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Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Open House Event


Fundraising & Campaign Manager Cathy Menard, Founder Leslie Spillett, Executive Director Jackie Anderson
Ka Ni Kanichihk’s Cultural Advisor, Wally Chartrand opens the event with an Prayer Song
Founder Leslie Spillett and Lita Fontaine’s mural
Program Fair
Previous Council Co-Chair Sydney Andersen
Staff and participant drummers
Leslie Spillett shares with staff and community the importance of this capital expansion
Staff Tour Guides

DECEMBER 15, 2025 – Ka Ni Kanichihk welcomed funders from all levels of government, private and community donors, local politicians and long-time supporters into our Open House events on December 02 and 03.

Each day began with the lighting of a Sacred Fire, while Tuesday featured an unveiling of the new mural located in the front main vestibule entrance memorializing the original design which was on the front of our original building. Lita Fontaine is the Indigenous artist cited with the creation of the original mural, the design containing four colored tipis, a sun, and the land and water which represents community and our relationship with the elements. Lita returned to Ka Ni Kanichihk to create both the updated design on the interior entrance, and a new mural in the daycare entrance, featuring a reimagined modern version of the original mural. Lita collaborated with Synonym Arts Consultation, and the painters were Joseph Palaphie, Nadia Crossman and Dee Barsy.

Following the mural unveiling there was a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony; Council Elder Don Robinson, Fundraising & Campaign Coordinator Cathy Menard, Ka Ni Kanichihk Founder Leslie Spillett, Executive Director Jackie Andersen, and Council Co-Chair Herb Zobell performed the official honor of cutting the ribbon on our official opening at our expanded site, 455 McDermot. Following the  Ceremony, a hand drum song was shared by the Butterfly Club and Ka Ni Kanichihk staff to honour the ceremony.

The Open House held upstairs in the new Cultural Room, featured a prayer song by Wally Chartrand, a big drum song from the Butterfly Club participants, opening remarks from Co-Council Chair Herb Zobell and Executive Director Jackie Anderson. We were also honored to hear from Kaelei Knutson, a former student and no member of Council who shared her story of the impacts Ka Ni Kanichihk has had on her life. We then welcomed remarks from government representatives from all three levels of government who contributed towards the expansion. Following the remarks, refreshments were available for attendees to mingle, network, and receive building tours from a number of our staff. Each day also featured a display of program information booths with information, giveaways and staff eager to share about their programming activities.

Wednesday followed a similar format, with a second group of invited guests. We were honored to hear from founder Leslie Spillett who shared some of Ka Ni Kanichihk’s history. We all made a special presentation of a star blanked gifted to long serving, and departing Council Member and Co-Chair, Sydney Andersen. We are very happy to welcome community back into our building and look forward to many years serving community in this expanded site.