Indigenous Neighbours
Manitoba
Fostering Reconciliation and Right Relations
MCC Manitoba’s Indigenous Neighbours program works to build bridges of understanding and respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Manitobans.
MCC Manitoba is located on Treaty 1 territory, ancestral and current land of the Anishinaabe, Ininiwak/Nēhinawēwak and Dakota Nations, and the homeland of the Red River Métis. We are grateful for their care of this land and acknowledge our responsibility to walk in right relationship with both the land and its peoples.
As Treaty 1 participants, we commit to reconciliation in our words, decisions and concrete actions in support of Indigenous-led initiatives. We partner with Indigenous-led organizations to listen, learn and support community-driven efforts for empowerment, advocacy, restoration and equity.
Building relationships and supporting community initiatives
We work alongside Indigenous-led initiatives, sponsoring events like the annual We Are All Treaty People Celebration, joining together settlers and newcomers with Indigenous peoples to honour the Treaty commitment to share the land in a good way. We also advocate with the Interfaith Council on Hydropower to address the social and environmental impacts of hydro development.
Our commitment includes supporting community-led projects like the Kapabamayak Achaak Healing Forest, a living memorial for Indigenous children affected by residential schools. We also engage non-Indigenous Manitobans in discussions about land reparations through initiatives like Share the Gifts – Honour the Treaties.
Listen to Indigenous reparations in action on the Threads podcast.
Learning and engagement for churches and community groups
The legacy of residential schools and centuries of discrimination has left deep scars in Indigenous communities across Canada. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls us to take meaningful steps toward restoring relationships, but the journey can feel complex.
MCC offers workshops, speaking engagements, and the Kairos Blanket Exercise to help individuals, churches and community groups deepen their understanding of Indigenous history, rights and concerns. We also provide online resources and facilitate church connections with Indigenous partners to encourage ongoing, respectful relationships.
Through the Mennonite Coalition on Indigenous Solidarity, MCC Manitoba’s Indigenous Neighbours collaborates with Mennonite Church Manitoba to resource congregations, mobilize engagement, and respond to invitations from Indigenous partners and communities.
Explore some of our available Resources below.
Supporting Indigenous-led initiatives
MCC provides funding to Indigenous-led organizations promoting well-being and justice, including:
- Anamiewigummig (Kenora Fellowship Centre)* – serving vulnerable and marginalized community members in northwestern Ontario.
- Interfaith Council on Hydropower – advocating for Indigenous rights and environmental justice.
- Anish Healing Centre - providing impactful cultural health and wellness programs for intergenerational Residential School and 60’s Scoop survivors.
*Due to its proximity to Manitoba
Get involved!
For more information, contact MCC Manitoba’s Indigenous Neighbours coordinators here or call 204-261-6381.
Resources
MCC offers resources for classes, community groups, congregations, families and individuals. Explore resources designed for meaningful engagement and reflection.
Host a speaker
Invite MCC to speak or facilitate an interactive learning experience like the KAIROS Blanket Exercise for your class, community or church. All MCC facilitations are done by our staff.
Indigenous art space
As part of MCC’s ongoing work towards reconciliation between Indigenous and settler peoples, MCC has curated a gallery space featuring photos of artworks by Indigenous artists from across Canada on the theme of Transforming Relationships.
Threads – Kapabamayak Healing Forest
Tune in to our Threads podcast for a conversation with the Keepers of the Forest
Indigenous Peoples of Manitoba: A Guide for newcomers
The MCC Discernment and action guide for pastors and church leaders is a resource to help pastors, creation care committees, or individuals to discern how best to engage their congregations on climate change.