Métis Language Revitalization at Prairies to Woodlands Indigenous Language Revitalization Circle

By Jackie Dormer, 1^st year MDP student

Taanshi Kiyawaaw! Hello, everyone! My name is Jackie Dormer, and I am completing my first-year field placement with Prairies to Woodlands Indigenous Language Revitalization Circle (P2W). P2W is a non-profit grassroots community organization that focuses on revitalizing Southern Michif and other languages spoken by Métis people and their kin. It was co-founded by language activist and learner-teacher Heather Souter, and Elders and mother-tongue speakers Verna DeMontigny and Gail Welburn. P2W believes in the importance of community building and creating contexts where languages can thrive.  

P2W’s work includes programming such as Mentor-Apprentice programs, Southern Michif community classes, an online self-paced introductory Southern Michif course, as well as print and digital resources, including a brand-new app, Southern Michif for Learners. You can learn more about the organization and their work here: https://michif.org and https://www.southernmichif.org.

My role at P2W includes general administrative support for day-to-day operations as well as programming support for weekly community languages classes. I have also been involved in the development and writing of a chapter on Métis language policy and the development of a presentation that will be given at the WAVES 2025: Global Indigenous Languages Summit in Ottawa.

During my placement, I also had the opportunity to visit Camperville, where Heather Souter (P2W co-founder and director) is located. Heather kindly hosted me, and in between drafting papers and teaching community classes, we found time to go berry picking and tend to the garden. My time in Camperville was a reminder of the importance of spending time with the land as well as learning language in context. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and all that I have learned. 

 

Building Bridges: My Summer at Elmwood Community Resource Centre

By Gurpreet Kalsi, MDP Student 

This summer, I had the privilege of completing my field placement at Elmwood Community Resource Centre (ECRC), right here in Winnipeg. ECRC has been serving the Elmwood community since 2001, offering essential support for families, youth, and newcomers. It’s a warm, welcoming space that truly lives its values—community, safety and inclusion.

I started my placement on May 5, 2025, and from day one, I felt supported. Meeting with CEO Nina Condo on my first day set the tone for the months to come. Her guidance, wisdom, and deep commitment to the community helped shape my project: developing a framework to support relationship-building between newcomer communities and Indigenous Peoples.

The project—Framework for Newcomer Awareness and Relationship-Building with Indigenous Peoples—grew out of a desire to help newcomers understand the lands they now call home. Through research, conversations, and reflection, I created a resource meant to support learning and connection, grounded in respect and a commitment to reconciliation. This work has been personal for me. I often say I carry four ways of seeing the world: as an immigrant, a social worker, a student of Indigenous development, and a community leader. These perspectives shape how I present myself in this work and life.

My time at ECRC reminded me that meaningful change starts with relationships. I’m grateful to Nina and the entire team at ECRC for their trust, and to the MDP program for supporting this journey. I walk away with new knowledge, deeper humility, and a strong sense of purpose to continue bridging communities.

My Journey with the Chamber

By Daniel Yeboah, 2nd year MDP student

As a final-year Masters in Development Practice (MDP) student in the Indigenous Stream, I recently completed my second field placement with the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in downtown Winnipeg, Manitoba. This experience offered me a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful policy work at the intersection of Indigenous economic development and government relations.

During my placement, I served as a Research & Policy Analyst, working closely with my mentor, the President & CEO, Renee Greyeyes of the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce. My main focus was on procurement policy and treaty research. I helped the ICC to collaborate with the provincial government to update the Indigenous Procurement Initiative, which has not been effective for some time. I also worked with the ICC to encourage better Indigenous Procurement Standards for the City of Winnipeg, advocating for a standalone Indigenous procurement policy—separate from broader social procurement frameworks. At the ICC, we believe that Indigenous procurement should reflect the nation-to-nation relationship between Indigenous Peoples and the Crown, not be subsumed under general Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. Indigenous businesses deserve equitable access to opportunities that go beyond employment, fostering sustainable economic growth and true reconciliation.

My role also involved supporting the projects and events team. I conducted background research on partners and stakeholders to ensure our engagements were informed and impactful. I also conducted broader research into treaties (both formal and informal) to understand how they could be activated towards economic reconciliation.

This placement has deepened my appreciation for the complex policy landscape surrounding Indigenous economic development and further reinforced my belief that targeted procurement policies are essential for Indigenous economic self-determination. I am grateful for the mentorship and collaborative spirit at the ICC, and for the chance to contribute to work that truly matters.

Strong Hearts, Stronger Communities: My Journey with Zoongizi Ode

By Ijeoma Okwor, 2nd MDP student

My second academic placement has been with Zoongizi Ode (Strong Hearts)—formerly known as Fearless R2W, a community-based organization dedicated to empowering youth and families in Manitoba who are impacted by complex systems.

Through advocacy, education, and culturally rooted support, Zoongizi Ode (ZO) promotes holistic well-being and social justice. Grounded in love, cultural safety, and Indigenous sovereignty, ZO is committed to fostering self-determination, amplifying community voices, and creating meaningful, lasting change.

During this placement, I was fortunate to have contributed to two grant applications and developed the first draft of ZO’s 2023 Annual Report. One of the highlights of my placement was working on the End-of-School BBQ, a cherished annual tradition that brings together youth and community members to celebrate the achievements of young people throughout the academic year. This event is one of the many ways ZO strengthens resilience and hope in the North End of Winnipeg. 

During this placement, I had the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in community-based interventions in Canada. I actively participated in a range of activities, including meetings of the Youth Council, Caregivers Council, Grandparents Council, and broader community gatherings. These sessions provided valuable insight into community priorities and informed our approaches to programming and advocacy. 

What stands out most about ZO is the welcoming, family-like atmosphere. The team fosters an open, supportive environment that extends not only to staff but to the entire community. I’ve especially enjoyed our Wednesday community events, which have deepened my understanding of Canadian systems and helped me connect more closely with the organization’s mission.

I deeply admire the passion, dedication, and heart that the ZO team brings to every aspect of their work, and I appreciate the opportunity to work with and explore community interventions with them.