About Us

The Winnipeg Indigenous Executive Circle is a collaborative to advance the well-being of Indigenous peoples in Winnipeg.

About WIEC

The Winnipeg Indigenous Executive Circle is comprised of leadership that is interested in advancing the well-being of Indigenous people in Winnipeg.  The Winnipeg Indigenous executive circle will engage in dialogue aimed at enhancing policies, service delivery, and systems through a unified voice.  This will lead to the reclamation of Indigenous ways of life and guiding reconciliation, resulting in a society that is more responsive to the needs and perspectives of Indigenous peoples in Winnipeg.

Our Vision

The Winnipeg Indigenous Executive Circle is a collaborative to advance the well-being of Indigenous peoples in Winnipeg.

Our Goal

Through strong sectoral representation and broad-based membership, the Winnipeg Indigenous Executive Circle will effectively lead on strategic priorities of Indigenous-led service organizations in Winnipeg and foster reconciliation throughout the community.

THE HISTORY OF OUR ORGANIZATION

Since the inception of The Winnipeg Indigenous Executive Circle it has evolved and grown into an organization that has established itself as a collaboration of leaders that are working together to change the landscape for Indigenous people in Winnipeg. Presently, there are 32 organizations that form the membership and contribute to the plans and fabric of this community.

Priorities

The Winnipeg Indigenous Executive Circle established four priorities of focus that will have a life-affirming impact on the overall social, economic, and cultural well-being on urban Indigenous peoples. Creating a community where every member thrives.

  • Education/training, employment, and economic development: increasing graduation and access to employment and economic opportunities.
  • Access to housing:  ensuring safe, affordable, accessible, and appropriate housing for Indigenous peoples in Winnipeg.
  • Supporting and strengthening families: creating healthy communities where families are supported in caring for one another.  We are committed to addressing the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and reducing the number of children in care and incarceration rates.
  • Health and well-being: encouraging and promoting healthy lifestyles, including nutrition, sport, and cultural expression.  We are committed to quality, affordable, accessible, and appropriate healthcare services, including culturally safe services.

Della Herrera

Chair of the WIEC Health and Wellness Working Group

Executive Director of the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre

Della Herrera (nee Chartrand) is a Red River Metis woman, sister, mother, and memere who was born in St. Laurent, Manitoba. From a large family, being the youngest daughter of 14 children, Della’s kin lines include the Chartrands, Devlins, Carrieres, and Lamberts. Della’s relationship with St Laurent endures as many of her family members are still there. Although Della’s roots are in St. Laurent, she also has a strong connection to Winnipeg. Throughout her career she has strived to provide opportunities for the Urban Indigenous Community and currently serves as the Executive Director of the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre of Winnipeg, Inc. (AHWC). AHWC is Winnipeg’s only Indigenous Community Health Agency serving First Nations, Metis, Inuit, and 2SLGBTQI+. Their mission is to provide Indigenous people in Winnipeg with quality healthcare, social support services, and other supports that incorporate a holistic understanding of and approach to health and wellness; bring together the best of conventional and Indigenous medical practice, knowledge, and resources; and empower and equip our community members to take more control of their own health, wellness, and wellbeing.

In February of 2024, Honourable Nahanni Fontaine, Minister of Families and Minister of Women and Gender Equity invited Della to join the Matriarch Circle, a newly established table which prioritizes the protection of Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited relatives. In her many roles, which includes being an active member of the Winnipeg Indigenous Executive Circle (WIEC), Della remains a steadfast advocate for the Urban Indigenous Community and works tirelessly to ensure supports and resources are in place for their health and wellbeing.

Kendell Joiner

Chair of WIEC Justice Working Group

Kendell Joiner (Méstaéhotóá'e) is an American-born, proud member of the Northern Cheyenne Nation located in Southeast Montana. Having grown up around his tribe and culture, the values of community, unity, and the common-good are centrepiece lessons that he carries in his current role as the Chief Executive Pathfinder of the Native Clan Organization. The Native Clan Organization is an Indigenous organization that takes a culturally centered approach of healing with our relatives returning back to their communities or starting new lives after contact with the justice system. Kendell holds multiple undergraduate degrees in Criminal Justice, Corrections, and possesses a Master of Public Administration education that he utilizes to change systems and make our world a more balanced and empathetic one. Kendell serves on a number of boards, advisory councils, and community groups such as serving as the. Co-Chair for the Winnipeg Indigenous Executive Circle, the Combined Community Council for the Salvation Army Centre of Hope, and Siloam Mission’s Indigenous Advisory Council to name a few. Kendell also founded the Ghost Bull Consultancy, a consulting business that specializes in advising public sector organizations in achieving balance that comes from applying an Indigenous lens to today’s administrative and logistical operations.

