We walk with our community on their journeys
Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc. is a trusted heart of Winnipeg’s Indigenous community. Our vision 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.
What We Do
A number of Indigenous led prevention and intervention programs that help children, youth, women, men, and families heal, succeed, and become leaders. Ka Ni Kanichihk provides education and job-skills training, support for women and families, and mentorship. We walk with people on their path of recovery from trauma.
Programs and Services
News and Events
Restoring the Sacred's Round Dance – Celebrating Youth, Honouring Tradition
March 24, 2025
Heart Medicine Gathering 2025
March 24, 2025
24th Annual Keeping the Fires Burning – Announcing our MC's
March 21, 2025
Social Media
Each year at Keeping the Fires Burning, a recipient is chosen to receive the Oscar Lathlin Memorial Award.
This year’s Award Recipient is Ocean Bruyere. A trailblazing model, educator, and advocate whose work is redefining the fashion industry.
A proud member of Sagkeeng Anishinabe First Nation, Ocean continues to build a career that merges contemporary fashion with cultural storytelling, ensuring Indigenous representation is not just included but celebrated on the world stage.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Ocean’s influence extends far beyond the runway. She is a fierce advocate for Indigenous artistry and entrepreneurship, using fashion as a vehicle for empowerment and visibility. Her work has garnered widespread recognition, earning her a place on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including New York Fashion Week 2023 and Paris Fashion Week 2024.
Friends and Relatives, please join us on June 19th to celebrate Ocean and her accomplishments to-date. Get your tickets today at: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E350304QE&id=16 #KFB24
Nominated by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs as a Keeper of the Fire for #KFB24, Grandmother Sherry Copenance has been leading the way to ensure our language, ceremonies, and traditions are shared and passed down from one generation to the next.
Niizhoosake, Saagimaakwe and belongs to the Atik dodem (Elk Clan) and is part of the Midewewin.
Grandmother Sherry was born and raised in the community of Ojibways of Onigaming in Northwestern, Ontario on the east side of Lake of the Woods.
She is rooted in her Anishinaabe ways and fluent in Anishinaabemowin, her original language and has a great love for the Land, Waters and Peoples.
Since 2011, Grandmother Sherry has led Makoosekawin- Anishinaabe young women coming of age teachings and ceremonies. She is part of a Knowledge Circle at Nanadawegamig (FMHSSM). Sherry helps at Anishinaabe Teaching and Sacred Lodges such as the Annual Nibi Gathering held in May of each year.
Please join us in celebrating the many accomplishments of Grandmother Sherry. Get your tickets today, you don’t want to miss her performance at Keeping the Fires Burning this year. Get your tickets here https://kanikanichihk.ca/keeping-the-fires-burning/
RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg
This year, Manitoba Moon Voices has nominated Grandmother Iris Lauzon as one of #KFB24’s Keepers of the Fire.
Grandmother Iris Lauzon was born in Churchill, Manitoba, and raised in Oakville, Ontario after being removed from her family during the 60’s scoop.
Grandmother Iris has worked in different areas of the textile industry, including factory work, alterations, retail, theatre, and film. She has coordinated numerous fashion shows, managed a boutique called Aboriginal Designers Marketing Co-op Ltd; and, more recently has been involved in a pilot project to assist design students in preparing their work for manufacturing.
Inspired by her mentor Yvonne Yuen, Iris has used fabric as her paint and emphasizes continuous and improvement in her design work. She is motivated by her desire to improve her sewing skills and those of her people.
Join us Thursday, June 19th to celebrate Grandmother Iris and the other Honourees at our Keeping the Fires Burning Gathering. We look forward to seeing you there.
For tickets click: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E350304QE&id=16
RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg
The Keeping the Fires Burning Organizing Committee is honoured to have Elder Norman Meade in attendance to offer an Opening Prayer.
Norman was born in Bissett, Manitoba, but grew up in the Metis settlement of Manigotagan. He went to the public school in Manigotagan, the Ojibway word for Bad Throat School. He finished Grade 9 in Manigotagan and then went to the San Antonio High School in Bissett.
In the early 1960`s, Norman was hired at the gold mine in Bissett where he worked as a labourer and eventually became a full-fledged miner.
Norman continues to be active in the community serving as an Elder and a Pastor. He serves on various boards in the city of Winnipeg. He is also an avid curler and is the founder of the Aboriginal Curling League of Winnipeg.
Join us June 19th to celebrate this year’s Honouree’s. Get your tickets here: https://kanikanichihk.ca/keeping-the-fires-burning/
RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg
We are so happy to announce that Grandmother Alvina Smith has been nominated as a Keeper of the Fire by the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, Inc. @ma_mawi
Grandmother Alvina Smith is a member from Peguis First Nation and her traditional name is Mino Giizhigan – Nice Day. Alvina is a mother, a grandmother, a great grandmother, an aunty, a sister, a friend and a pipe carrier. She is a gentle and soft-spoken women who leads with kindness, compassion and love, balanced by a fierce protectiveness for those she loves and care for. Alvina enjoys supporting her community, spending time with her family and uplifting those around her. She is a gentle Matriarch who advocates for families and children and ensures that everyone around her feels loved and supported.
