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
Please Consider Supporting Ka Ni Kanichihk Programs Today
March 16, 2026
25th Annual Keeping the Fires Burning
March 16, 2026
Wiping Away the Tears – 16th Annual Gathering for MMIWG2S+ Families in Manitoba
March 16, 2026
Social Media
🔥Please join us as we celebrate the many accomplishments of Michael Robertson, nominated by the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre.
🌟 As a Keeper of the Fire, Michael is also an architect and community advocate. A proud graduate of the University of Manitoba — with a BA in Cultural Anthropology and a Master of Architecture (with honours) – Michael was the first Indigenous person to graduate from the Faculty of Architecture`s Master`s program.
Born into a biracial family and raised with strong examples of community service, Michael has built a career defined by support, stewardship, and relationship. He describes himself as a helper — someone who listens, shows up, and brings whatever skills he has to support the work already happening on the ground.
He has spent much of his professional life working alongside Indigenous organizations. Whether navigating complex building code issues for emergency shelters or developing long-term site plans for Indigenous-led housing, his work is guided by trust, respect, and accountability.
Please join us on June 18th, 2026 to celebrate Michael and all Honourees by getting your tickets today! This event sells out, you don’t want to miss out! Tickets can be purchased by clicking the link in our bio. 🔗
#KFB26, #25Anniversary, #Honour, #Celebrate
❤ As we continue our council introductions, we’re proud to introduce our two youth members. Their talent, dedication, and strong connection to community bring an important and unique youth perspective to the work we do for our relatives and organization.
➡MEET JAYDEN GREENE
Jayden Greene, whose spiritual name is Black Thunder Bird, is a member of the Lynx Clan and a proud citizen of Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation. At 26, he is a devoted father of three and lives in Morris, Manitoba.
He is actively involved in leadership across his community and Manitoba. Jayden serves as a board member with Circling Buffalo Inc., supporting 63 First Nations in family violence prevention and women’s shelters. He is also Vice Chair of the Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation Trust, helping manage lands and finances in collaboration with Chief and Council. In addition, he is Vice President of the Ginew Cultural Group, a volunteer organization that hosts cultural events, where he advanced from youth representative to leadership. Jayden also serves as the Southern Representative Youth Councillor for the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. He recently completed a two-year term as Youth Chief for his community.
Jayden is currently studying First Nations Community Management at Yellowquill University College and is committed to strengthening his community, supporting youth, and building a better future. His goal is to one day serve as Chief of his Nation.
➡MEET KAELEI KNUTSON
Kaelei Knutson is a proud member of Long Plain Nation with roots in Opaskwayak Cree Nation. A devoted mom and former Wesmen Basketball player, she now coaches youth and creates empowering spaces for Indigenous young women and girls.
She is studying Social Innovation and Community Development at RRC Polytech, works with Anti-Racism in Sport Canada, and serves on the SCO Youth Council. In her spare time, she enjoys staying active, travelling, and spending time with family.
📣 We are so excited to be hosting a Spring Market to give a space for over 40 Indigenous vendors to showcase their creations! 🌸
Thank you to all those who registered as a vendor, we filled up in just over 3 hours!
Stop by 455 McDermot Avenue on April 18th between 11AM-3PM to check out a wide range of creations including:
📿 Beadwork
👗Clothing
💍Jewelry
🔨 Woodwork & other crafted items
🍞 Baking & other food items
🌿Natural wellness products
🌮We will also be selling taco in a bag on the main floor!
#winnipegmarket #springmarket #indigenousartists #supportlocalartists
❤️ Continuing our Council introductions, today we’re highlighting our incredible Treasurer and Secretary- Carter and Eman!
➡MEET CARTER WILSON
Carter is a CPA and currently serves as Finance Director at Firelight Group in Vancouver. A proud member of Peguis First Nation, he is deeply committed to strengthening Indigenous financial management and capacity.
He earned his Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.) from the University of Manitoba and received his CPA designation in 2021. Carter has also been actively involved in community initiatives, including serving as President of the University of Manitoba Indigenous Commerce Students and working alongside Indigenous organizations to support strong financial practices.
Carter has been part of Council for eight years and has consistently served as Treasurer. In this role, he also chairs the Finance Committee for Ka Ni Kanichihk.
➡MEET EMAN AGPALZA
Eman currently serves as Council Secretary and has been a dedicated volunteer with Ka Ni Kanichihk since 2018. As a non-Indigenous ally, he values the opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way and continues to support and uplift the Indigenous community through his involvement.
