Canadian Heritage has committed $220,000 for the Drop-in Centre over the next two years in Winnipeg as part of its anti-racism campaign. The Centre's purpose is to create a Safe Space for Indigenous and immigrant youth to nurture positive relationships. Funds will be used to develop and deliver workshops exploring Indigenous history and colonial experience and help young people from all cultures and backgrounds relate it to their own experiences. Once they have established common ground, they will engage in activities that help to hone conflict resolution and peace-making skills.  

"There is so much work to be done towards dismantling racism and discrimination, and it begins with breaking down barriers and stereotypes within our communities and ourselves. Creating safe spaces for kids and young adults to share, have fun, and learn is an important step towards facilitating change in our neighbourhoods, our city and our country." – Jenna Valiquette (Project Co-Facilitator).  

The AMI Youth Drop-in Centre will be open evenings and weekends and have staff available to help with homework and school assignments, provide snacks, organize games, music and recreational activities, and encourage young people to connect on a deep level as allies.  

AMI has hired a part-time Project Coordinator and 2 Facilitators – one from Indigenous and one from an immigrant background - to manage the Youth Drop-in Centre and oversee the 'Safe Spaces' project.  

This episode of "Civic Platform" features Grace Eidse, Executive Director, Altered Minds Inc. Eidse tells us about the Drop-in Centre and its importance to the Indigenous and immigrant youth.  

Contact Zuher Almusre, our civic journalist, to share your story and explore civic issues at zuheralmusre@u-channel.ca.   

Stay tuned for more Civic discussions on Civic Platform.