. What are some research questions or collections of information and data that could support our quest for a more equitable province, in part through poverty reduction?

The Manitoba Research Alliance (MRA) is a group of academic researchers, students, and community partners producing community-based research. The MRA, hosted by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives-Manitoba, has held 4 successful Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) grants. With the current grant entitled Community-Driven Solutions to Poverty: Challenges and Possibilities, the MRA is supporting community-based research projects in four research streams: 1) Community Economic Development (CED); 2: Housing; 3) Education, Employment and Social Inclusion; 4) Justice, Safety and Security.

Speakers

Jesse Hajer

Member of the University of Manitoba Faculty Association

Jesse Hajer (PhD) is a member of the University of Manitoba Faculty Association and a research associate with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives — Manitoba. Prior to joining the University of Manitoba faculty in 2018, he worked as a consultant supporting government and... Read More →

Shauna MacKinnon

Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Urban and Inner-City Studies, UWinnipeg and PI, Manitoba Research Alliance, University of Winnipeg, Urban and Inner-City Studies

Shauna MacKinnon is Associate Professor and Chair in the Department of Urban and Inner-City Studies at the University of Winnipeg, and Principal Investigator of the Manitoba Research Alliance (MRA). The MRA is a community-led research consortium first established 2003. In 2020 the... Read More →

Andrée Forest

Project Coordinator, Manitoba Research Alliance/Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives

Andrée Forest (elle/she/her) is the project coordinator for the Manitoba Research Alliance at CCPA-MB.

Wednesday December 8, 2021 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST

Workshop

9:00am CST

Gathering Closing and Keynote

The Gathering Closing will be a chance to reflect on the learnings, teachings, and conversations of the past three days, particularly as we collectively ruminate on the theme Untangling our Roots: The Role of Community in Systems Change.

The Gathering Closing will also set the stage for an exciting last day exploring how we can take action and strengthen our collaborative work. Practical ideas and wisdom will be shared about how we can continue to build our community networks toward systems change.

Elder Mae Louise Campbell, from the Ojibwa-Saulteaux Metis Nation, a mother and grandmother, will welcome us to the Gathering’s final day, reflect on the three days learning and connecting together, and provide comments on moving forward.

Gathering Closing keynote Béatrice Alain, Executive Director, Chantier de l’économie sociale, will share lessons from Quebec’s social and solidarity economy network in a fireside chat with CCEDNet Regional Networks Director Sarah Leeson-Klym. Chantier’s vision is for a plural economy that produces benefits for the community and protects the common good and communities’ needs and aspirations. Chantier promotes the social economy as an integral part of Quebec’s economy. This contributes to democratization of the economy and an emergence of a development model based on the values of solidarity, equity, and transparency.

There are so many lessons from Chantier’s groundbreaking work in Quebec that will help strengthen our community building work here in Manitoba. Join Béatrice and Sarah for this important conversation about systems change action.

Speakers

Elder Mae Louise Campbell

Elder and Co-Founder, Clan Mothers Healing Village and Knowledge Centre

Béatrice Alain

Directrice générale, Chantier de l'économie sociale

Béatrice Alain is the Executive Director of the Chantier de l’économie sociale, an independent organisation that brings together actors and partners of the social economy, in order to promote collective entrepreneurship and develop new sectors and tools able to support the emergence... Read More →

Sarah Leeson-Klym

Regional Networks Director, Canadian CED Network

Artists

Buffalo Gals Drum Group

North End Women's Centre

Buffalo Gals drum group welcomes a diverse group of women. It provides women and their children with opportunities to learn how to use traditional Indigenous style hand drumming and ceremonies as a way to connect to and express their spirituality, heal their spirit, and reclaim their... Read More →

Thursday December 9, 2021 9:00am - 10:30am CST

Opening/Closing

11:00am CST

Build Your Impact Practice

The world of reporting is shifting from reactive, responses to grant and program funder requirements, to proactive, telling the story of what matters to YOUR organization. Join as we explore some approaches to developing an impact practice for your organization. The session will focus on introducing participants to the topic of impact measurement for community-based organizations, focusing on four key areas of impact: social impact, financial impact, customer impact; and operational impact. Examples will be provided of impact measurement processes that Common Good Solutions has developed for their own social enterprise, as well as how they support other CBOs and social enterprises in developing and adopting an impact practice. Participants will be invited to consider how they might apply this process to tell a more fulsome story of impact at their organization.

Speakers

Robert Nichols

Consultant, Common Good Solutions

Robert works with organizations and communities to guide them to achieve their ultimate impact by facilitating result-oriented, community-driven projects. A strong communicator, Robert understands how to draw out and synthesize a group’s knowledge about an issue, and then give them... Read More →

Meghan Brodmann-Bishop

Consultant, Common Good Solutions

Meghan Brodmann is a consultant at Common Good Solutions, who works firsthand with clients to support and lead projects on social impact assessment, strategic planning, business development and community engagement. She values the intersection between academia and community organizations... Read More →

Thursday December 9, 2021 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Workshop

11:00am CST

Lead Without the Drama

Relax, trust yourself and the people around you, and do your best. Many of us get into nonprofit work with a sense of urgency: so much needs to happen, and it needs to happen now. This is true, yet operating minute to minute from a sense of crisis is a recipe for all kinds of misery. This workshop will help leaders move from a space of reaction to response. It will help participants recognize that problems are constant and can be approached from a place of neutrality instead of doom, for example; and that how we work with challenges can make all the difference for the people we serve, ourselves, and our teammates.

