Supporting Community-Led Infrastructure with Grey & Ivy

By Brent Wennekes, 2nd year MDP student

This summer, I've had the opportunity to work with Grey & Ivy, a social enterprise focused on supporting First Nations across Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario in developing infrastructure rooted in community values, priorities, and long-term vision. As part of my Master's in Development Practice (MDP) at the University of Winnipeg, this placement allows me to contribute to systems-oriented work that respects Indigenous governance and self-determination.

Grey & Ivy works alongside communities to help coordinate the planning and development of what they call Knowledge Centres—multi-use spaces intended to enable locally led housing, training, and economic development. These centres are envisioned not as top-down solutions, but as platforms that communities shape, own, and control. My role has involved applied research, proposal writing, and collaborating with Indigenous leaders, designers, and financial partners to help lay the groundwork for one of these flagship sites.

Throughout the placement, I've supported efforts to align infrastructure design with broader community-led goals—from workforce development to governance planning and financing strategies. I've also been involved in conversations with regional organizations, funders, and architects to understand how these initiatives can take shape in ways that are both scalable and responsive to the distinct context of each Nation.

Rather than arriving with answers, Grey & Ivy emphasizes relational work: listening, co-developing, and building trust. It's been a valuable learning experience to witness this approach in action, and to support a process where infrastructure becomes a tool—not just for building physical spaces, but for strengthening community agency and collective vision.

 

Richard Tuck of Wakopa Financial (L), Brent, and Scott from Grey & Ivy (R)