Building spaces for healing, empowerment

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 19/08/2024 (424 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Ka Ni Kanichihk estimates its impact on the West Alexander and Point Douglas areas will double once its newly expanded headquarters are complete.

The Indigenous-led organization is eager to move into its revamped home base as construction on an $8-million expansion inches closer toward its target completion in April.

The facility, located at 455 McDermot Ave., will increase the available space from 8,700 square feet to more than 22,000 square feet, paving the way for more than 3,000 Indigenous area residents to be helped each year.

Builders broke ground in 2023, but the project has been in the works for more than a decade while Ka Ni Kanichihk worked to secure funding.

“Ka Ni Kanichihk outgrew that space within the first year of relocating there,” said Cathy Menard, fundraising and campaign co-ordinator for Ka Ni Kanichihk. “It’s just the continual expansion of the programming that we need.”

Ka Ni Kanichihk has provided culturally safe support to the West Alexander and Point Douglas neighbourhoods for more than 20 years.

It was originally formed to support Indigenous women fleeing violence but has grown to provide education, training, cultural programming, advocacy work and healing programs for people of all ages while increasing its support for women with a 24-7 safe space and a sexual wellness lodge in recent years.

The new facility — titled The Sakihiwewin Lodge, a Cree name that loosely translates to “love for everyone” — will be a zero-net carbon building that features new cultural and training areas, an expanded daycare space that will be able to house up to 48 children (it hosts 16 now) and an outdoor sweat lodge that can be accessed year-round.

It will also become the main site where all programs are offered, including new prevention programs that eliminate education and employment gaps, reclaim Indigenous culture, revitalize Indigenous languages, work to end violence against women, break destructive cycles and tackle the root issues of poverty.

It will also be the site for a youth mentorship program.

“The expansion of Ka Ni Kanichihk is a significant milestone for our community. With this growth, we can better serve our people, offering more culturally relevant programs and creating spaces where healing and empowerment can truly take place,” Ieesha Sankar, director of programs and services, stated in an email.

“It’s about also having a sense of community and safety, and that the services and the community, they can see that building and go there and know that they’re going to be taken care of.”– Coun. Vivian Santos (Point Douglas)

“This isn’t just about a building — it’s about strengthening our roots and supporting the community’s journey toward a brighter future.”

An outdoor space is being built where the Rizal Apartments used to stand on Girtie Street. The residential block was vacant before it went up in flames in January 2023 and was demolished shortly after.

Coun. Vivian Santos (Point Douglas) has endorsed the building’s expansion.

“To even know that they’re growing and expanding signifies that the service that they provide is needed,” said Santos.

“We know that the inner city faces challenges with upgrades and renovations. We have a lot of boarded-up buildings and homes that are just sitting there vacant and not being rented out. So when we see revitalization in a community like that, when we see Ronald McDonald House making investments in the community, it just boosts morale,” she said.

“It’s not just about bricks and mortar. It’s about also having a sense of community and safety, and that the services and the community, they can see that building and go there and know that they’re going to be taken care of.”

Santos knows the importance of that feeling all too well, as her mother relied on similar services when she emigrated from China, turning to welfare, Employment and Income Assistance and daycares to get by.

“Those things, they fill the gaps for things that none of the private developers can do. So it’s important that these (non-governmental organizations) and these social services provide assistance to especially mothers who have young children. And when they know that Ka Ni Kanichihk is there in the community where they can work, live and play, it just brings down those barriers even more.”

joshua.frey-sam@freepress.mb.ca