Jason Whitford

Chair of WIEC Housing Working Group
President and CEO of End Homelessness Winnipeg

Jason Whitford is a dedicated leader serving as the President and CEO of End Homelessness Winnipeg. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Jason takes pride in his Anishinaabe heritage and is a proud member of Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation in Treaty One Territory, Manitoba.

Jason has maintained strong community ties and a deep connection to traditional values through his engagement with elders, participation in ceremonies, involvement in land-based activities, and commitment to family. Married to Cora, Jason is blessed with four children – Anthony, Zayna, Alec, and Anders.

With an impressive 30 years of work experience, Jason has focused his career primarily on serving the First Nation and Indigenous communities. His expertise spans various areas, including training, employment, suicide prevention, urban strategies, youth programming and leadership, child welfare, and addressing housing and homelessness issues. Jason's commitment to making a positive impact is evident in his extensive experience and dedication to improving the well-being of his community.

Previously held leadership positions include Executive Director at Shawenim Abinooji and program manager at the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs’ Eagle Urban Transition Centre. While serving as the program manager at the Eagle Urban Transition Centre, he co-authored the publication titled “Examining the Urban Aboriginal Policy Gap: Impacts on Service Delivery for Mobile Aboriginal Peoples in Winnipeg, Canada.” He’s currently a board member with Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness (CAEH) and Manitoba Tipi Mitawa.

Jason is a graduate of the Business Administration program at Red River College and the Human Resource and Management program at the University of Winnipeg.

Heather McCormick​

Chair of the WIEC Education Working Group
Co-Executive Director for the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development, Inc.

As the Co-Executive Director for the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development, Inc. Heather McCormick, A proud Métis women, is dedicated to the continued growth and prosperity of the Indigenous community. She is a leader in the areas of Indigenous education, training, and community development, driven by a commitment to the continued development of a strong, healthy, and vibrant
community.
With a career spanning over 25 years, Heather possesses a wealth of expertise in education, training, program planning and development within the Indigenous community. She has developed and implemented countless initiatives and programs, tailored to address the educational and social needs of the community stemming from the legacy of colonization, residential schools, and intergenerational
trauma.
Heather has a rich history of community involvement, sitting on various boards and committees, serving as the Treasurer of the Aboriginal Health & Wellness Centre, as Chair Person of Manitobah Mukluks StoryBoot School, and contributes as a member of the Winnipeg Indigenous Executive Circle, and leads the Education, Training and Employment Committee as its Chairperson. She champions equality for the Indigenous community, driven by a belief in the power of reconciliation and the urgent need to dismantle barriers to inclusion. Dedicated to Indigenous adult education and training, Heather has witnessed the transformative impact of education on families and communities. Heather's philosophy centers on self-determination through accessible education, viewing it as a fundamental building block for community success and individual potential. Heather seeks to inspire and enact meaningful change, ensuring a brighter, more inclusive future for the Indigenous community.

Teri Marsh​

Office Coordinator

Greetings! I'm Teri, proudly serving as the Office Coordinator for WIEC, the Winnipeg Indigenous Executive Circle. Although my roots trace back to Peguis, I was born and raised in Selkirk before making Winnipeg my home in 1996.

In 2009, I sought further education and found my path through CAHRD, leading me to administrative assistant training at Ka Ni Kanichihk. Graduating at the top of my class with a stellar 4.0 GPA in 2010 marked the beginning of my professional journey.

For six years, I contributed my administrative skills at Ka Ni Kanichihk, and later, I ventured into a role at CFS. I transitioned to a seven-year stint with a vending company before finding my current role at WIEC. My dedication to administrative excellence and community support has been the cornerstone of my career. I look forward to further contributions and collaborations within the vibrant community of the WIEC Collective.

Theresa Ducharme​

Project Coordinator​

Theresa is a Red River Metis- from Winnipeg, Manitoba. She has an extensive background working with Indigenous First Nations in Canada, United States and abroad. Early in her career, Theresa owned and operated a successful Indigenous focused modelling agency called “Mystique Models” in Edmonton, Alberta. Her career started at the age of 14 where she was a National Fashion Model in Canada for
Hudson Bay, Eaton’s, Simpson Sears, just to name a few. Through Mystique Models, Theresa was hired by the Former International External and Internal Affairs of Canada to represent Indigenous culture in the Canadian Embassies around the world. This opportunity gave her literally the world to travel and perform with her new Dance and Drum group called” Eagle Drum Troupe, they also performed in world expos concerts in China, Korea, Mexico, Inner Mongolia, and Japan numerous times.

