Pimootayowin is an Anishinaabemowin word meaning journey, a word chosen by Ian Ross who explained: “The creation of new art is often described as a journey, so too, our lives. In any journey, we often don’t know what lies ahead but we can emerge enriched by them. I look forward to mentoring talented creators who have fascinating, relevant stories to tell.” Pimootayowin is dedicated to developing new voices for the theatre.
On Orange Shirt Day, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation I shared some videos and spoke to APTN for an article entitled “Educators say introducing kids to reconciliation requires kinship, cultural approach” My contribution included asking: what can schools do today to support families who were hurt in the past?
Yesterday it was announced that the Manitoba government is going to be conducting an audit on the child and family services system in the province. The system includes nearly 10,000 children, 90% of whom are Indigenous among 4 Authorities. This number has not significantly moved in the last 10 years. I am happy this audit is happening but it is frustrating that it took so many people, reports and experts, hired by the government for them to listen.
What we want to do as the Indigenous Health Committee is not only listen to the experiences of Indigenous peoples both as practitioners and as recipients of the healthcare system...We also want to work collaboratively with our partners, Indigenous and not, to identify well-researched and informed actions that we will be able to take that will provide some kind of tangible outcome that will improve education within organizations and health systems, but also increase the quality of service delivery in the future for our Indigenous relatives.
This fall we have an opportunity as Winnipeg to elect people as school trustees, city councillors and mayor who take crime, addiction and homelessness seriously. Let’s get educated, organized and take action to make a better city.
On Tuesday June 16, 2026, the 5th annual North End Grad Walk celebrated graduates from Children of the Earth, RB Russell & St John's High Schools. Congratulations to the entire class of 2026 and a big thank you to Maggie Macintosh at the Winnipeg Free Press for putting this article together.
If you are going to be at the trade show which is free and open to the public, come say hi & purchase a signed copy of We Need Everyone. If you are going to the conference join me for my workshop on Thursday morning! Let's do what we can to celebrate Indigenous leadership and excellence in economic development and beyond!
Winnipeg;s newest radio station Ziibi 104.7fm features the best music and the best host (just kidding, its only me lol) sharing what we are calling “Red City Moments” providing Indigenous history and education to the general public.
“That project charter is going to be essential,” Redhead Champagne said, noting it will be used to help formulate applications for grants and other forms of funding. “For us, we want to make sure as many north enders as possible, and future supporters, are able to provide their suggestions and feedback to the project.”
Tānsi nītotemahk! Come join us for our next session of ininīmotān language table beginning this Saturday March 28th from 11am to 12:30pm at a new location 287 Laura Street (Indigenous Arts & Cultural Centre). Our new program will also include meals since we will be meeting around lunch time and our new space can accommodate us.
I don’t know how to stem the tide of never ending grief that we are experiencing. I know that I am called to work at system levels to help improve health, history, education and child welfare. I know that when I have a chance to influence people and systems to be proactive and to take informed action to support our relatives struggling in grief and other forms of darkness, that I do so with urgency and with love.
Poverty in Canada has risen for the 3rd straight year in a row, meaning there are 30,000 more kids experiencing poverty across Canada (Campaign 2000 National Report). In Manitoba, we are looking at 85,790 children and their families who did not have enough to meet even the most basic needs” (Campaign 2000 Manitoba Report). In simple terms, this means that 1 in 4 kids in Manitoba and 1 in 10 across Canada are living in poverty.
We are not helpless in the face of injustice, our example can be our message. Let's all take many small actions today because they will add up tomorrow. I promise to do my part if you will too; use your example to encourage those around you to do their part too and little by little, we will change the world.
Being present is the real present - let’s give gifts of our time and attention to one another so we can create memories that last longer than the dollars in our bank accounts.
Michael 1 of 6 selected for pimootayowin
Pimootayowin is an Anishinaabemowin word meaning journey, a word chosen by Ian Ross who explained: “The creation of new art is often described as a journey, so too, our lives. In any journey, we often don’t know what lies ahead but we can emerge enriched by them. I look forward to mentoring talented creators who have fascinating, relevant stories to tell.” Pimootayowin is dedicated to developing new voices for the theatre.
Do you have plans on election night in Winnipeg? Tune in to CTV at 8pm CT on Wednesday October 28th for an election night panel featuring Michael, Brian Mayes and Mary Agnes Welch!