Roxanne Greene created an illustration over the course of this year’s Waniska Gathering, encompassing the different presentations and topics. The mural was presented by Greene at the end of the event.
SEPTEMBER 18, 2024 – This year’s Waniska Gathering was held over three days from Monday, September 16 to Wednesday, September 18 at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Ka Ni Kanichihk hosted the event in partnership with the Waniska Centre for HIV/HCV/STBBI Research. This three-day, Indigenous-led gathering was a unique opportunity to raise awareness and foster collaboration in addressing the growing HIV and STBBI rates in our province and communities. The event joined the community in learning, sharing knowledge, and engaging together with fellow community members, health professionals, advocates, and other organizations involved in this important work of promoting health and well-being, and rising up and stopping the stigma surrounding HIV, HCV, and STBBI’s.
Day Two
CMHR Knowledge Keeper Robert Greene sings and drums during the second day’s opening ceremonies.Premier Wab Kinew spoke briefly during the second day’s opening remarks.Hon. Uzoma Asagwara offered their support and kind words during the second day’s opening remarks as well.Ka Ni Kanichihk Founder Leslie SpillettOne of the event’s two MCs, Dana ConnollyOne of the event’s two MCs, Laverne GervaisKa Ni Kanichihk’s Director of Programs and Services, Ieesha Sankar speaking during the second day’s opening remarks.[LEFT] Melissa Morris, one of the event’s organizers and Waniska Coordinator at MPSWL, with Waniska Centre’s Dr. Alexandra King [RIGHT]Chelsea Cook (Manitoba Harm Reduction Network)Lorraine Seymour-Henderson, one of the event’s organizers and Waniska’s Research Coordinator at Mino Pimatisiwin Sexual Wellness Lodge.Dr. John Kim (Public Health Agency of Canada)Dr. Amanda Froehlich-Chow (Atohtitam – Becoming of Age)[LEFT TO RIGHT] Eli Bird, Hailey Bird Matheson, & Lucas Corbin Cole holding their ‘Community Cuzzins’ youth panel during the second day.
Day Three
Dr. Tasha Spillett (Harm Reduction in Indigenous Storytelling)Candace Neumann (Kotawew: Indigenous HIV Doula Project)[LEFT TO RIGHT] Ashton Hiebert & Helina Zegeye (Sunshine House)[LEFT TO RIGHT] Lane Bonertz, Martin Morberg, Jaylene McRae, & William Flett (Two-Spirit Community Based Research Centre team (CBRC))[LEFT TO RIGHT] Aleatra Sammurtok & Zeann Manernaluk performing traditional Inuit throat singing. (Tunngasugit Inuit Resource Centre)Witness Bearers reflect on this year’s Waniska Gathering, offering their perspectives on the knowledge shared over the course of three days. [LEFT TO RIGHT] Elder Barb Nepinak, Saydi Harlton, Max Trubnikov, & Lane Bonertz.
We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s gathering, as well as all of our speakers/presenters. For a full list of the event’s schedule of speakers, presentations, and activities, please see the pdf links below.
Please see the PDF link below for a copy of this year’s schedule of events.