Join us on Thursday, June 19th to celebrate the contributions of Grandmother Alvina Smith. Get your tickets here: We are so happy to announce that Grandmother Alvina Smith has been nominated as a Keeper of the Fire by the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre.
Grandmother Alvina Smith is a member from Peguis First Nation and her traditional name is Mino Giizhigan – Nice Day. Alvina is a mother, a grandmother, a great grandmother, an aunty, a sister, a friend and a pipe carrier. She is a gentle and soft-spoken women who leads with kindness, compassion and love, balanced by a fierce protectiveness for those she loves and care for. Alvina enjoys supporting her community, spending time with her family and uplifting those around her. She is a gentle Matriarch who advocates for families and children and ensures that everyone around her feels loved and supported.
Join us on Thursday, June 19th to celebrate the contributions of Grandmother Alvina Smith. Get your tickets here: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E350304QE&id=16
RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg
#KFB24 is thrilled to have @jessicadumas.ca as one of 2 MC’s for our special Gathering that honours the contributions of Elders and Knowledge Keepers in our communities.
Jessica Dumas is a self-made dynamic professional speaker, speaker coach, and host of Speaking Up with Jessica Dumas on NCI FM and The Confidence and Communication Podcast.
She is the visionary behind the Indigenous Women’s Coaching Program, empowering Indigenous women across Turtle Island to use their voice, through confidence-building and healing. She is a sought-after voice on leadership and resilience, she’s been featured on TEDx and Creative Mornings, and has earned top honors including the Manitoba 150 Women Trailblazer Award, CBC’s Top 40 Manitobans Under 40, and Ace Burpee’s Most Fascinating Manitobans. She is a member of Keeseekoowenin First Nation and a powerful advocate for Indigenous excellence.
Don’t miss the opportunity to be in attendance at #KFB24. Click here to get your tickets: #KFB24 is thrilled to have Jessica Dumas as one of 2 MC’s for our special Gathering that honours the contributions of Elders and Knowledge Keepers in our communities.
Jessica Dumas is a self-made dynamic professional speaker, speaker coach, and host of Speaking Up with Jessica Dumas on NCI FM and The Confidence and Communication Podcast.
She is the visionary behind the Indigenous Women’s Coaching Program, empowering Indigenous women across Turtle Island to use their voice, through confidence-building and healing. She is a sought-after voice on leadership and resilience, she’s been featured on TEDx and Creative Mornings, and has earned top honors including the Manitoba 150 Women Trailblazer Award, CBC’s Top 40 Manitobans Under 40, and Ace Burpee’s Most Fascinating Manitobans. She is a member of Keeseekoowenin First Nation and a powerful advocate for Indigenous excellence.
Don’t miss the opportunity to be in attendance at #KFB24. Click here to get your tickets: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E350304QE&id=16
@rbcconvctrewpg
#KFB24 is honoured to announce that Grandmother Audrey Lorraine Bone will be recognized for her accomplishments and contributions to community on June 19th.
Grandmother Bone was nominated by @Urban Circle Training Centre .
Elder Audrey Bone (English Name), Morning Star (Spirit Name) from the Deer Clan is a daughter, Sister, Auntie, Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother.
She is deeply connected to her roots and dances jingle dress all summer to continue her job as a healer for the community. She is a deeply respected member of Keeseekoowenin Ojibway First Nation whose life’s work in Cultural Preservation, Spiritual Healing, and Education has touched generations across Manitoba and beyond. A Medicine Woman, Teacher, and Ceremonial Leader, Elder Audrey carries a sacred responsibility to uplift her people through Love, Spirit, and Truth.
Tickets to attend Keeping the Fires Burning sell out every year, held at RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg . Don’t be disappointed, get your tickets today and join us as we celebrate the contributions of this year’s Honourees like Elder Audrey Bone. To purchase tickets please follow this link >> https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E350304QE&id=16
📣 This month`s `All Of Us` Sharing Circle for Peoples Living with HIV/STBBI will take place next Friday, May 23 at the 765 Main Street Social Enterprise Centre (suite 102).
There is no registration needed. Feel free to drop in!
The drop-in Drumming Circle will take place from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Drop-in Sharing Circle from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
As always, there will be a meal and bus tickets provided.
If you have questions, please direct them to Melissa Morris.
#kanikanichihk
24th Annual Keeping the Fires Burning
Thursday, June 19th, 2025 – RBC Convention Centre
Grand Entry at 5:30PM CST
Ka Ni Kanichihk is excited to invite you to join us on Thursday, June 19th, 2025, to mark 24 years of celebrating Indigenous resilience, relationship and reconciliation.
Funds raised through Keeping the Fires Burning provide transformative, culturally safe services and programs. They also support research and the integration of best practices in Indigenous-led community leadership. These are all critical elements in the restoration and reclamation of our positive and powerful cultural identity.
For information please contact: Sheri Domenico at sheri.domenico@outlook.com or by phone at 204-881-0337.
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