Later in her career she worked in Ottawa, Ontario as the National Communication Officer for the National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association as the Communication Director. Later she was chosen by the Native Women’s Association in Ottawa to represent and coordinate the beginning of the movement, Sisters in Spirit across Canada and Globally for the missing and murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in 2006 alongside Amnesty International.

In 2009, she stepped down and knew her role now was to focus on health, fitness, and wellness within our Nations for she saw first-hand the sicknesses of diabetes, heart disease, depression, and suicide amongst the youth. In 2010 to present, Theresa, established Lemon Cree Fitness & Wellness. To date, her unique style has literally helped 1,000s of people across Canada. She has certified 148 people in over 20 First Nations communities across Canada and USA to be a Lemon Cree Fitness and Wellness Advocate for their community. She is currently running all her Fitness and Wellness program’s online part time. Theresa brings a wealth of experience to her role at WIEC, having previously served as the Director of Operations for the Metro Vancouver Aboriginal Executive Council and Metro Vancouver Indigenous Service Society.

Dawn Olivence​

CEO

Meet Dawn Olivence, a proud Anishnaabe/Miꞌkmaq from the Ebb and Flow First Nation in Treaty 2, currently serving as the CEO for the Winnipeg Indigenous Executive Circle (WIEC). WIEC is a collective of Indigenous-led organizations dedicated to advancing the well-being of the urban Indigenous population in Winnipeg.

With an impressive 23-year career in broadcasting, Dawn's roots lie in the Point Douglas area of Winnipeg. A graduate of Children of Earth High School, the first indigenous school in Canada, she embodies a spirit of pioneering leadership. In 1999, Dawn kick-started her impactful journey by graduating from the Aboriginal Broadcast Training Initiative at the Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre Inc. She then played a vital role at APTN (Aboriginal Peoples Television Network) in Yellowknife, NWT and Winnipeg showcasing versatile expertise in Scheduling and Traffic, Programming, Independent productions, and Marketing, where she managed Affiliate Relations and Sponsorships. Dawn values her nationwide relationships with broadcast industry affiliates and radio partners. Among her proud initiatives is "Meditation Mondays" promoting spiritual balance in the workplace. Since APTN's launch in 1999, Dawn has been a pivotal part of its growth and expansion, and now she brings that same enthusiasm and passion to the Winnipeg Indigenous Executive Circle!

Beyond her professional realm, Dawn actively contributes to various boards and committees, including the Alliance Boxing Club, Indigenous Peoples Commission, Plugin Gallery Gala Committee, Manitoba Indigenous Veterans Fundraising Committee, Winnipeg LGBTQ Chamber Board, and Toastmasters International. A dedicated volunteer for events like the Pan Am and North American Indigenous Games, Dawn showcases unwavering commitment to community engagement. Having served two terms as Communications and Marketing Co-chair on the CTAM Canada board, Dawn continues to volunteer when she can with organizations like the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce CODE Collective and the Mama Bear Clan. In her leisure moments, she dedicates time to her cherished passion for spending quality time with her rescue dogs and cat.

Dr. Diane Redsky​​ O.M., LL.D (h.c)

CEO, Kekekoziibii Development Corporation (KDC)

Chair of  WIEC Strengthening Families Working Group

Diane is a proud mother of three children and a Kookum (grandmother).  She is a First Nation member of Shoal Lake First Nation #40 in Treaty #3 territory with German ancestry and has long worked to address the myriad of issues facing Winnipeg’s urban Indigenous community in all areas all areas of health, justice, education and social services. She has served in both a professional and volunteer capacity with local, national and international agencies and has become a strong advocate for urban Indigenous children’s and women’s issues.  Through her leadership in several Indigenous led community-based organizations, she has helped to create numerous grassroots innovative programs rooted in Indigenous values that have helped build healthy communities through promoting the growth and development of the urban Indigenous community particularly the safety, protection and well-being of women and girls.

She spent most of her career leading the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre - the largest non-mandated, non-profit, urban Indigenous-led organization in Manitoba and is a community-based, community-led, Indigenous-driven family resource centre that is a leader in community-based care for Indigenous children, youth and families in Winnipeg. She was instrumental in increasing investments from 1997: $1.8-million and 1-location to 2022: $22-million and 18-locations and rooting these services through honouring Indigenous knowledge and values. Diane answered the call to come home following the completion of Freedom Road which connects Shoal Lake 40 First Nation to Highway #1 and is the CEO of Kekekoziibii Development Corporation which is the economic arm of the Shoal Lake 40.

