Investing in the Next Generation of Leaders

Investing in Indigenous youth to thrive and become the next generation of leaders through culture, education, training, employment and leadership development opportunities. Through Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre’s Indigenous Youth Programs, young people are given the chance they need to learn, grow and share their gifts and strengths. Programs include:

  • Hunters and Gatherers (Cubs and Scouts): Bi-weekly structured programming for boys and girls ages 8-13 to learn about the Indigenous cultures, personal development in a fun and safe atmosphere. Outings include tobogganing, corn maze, laser tag, arts and crafts and much more!
  • Future is Yours: A program designed for youth ages 15-24 to explore Indigenous cultures while gaining the skills to build a resume, receive volunteer experience, employment skills, receive certified training and interview tips.
  • Positive Adolescent Sexuality Support (P.A.S.S): On a request basis, youth are educated on topics such as healthy relationships, teen dating violence, birth control methods, STI/STDs, self esteem and much more. P.A.S.S also incorporates cultural teachings and focuses on the importance of educating Indigenous youth in a positive, comfortable, safe and supportive environment.
  • Positive Athletic Cultural Experience (P.A.C.E): Free recreational and cultural programming daily at Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre after-school hours to youth of all ages. Programming may include floor hockey, hip hop clubs, Pow Wow Clubs, drum groups, traditional arts and crafts, Sacred Ceremonies, Indigenous language workshops and much more.
  • Rising Sun Pow Wow Club: Operates out of two sites on Tuesday and Wednesday and Friday from 6 pm—8 pm. The Rising Sun Pow Wow Club teaches families the art of Pow Wow dance, song, drum and teachings. Traditional arts and crafts and much more are included in Pow Wow Club. Everyone is welcome to join regardless of age or experience! Healthy snacks are provided following the Pow Wow Club and locations are as follows:
    • Tuesday & Wednesday @ Turtle Island Neighborhood Centre – 510 King Street
    • Friday @ Win Gardner – 363 McGregor Avenue (Starting in Spring 2020)
  • Sacred 7 Youth Council: Participants in the Youth Programs who work together to act as the voice of community youth and make decisions to better the Ma Mawi Youth Program and community. The Youth Council meets twice a month to discuss important issues, programs and new incentives for participants and families attending Ma Mawi programs.
  • Solvent Abuse Prevention Program: Supports partnerships with Rossbrook House, Winnipeg Boys and Girls Club and Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre to promote healthy lifestyles and address solvent abuse.
  • Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre: A weekly drop-in program that focuses on providing a safe and cultural environment for youth including teachings, crafts and activities to keep youth engaged and active.
  • Youth for Truth and Reconciliation: A partnership between Ma Mawi and the Government of Canada, to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth together to discuss reconciliation and the impact for them and the future.
  • Canada World Youth: An international non-profit organization dedicated to providing youth with opportunities to volunteer and learn about other communities, cultures and people while developing leadership and communications skills. Ma Mawi partnered with CWY to send nine Indigenous youth to Peru in 2019 for a cultural exchange program.
  • Canada Summer Jobs – Funded by Employment and Social Development Canada: Through the Canada Summer Job Program, Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre offers summer employment to up to five Indigenous youth between the ages of 15 and 29 to work within the Youth Program Department during July and August. Employment opportunities are determined through an application and interview process.
  • Camp and Summer Programming – Funded by the Winnipeg Foundation: Through the Camp and Summer Programming grant, Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre offers children and youth 6-18 years of age an opportunity to participate in cultural and recreational activities within our community care sites during July and August.
  • Summer Internship Program – Funded by the Winnipeg Foundation: Through the Summer Internship Program, Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre offers an eight-week paid internship during July and August to a participant identified through the Winnipeg Foundation’s Youth in Philanthropy program.
  • Urban Green Team – Funded by the Province of Manitoba: Through Urban Green Team, Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre offers summer employment to Indigenous youth between the ages of 15 and 29 to work on community projects between May and August. Employment opportunities are determined through an application and interview process.