Through his journey, Eman has developed a deep respect for the knowledge, traditions, and goals of the community, and remains committed to building understanding and strong relationships.
Professionally, Eman is an experienced public relations practitioner and an instructor at RRC Polytech, where he mentors students and promotes effective communication and community engagement.
❤ Over the next week, we’re excited to introduce the incredible people who make up our Council!
Many non-profits have a Council to bring diverse perspectives and guide decision-making. Our Council plays a vital role in shaping our strategic direction as we work toward the vision, mission, and goals of Ka Ni Kanichihk.
Co-Chairs Role:
•Our Co-Chairs work closely with the Executive Director and other council members to provide leadership, coordinate activities, strengthen relationships, and ensure community voices are heard.
➡MEET HERB ZOBELL
Herb is the Vice President of Commercial Banking, Indigenous Markets at RBC, leading a team that supports Indigenous economies and communities across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nunavut, and Western Ontario.
With over 30 years of experience, including time as a Band Manager in Alberta, he is deeply committed to building strong partnerships with Indigenous clients and communities. Herb serves on the Council of Ka Ni Kanichihk and, at RBC, is the National Executive Advisor for Royal Eagles and a member of the Elder Council. A Council member since 2021, we’re grateful for his ongoing contributions.
Today, Herb is a proud member of Ahtahkakoop Cree First Nation, a father of three, and grandfather to eleven.
➡MEET AMBER BALAN
Amber, whose spirit name is Ginew Ikwe (Golden Eagle Woman), belongs to the Wolf Clan and is a proud citizen of the Métis Nation of Manitoba with roots in High Bluff and the Interlake. Raised in Winnipeg, she was guided by the strength of her grandmother, mother, sisters, and aunties.
She pursued nursing as a mature student and graduated from the University of Manitoba while raising a young family. She has spent much of her career as a primary care nurse in Winnipeg’s inner city, supporting marginalized communities and advocating for Indigenous health.
Amber is passionate about Indigenous health research and revitalizing traditional healing practices. She believes strong nations are built at home, one family at a time, and enjoys spending time with family and staying connected to community and culture.
📣 Our March quarterly newsletter is here!
Take a look at what Ka Ni Kanichihk has been up to over the past three months and learn more about the incredible work being done by our staff and programs.
📖 Read the latest stories and upcoming events by clicking the link tree in our bio and selecting "Ka Ni Kanichihk News"
✉️ Want it delivered straight to your inbox? Visit our homepage at kanikanichihk.ca and scroll down to the Newsletter section to subscribe!
🔥Grandfather Robert Church has been nominated by the Manitoba Metis Federation as one of this year’s Keepers of the Fires.🔥
🌟Robert Church, better known as “Bob” was born in the early 60’s in Swan Valley, MB. He has lived his life in an area known as “the ridge” close to the Porcupine Mountains where his father and uncles held trap lines and now for which he and his brothers are responsible.
Bob with his father and brothers worked and lived on the land. Hunting, fishing, trapping and harvesting as a daily way of life. Eventually this traditional life juxtaposed with modern ways as Bob then worked for the Province in Forest Fire Fighting for 11 years. Protecting forests at home and across Canada when needed. Knowing the bush is knowing its ways.
Grandfather Bob is a husband, a father, and grandfather, and a great-grandfather. Please join us to learn more about the contributions Grandfather Bob has made and is making to ensure that traditional ways of being on the land and in harmony with nature and its cycles are not lost.
Get your tickets today! You don’t want to be disappointed. Link is in our bio🎟️
#KFB26, #25Anniversary, #Honour, #Celebrate
📣 Join us in TWO WEEKS on March 26 for a great cause and some delicious homemade baked goods, ribbon skirts, dream catchers, and more!
Our Honouring Gifts students have spent the past few months working alongside the community at Siloam Mission. Inspired by this experience, they came together to organize a fundraiser to support relatives experiencing homelessness.
The funds raised will go toward creating survival bags filled with essential everyday items to help keep our unsheltered relatives safe and supported. 🤍
📍 455 McDermot – Cultural Room (2nd floor)
⏰ 10 AM–3 PM
25th Annual Keeping the Fires Burning
Thursday, June 18th, 2026 – RBC Convention Centre
Grand Entry at 5:30PM CST
Ka Ni Kanichihk is excited to invite you to join us on Thursday, June 18th, 2026, to mark 25 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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