WINNIPEG, Man.—

Living and working in the North End of Winnipeg for the last 18 years, I have learned it is easy to get consumed in the pain, trauma, loss and tragedy, and to lose track of gifts and strengths. But it is important to me to have an appreciative inquiry lens in the work I do in the North End community.

Appreciative inquiry is a term used in community development and in ministry with marginalized communities. Basically, it means seeing, listening, and looking for the gifts and strengths of a community and the people in a community. And then coming alongside those folks to support community empowerment and transformation. I would like to share with you some of the people in our community who are making a difference.

Lyle Blackbird has done a lot of healing work in his life from the generational trauma he grew up with. He has been a key part of our Tuesday men’s group for over 10 years, co-leading with me for the last five. As of this past April, Lyle is leading the group fully on his own as I step back to focus on other ministry areas. Lyle was also hired three years ago as the pastor of a local church, Bethlehem Aboriginal Fellowship. His openness with his healing journey, along with his gentle way and his passion for reconciliation, makes him a vital leader in our community today!

Jonas Mitchell Simard persevered in his goals of finishing high school and getting his carpentry training at age 25 at R. B. Russell high school in our neighbourhood. After working for three years in carpentry, he was able to join ICYA’s Step Up Construction as a team leader where he now teaches and encourages other young men from our community. Jonas recently said to me, “I never thought I would be able to work at ICYA.” Once he could see and experience his gifts and abilities, and had the right opportunities, he was able to live his dream and serve and lead other young men in this way.

At one point Jonas asked if he could volunteer with me in my work, so he has joined me as we mentor and support a vulnerable youth and his family in the community. This connects well with ICYA’s goals of hiring local and Indigenous staff. Some of our current full-time staff who grew up in our community include Terry Melquist (Community Minister), Rosemary Ellis (Community Minister), Kamara Turner (Engage Education), Sheena Girouard (Engage Education), John Vasili (Bridge Drop-In), Serena Charette (Bridge Drop-In), Justine Flett (Bridge Drop-In), Autumn Charette Keenan (Gem Lake Camp), and Carl Makowsky (Gem Lake Camp). Feel free to find out more about these community staff at icya.ca/staffteam.

My prayer is that we may see, know, and affirm the transforming work of God that is at work in and through our community today and into the future.