Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre

Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre
Name	Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre
Type	Indigenous-led social services organization
Founded	1999
Headquarters	Winnipeg, Manitoba
Region served	Southern Manitoba

Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre is a Winnipeg-based Indigenous-led community organization that provides family support, child welfare, and cultural programming for Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Métis families. It operates within a landscape shaped by Canadian Indigenous policy, provincial child welfare agencies, and urban Indigenous ngos, and collaborates with tribal councils, health authorities, and educational institutions. The centre emphasizes culturally grounded practice informed by Indigenous knowledge keepers, elders, and community-led research.

History

Founded in 1999, the centre emerged from networks linking Assembly of First Nations, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, Southern Chiefs' Organization, Native Women's Association of Canada, and urban Indigenous coalitions. Early development drew on models from Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, Anishnawbe Health Toronto, and Na-Me-Res, while responding to provincial decisions by Manitoba Family Services, Child and Family Services of Central Manitoba, and federal initiatives such as Aboriginal Healing Foundation. The centre's growth paralleled reforms influenced by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, decisions of the Supreme Court of Canada addressing Indigenous child welfare, and policy dialogues with Indigenous Services Canada and Health Canada. Over time it expanded services informed by partnerships with University of Manitoba, Red River College, Mount Royal University, and community research from organizations like Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and Wellesley Institute.

Mission and Programs

The organisation's mission centers on family preservation, cultural continuity, and Indigenous child welfare reform, aligning with principles promoted by Jordan's Principle, Sixties Scoop survivor advocacy, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Programs include home visiting influenced by models from Nurse-Family Partnership, land-based programming similar to initiatives by Piapot First Nation and Manitoulin Island community projects, parenting circles in the tradition of Elder Mary Two-Axe Earley-guided practice, and mental health supports connecting to services like The 2 Spirits and Wahbung Abinoonjiiag. It provides alternative dispute resolution inspired by Indigenous kinship practices referenced in casework before the Manitoba Court of Appeal and restorative approaches paralleling Aboriginal Healing Lodges. Educational partnerships offer training pathways with Red River College Polytechnic, University of Winnipeg, and apprenticeship frameworks linked to Labourers' International Union of North America outreach. Programmatic evaluation uses methodologies drawn from First Nations Information Governance Centre principles and community-based participatory research exemplified by Sarah Marie Anishinabe-led studies and reports to provincial entities.

Governance and Funding

Governance is exercised through a board that reflects representation from urban Indigenous organizations such as Manitoba Métis Federation, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Métis National Council, and community elder advisors similar to structures at Native Women's Association of Canada. Funding streams combine provincial transfers from Manitoba Families, federal contributions via Indigenous Services Canada, project grants from foundations like The Winnipeg Foundation and Walmart Canada community grants, as well as philanthropic support from institutions such as United Way Winnipeg and corporate partners like Manulife Financial. Accountability mechanisms reference reporting approaches used by Canada Revenue Agency for registered charities and evaluation frameworks shaped by Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Public Health Agency of Canada guidelines.

Partnerships and Community Impact

The centre partners with health providers including Health Sciences Centre (Winnipeg), Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, and Indigenous health organizations such as Southern Health-Santé Sud and Nii Kwanana Development Corporation. Educational collaborations include Seven Oaks School Division, Louis Riel School Division, and post-secondary programming with Brandon University. Justice and child welfare partnerships align with Winnipeg Police Service diversion programs, Legal Aid Manitoba, and advocacy networks tied to Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action. Community impact has been documented in reports circulated among Manitoba Legislative Assembly committees, municipal briefs to City of Winnipeg, and national dialogues at forums like Canadian Council on Social Development conferences and panels hosted by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.

Facilities and Locations

Headquartered in Winnipeg, the centre operates multiple urban sites and outreach services across Southern Manitoba, maintaining program spaces comparable to community hubs such as Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre-style centres elsewhere and service models used by Siloam Mission and Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre satellite programs in neighbourhoods like St. Boniface, Point Douglas, and Fort Garry. Facilities include counselling rooms, cultural spaces for ceremonies led by elders akin to practices at Manitou Lodge, and offices for caseworkers who liaise with agencies such as Child and Family Services of Western Manitoba and Child and Family Services of Central Manitoba.

Recognition and Awards

The organisation has received recognition from civic and Indigenous bodies, appearing in municipal acknowledgements by City of Winnipeg and receiving program awards similar to honours bestowed by The Winnipeg Foundation and commendations from Assembly of First Nations leaders. Individual staff and elders have been cited in community honours alongside recipients of awards such as Order of Manitoba, Indspire Awards, and local philanthropic distinctions from United Way Centraide.

Category:Indigenous organizations in Manitoba Category:Organizations based in Winnipeg