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Wiping Away the Tears – 16th Annual Gathering for MMIWG2S+ Families in Manitoba


Memorial Display Honouring MMIWG2S Loved Ones
MBC Coordinator, Ashley Knight, hugs MBC Family Engagement Worker, Sierra Courchene
Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute- Young Warriors Drum Group (March 6, 2026)
Dawn Chartrand- Laughing Yoga session (March 7, 2026)
PYT Nails providing manicures to families (March 7, 2026)
Registration table with giveaway bags featuring Kya Cook-Comeau (Left), Kaylyne Kirkness (Middle), and Tammy Hamelin (Right)

March 6-8, 2026

This year marked the 16th Annual Wiping Away the Tears (WATT) gathering, hosted by our Medicine Bear Counselling, Support, and Elder Services program. This weekend-long event is dedicated to supporting the families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+), offering a space for ceremony, healing, and meaningful connection.

The gathering took place from March 6–8 at the Hilton Airport Hotel. We welcomed 175 attendees on Friday and 245 on Saturday, bringing together families and community members. Throughout the weekend, families were invited to participate in a variety of healing activities, including cedar foot baths, grief and loss teachings, turtle teachings, laughing yoga, acupuncture, and medicine bag making. On Saturday evening, the day concluded with a traditional Windigokon ceremony focused on healing and restoring balance for our relatives. Members of the Medicine Bear team also ensured that kookums were present throughout the event to provide cultural support and guidance.

While the gathering centered on healing, there was also an emphasis on joy and community. Families enjoyed performances from many talented guests, including the Daniel McIntyre Young Warriors Student Drum Group, singing by Winston Chubb, and the United Thunder Square Dance Group. The weekend also included a variety of lighthearted activities such as Sunday bingo, henna tattoos, nail technicians, and prize giveaways throughout the event, with a friendship dance bringing the gathering to a close.

We were honoured to welcome so many families over the weekend and hope the gathering brought moments of joy, connection, and support along each persons healing journey.

If you would like to learn more about our Medicine Bear Counselling, Support, and Elder Services program, click here.