2011-2015, Diane was Project Director for the National Task Force on Human Trafficking of Women and Girls in Canada.  This role led her to work with experts in Canada and abroad to address the sexual exploitation/trafficking of Canadian women and girls.  Together, we can give a voice to survivors, end this extreme form of violence against women and girls and stop this violation of human rights.  This meaningful work resulted in National Task Force Report with 34 recommendations to end sex trafficking in Canada.

In 2018, Diane testified at the MMIWG2S+ National Inquiry on the epidemic of sexual exploitation and sex trafficking in Canada and brought with her Winnipeg Police Chief to present on promising practices when police and community work in partnership to protect vulnerable women and girls.  Currently she is Chairperson of the MMIWG2S+ Urban Working Group that launched their National Action Plan entitled: Urban Path to Reclaiming Power and Place, Regardless of Residency on June 3, 2021 and is currently working on an implementation plan.  Dr. Diane Redsky is also part of the Manitoba MMIWG2S+ Coalition made up of MMIWG2S+ family members, survivors and various community-based organizations throughout Manitoba and is the Chair of the Indigenous Women’s Circle that gives advice and direction to WAGE-Women and Gender Equality Department of the Government of Canada.

Dr. Diane Redsky has been acknowledged: Honourary Doctorate Degree in Law from the University of Winnipeg, Order of Manitoba, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, Leadership and Innovator/Visionary Award by Joy Smith Foundation, Governor General’s Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case, Senate of Canada Medal, YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction Award, Rotary Paul Harris Award and 150 Manitoba Trailblazer Award from the Nellie McClung Foundation.

Diane’s belief in the inherent strength of the community continues to guide her along her life’s journey.

Damon Johnston

Host of WIEC
President of the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg

Damon Johnston has been an advocate for and within the Aboriginal community for over 40 years. He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and is a member of the Fort William First Nation in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

He has held the position of the President of the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg since 2007. Prior to this role, he was the Executive Director of the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre. Damon retired from the City of Winnipeg in 2005 where he served as the Community Resource Coordinator, Aboriginal Community. He was employed with the City of Winnipeg for 15 years in various roles from 1990 to 2005. Damon has worked in various positions including the Assistant Executive Director of the Indian and Métis Friendship Centre of Winnipeg for 5 years from 1984 to 1989 and he was elected as Secretary-Treasurer of the Ontario Métis and Non-Status Association from 1980 to 1982. He also served as a Correctional Officer and Probation Officer with the Ontario Ministry of Corrections from 1973 to 1978 and served with the Royal Canadian Navy in Halifax, Nova Scotia from 1966 to 1968. Damon graduated from the Confederation College of Applied Arts and Technology and attained an Administrative Management Diploma in 1970. Currently, Damon is an active volunteer on a number of Boards of Directors including:

• Board Member, Winnipeg Police Board (appointed by Province)
• Board of Director, Basic Income Canada
• Board of Director, Ndinawe;
• Board of Director, Indigenous Seniors Resource Centre
• Co-Chair, National Urban Indigenous Coalitions Council
• Board of Director, Winnipeg Indigenous Friendship Centre

Rachel Sansregret

Co Chair

Rachel Sansregret works for the urban Indigenous community of Winnipeg MB serving as CEO of the Winnipeg Indigenous Friendship Centre. Rachel is a Metis woman whose family comes from Winnipeg and St. Laurent. She is passionate about providing a better quality of life for the urban Indigenous people of Winnipeg who are currently facing unique challenges including rapidly increasing rates of violence. Rachel hopes redevelopment of a Friendship Centre in Winnipeg will provide a safe space for community members where everyone is welcome to engage in building positive and supportive relationships within our community. WIFC is a member of the National Association of Friendship Centres, which provides a network of over 125 Friendship Centres that span across Canada. Rachel is grateful to have the opportunity to participate on the Boards and Committees of community organizations that serve to provide a better quality of life for the urban Indigenous community of Winnipeg. These include serving as the Co-Chair of the Winnipeg Indigenous Executive Circle, as well as serving on the Boards of the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development, Rossbrook House and the Vehicles for Hire Community Advisory Committee. Rachel holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Women’s Studies and has completed additional studies in the area of Counselling Psychology.

Rachel envisions an improved quality of life for Winnipeg’s urban Indigenous community, and with the support of WIEC, the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, Indigenous Vision for the North End, as well as other amazing Indigenous led community organizations to revitalize a Friendship Centre for Winnipeg. A central goal for WIFC’s development is to assist with providing increased safety for all members of our urban Indigenous community.