Indigenous collaboration
We honour and celebrate the strengths of Indigenous ways of knowing, doing, and being. We seek to amplify First Nations, Inuit, and Metis voices for a more inclusive future.
We recognize the unique contributions and distinct realities of Indigenous people in Winnipeg.
As community builders, we foster relationships with First Nations, Inuit, and Metis leaders and organizations built on mutual respect, equity, and the full realization of Indigenous self-determination and rights.
Celebrating Indigenous excellence
The wealth and prosperity in Canada today began with the land Indigenous people have been stewarding for generations.
More than 50,000 Indigenous-owned businesses across the country contribute $31 billion to Canada’s GDP.
85 Indigenous-led organizations in Manitoba are working to build stronger communities.
How we’re working united for a better community
Our city is home to vibrant First Nations, Inuit, and Metis communities—the largest Indigenous population in Canada.
We walk alongside these communities in a spirit of friendship and collaboration, learning from and embracing Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, and leadership.
Your gift helps make our community a better place for First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people—and everyone who lives here.
Decolonization
Working toward Truth and Reconciliation makes our community stronger.
We recognize the distinct realities facing First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people because of the treaties that formed Canada, the Indian Act, and other historical events like Indian Residential Schools.
United Way Winnipeg encourages a process of decolonization—with ourselves, our organization, our community, and our nation—so we can build more hopeful futures.
Council for Indigenous Relations
Ways of knowing, ways of being, ways of doing.
United Way Winnipeg walks with a First Nations, Inuit, and Metis volunteer advisory committee, which reports directly to our Board of Trustees.
Together, we’re embedding Indigenous perspectives into all aspects of our work, and supporting the priorities and visions of Indigenous people in Winnipeg.
Investing in Indigenous-led agencies
Since 1965, our donors have invested in Indigenous-led agencies, which are working at the forefront of critical issues such as homelessness, hunger, and human trafficking.
Today, United Way Winnipeg is one of the top 10 funders of Indigenous-led organizations in Canada. We learn from and honour the leadership, innovation, and solutions within these agencies.
Anti-racist action
We seek to co-create solutions to structural racism, systemic barriers, and other intersecting oppressions so every Winnipegger has the resources and support to thrive.
We invest in a network of 125+ agency partners embodying our shared core values of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Indigenous Collaboration. Together, we’re taking deliberate steps towards a more just and equitable community.
Timeline of Indigenous Collaboration
1965
United Way established & first investment in an Indigenous-led organization made.
1999
‘Journey Forward’ community engagement highlights need to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities.
2001
Aboriginal Task Group created; proposes environmental scan of Winnipeg’s Indigenous citizens.
2004
Eagle’s Eye View 1st Edition published. First Aboriginal Relations Director hired.
2005
Board approves Aboriginal Relations Strategy & Aboriginal Relations Council (ARC).
2009
United Way donors investments in Indigenous-led agencies crosses the $1M mark.
2010
Eagle’s Eye View 2nd Edition published.
2010
Aboriginal Philanthropy in Canada: A Foundation for Understanding published with The Circle on Philanthropy.
2011
Talking Stick gifted to United Way by ARC at Feast.
2014
Art of Reciprocity Workshop customized for Manitoba in partnership with Native Americans in Philanthropy.
2015
United Way participates in ONE: The Mayor’s National Summit on Racial Inclusion & Our Summit Winnipeg. Aboriginal Relations Council renamed Council for Indigenous Relations (CIR). We’re the first United Way to sign on to the The Philanthropic Community’s Declaration of Action on the recommendations of the TRC. CIR partnered with Manitoba Inuit Association for the Legacy of Hope exhibition “We Were So Far Away: The Inuit Experience of Residential Schools.”
2016
CIR convenes Elders Circle to inform Moving Forward, our 3-year strategic plan, resulting in an inclusion strategy for participating in reconciliation. United Way includes traditional Indigenous territory acknowledgement at events & delivers cultural proficiency workshops to staff.
2017
CIR partnered with Manitoba Metis Federation and Louis Riel Institute for the Legacy of Hope exhibition “Forgotten: The Métis Residential School Experience.”
2017
CIR develops 7 goals aimed to build knowledge, relationships & capacity with and for Indigenous Winnipeggers. CIR’s Strategic Plan connects more deeply with United Way Winnipeg’s aim of building a Better Winnipeg Together.
2017
United Way Winnipeg becomes a signatory to the City of Winnipeg’s Indigenous Accord.
2018
CIR partnered with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation for the Legacy of Hope exhibition Peter Henderson Bryce: A Man of Conscience.
2019
United Way Winnipeg staff begin cross-departmental work as part of the Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) process. Early work results in the creation and adoption of United Way Winnipeg’s Indigenous Relations Policy.
2020
CIR expands to welcome volunteers from other United Way Winnipeg committees. The Council redefines their way of working together in new Terms of Reference. These terms embrace the diversity across First Nation, Inuit and Metis nations, celebrate reciprocity, and lift up Indigenous ways of knowing and being.