Facilitator

Kate Sjoberg

Consultant/Researcher

Kate has led the WRENCH, North Point Douglas Women's Centre, Spence Neighbourhood Association, and the University of Winnipeg Students' Association; and served as Strategic Director for the Social Enterprise Centre. She has served in government twice as a political staffer and was... Read More →

Thursday December 9, 2021 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Workshop

11:00am CST

Theory of Change for Collaborative Communities

Increasingly, organizations are defining their theory of change to better understand and articulate their own approach to effecting change in their communities. While every organization has its unique mission, vision and values, examining and defining the social, economic and political conditions that either enable or impede their goals is a valuable exercise.

But did you know we can use the same process of defining a theory of change not just for an individual organization, but for a whole movement?

This session will look at how multiple organizations who are working collaboratively towards a common goal can develop a theory of change that will clarify their individual roles, eliminate overlap of work and activities, and ultimately strengthen their collective efforts.

Speakers

Kirsten Earl McCorrister

Strategic Initiatives Consultant, KEM Consulting

With over twenty years’ experience in planning, facilitating, and writing, Kirsten has provided services for the international development and environmental sectors, not-for-profit groups, Indigenous Nations and initiatives, and faith-based communities. Her areas of expertise include... Read More →

Thursday December 9, 2021 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Workshop

12:30pm CST

Lunch Activity: Sunshine Bunch

The Sunshine Bunch is a group, made up of drag performers who were/are participants who were are a part of the Sunshine House drop in group “Like That.” The Group is weird, talented, funny and a full on wonderful group. When performing, each entertainer will bring you a darn good show!

The performers are:
Miss Assuma Gender
Purple Haze
Feather Talia

Artists

Feather Talia

Queen, Sunshine House

Miss Assuma Gender

Queen, Sunshine House

Purple Haze

Queen, Sunshine House

Thursday December 9, 2021 12:30pm - 1:00pm CST

Break

1:00pm CST

Honouring Community Voices: Supporting Families and Creating Safety

The story begins with a 2-year housing solutions lab and the leadership of Indigenous youth who have aged out of child welfare. Motivated by people facing barriers in the North End, together with Fearless R2W, participants will learn about this project that sits at the crossroads of traditional knowledge, lived experience, systemic change and regulatory navigation. Participants will learn how community members' stories informed a road map, and how this project is implementing those ideas to honour their voice, support families, and create safer public places through a community safety host project. The wahkotowin (Cree term for kinship) policy being developed will also be highlighted for participants to come learn more. This initiative will bring Indigenous and community values to security guard training for a new employment opportunity for community members that creates safety too.

Speakers

Mary Burton

Executive Director, Fearless R2W

Mary - a Cree woman from Winnipeg, Manitoba - has been a passionate community helper, advocate, and super granny for countless families and youth in Winnipeg’s North End for 30+ years. Mary is on boards nationally and internationally and has advised child welfare service delivery... Read More →

Darrien Morton

Research Associate, University of Manitoba

Originally from Zambia, Darrien Morton received his Bachelor of Arts (honours) degree in Health Sciences from Simon Fraser University, British Columbia in 2014 and his Master of Science in Community Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba in 2018. His research interests align... Read More →

Quinton Delorme

Storycatcher, Nigannii Wabiski Mikanak Ogichidaa

Quinton Delorme (he/they/she) is an Ininiw, Two-Spirit community helper in Winnipeg, MB. Having grown up in Winnipeg's North End and Elmwood neighbourhoods, Quinton has been working in the community in various capacities over the past five years. Their efforts include work in Indigenous... Read More →

Michael Redhead Champagne

President, Fearless R2W

Michael Redhead Champagne, born and raised in Winnipeg’s North End, is an award-winning community organizer, public speaker, and a proud member of Shamattawa First Nation. Michael believes we all have a gift and shows youth the path to discover their own. He is solution oriented... Read More →

Daniel Waycik

Operations Director, Interim Coordinator Community Safety Host Initiative, Persons Community Solutions Ltd

Daniel Waycik, has over 10 years experience working in the not-for-profit sector leading projects focused on internal capacity development around safety, security & wellbeing. Daniel has been involved in development of programs and strategies that leverage internal capacity and... Read More →

Thursday December 9, 2021 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST

Panel Discussion

2:00pm CST

Music: Buffalo Gals Drum Group

Artists

Buffalo Gals Drum Group

North End Women's Centre

Thursday December 9, 2021 2:00pm - 2:30pm CST

Music

about Buffalo Gals drum group welcomes a diverse group of women. It provides women and their children with opportunities to learn how to use traditional Indigenous style hand drumming and ceremonies as a way to connect to and express their spirituality, heal their spirit, and reclaim their voice and culture. Buffalo Gals drum group has been gathering for 18 years, every Tuesday 6:30-8:30