We Are Leaders

Ka Ni Kanichihk was established in 2001 by visionary community leaders and Elders who understood that Indigenous-designed and led programs and services are essential for bringing about meaningful social transformation.

Ka Ni Kanichihk walking beside those who want to change their lives since 2001 – Winnipeg, May 2021

At Ka Ni Kanichihk

We lead women, men, children, youth and our Two-Spirit community to health and balance through learning and healing programs grounded in traditional Indigenous knowledge and trauma-informed practices.

We lead our people to financial independence through skill-building and educational programs that celebrate and reinforce each person’s value and strengths.

We lead our youth to a sense of pride, connection, belonging, respect and responsibility through youth mentorships and risk prevention programs.

We lead families to their home fires with life skills training, a culturally-based daycare centre, food and housing security initiatives, and violence and intervention programs.

We lead the broader community toward reconciliation through outreach and engagement, advocacy, and training on anti-oppression and decolonization practices.

Values and Beliefs

At Ka Ni Kanichihk, the greatness and gifts of all peoples are seen and honoured.  We offer a safe place where Indigenous cultures and values are practiced, and where our people can ‘just be who we naturally are’.

At Ka Ni Kanichihk, we honour the laws of our Creator. We honour the spirit of our ancestors and seek their wisdom to guide our peoples back to balance and wellness. We honour our responsibility to the children; those that are here now and those still waiting to come – seven generations from now.

  • Walk our Talk
  • Share the strength, health, and wellness of Indigenous Peoples
  • Provide welcoming and safe environments
  • Walk in balance with Indigenous values and knowledge
  • Value belonging, self-mastery, and generosity
  • Believe in independence and interdependence with all our relations
  • Create compassionate, respectful, effective, and relevant programming in partnership with our community

A Strong Track Record

Thanks to the courage and tenacity of our founders, Ka Ni Kanichihk has helped more than 20,000 Indigenous people living in Winnipeg change their lives, with thousands more in their families and communities benefitting as a result. Ka Ni Kanichihk has a long history of strong, positive partnerships with other community service organizations, government agencies, funders, and other stakeholders. Ka Ni Kanichihk has done this while consistently balancing its budget, investing in the community, and focusing on strong governance.

“

Ka Ni Kanichihk has always been a second home to me as I always have a place to go to when I am feeling alone, they always keep my mind full of positive things and remind myself who I am.

Before I started even going to Restoring the Sacred I didn’t know who I was, I was so lost with myself, I didn’t know what I was capable of because I never had that encouragement with someone reassuring me on the side. That’s what inspired me to go back to school to work with children and youth. I couldn’t have never done it without the help of Restoring the Sacred and I thank them for that.”

Kyra Lacquette

Former Participant
 – Restoring the Sacred

Council

Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc. is governed by a volunteer Council who bring an array of skills, education, experiences, and knowledge to the urban Indigenous community in Winnipeg.

The Council oversees and guides the activities of the organization. Our Co-Chairs provide leadership and engage with organizational activities and events.

The Council learns and grows together as a family, sharing their love and care for Ka Ni Kanichihk and the community.

Sydney Levasseur-Puhach

Co-Chairperson

Herb Zobell


Co-Chairperson

Carter Wilson

Treasurer

Eman Agpalza


Nike Bello


Danielle Carriere


Deidre Dewar

Marissa Moar

Amber Balan