Oraye St. Franklyn

The Ending Homelessness Together gathering wrapped up its final day on December 5, 2024, at the Delta Hotel Winnipeg, leaving a lasting impact on the sector and setting a clear vision for the future. The day opened with a blessing by Elder Mark Hall, followed by a powerful keynote from Clayton Thomas-Müller, who called for a deeper commitment to safeguarding the earth for future generations. Sponsored by the Mayor’s Office, his message highlighted the vital connection between environmental justice and housing security.

The final day was rich with insights. Breakout sessions addressed topics such as youth homelessness, stigma and discrimination, and international success stories. Panels featuring experts and lived-experience advocates shared actionable strategies, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and culturally responsive solutions.

Later in the day, participants discussed peer engagement, data-driven approaches, and supporting newcomers transitioning to permanent housing. These discussions reflected the sector’s commitment to move beyond acknowledgment and toward sustained, coordinated action.

The gathering closed with final reflections led by Niigaan Sinclair, the Ending Homelessness Together Elders Council, CEO Jason Whitford, and a stirring performance by the Buffalo Red Thunder Drum Group. The closing ceremony captured the gathering’s core message: reconciliation, collaboration, and respect must guide efforts to ensure every Winnipegger has a safe and dignified home.

The Ending Homelessness Together gathering ignited a renewed sense of purpose across the sector, laying the foundation for future partnerships and systemic change. As attendees departed, the momentum for coordinated action was evidently renewed, offering hope for a future where homelessness is no longer a reality.

Photo credit: Joey Senft

The second day of the Ending Homelessness Together gathering, held at the Delta Hotel Winnipeg on December 4, 2024, featured a powerful keynote by award-winning writer and activist Niigaan Sinclair. Addressing a room filled with policymakers, frontline workers, and community members, Sinclair called for service providers to meet people where they are, ensuring that dignity remains at the core of efforts to end homelessness.

Reflecting on Winnipeg’s history of bringing Indigenous people together, Sinclair stressed that lasting change requires sustained action and recognition of ongoing injustices. His message struck a chord with attendees, reminding them that reconciliation and housing justice are deeply intertwined. 

The day began with a Pipe and Water Ceremony conducted by Elders Florence and Phillip Paynter, setting a tone of respect and tradition. Throughout the day, breakout sessions explored critical themes, including the intersection of homelessness and missing persons, the impacts of brain injury and colonial systems, and culturally appropriate housing solutions for specific populations. 

Discussions featured insights from community leaders, frontline workers, and individuals with lived experience, offering actionable strategies to address these issues. The breakout sessions for the day ended with the Elders Advisory Council, comprised of Elders Ivy Chaske, Mary Wilson, Helen Robinson-Settee, Wanbdi Wakita and Linda Schatkowsky, engaged in the Bannock & Tea Grandparents Circle, providing wisdom and insight rooted in cultural knowledge and lived experience.

A spirit of collaboration and determination filled the gathering, as attendees united around a shared goal: coordinated action to ensure safe, dignified housing for all. As the day concluded, it was clear that the momentum for systemic change was building, fostering hope for a future where homelessness is a thing of the past.

Photo credit: Joey Senft

The Ending Homelessness Together gathering commenced on December 3, 2024, at WAG-Qaumajuq with a powerful and reflective opening ceremony. The event, focused on unity, cultural understanding, and reconciliation, began with a Pipe Ceremony led by Elder Wanbdi Wakita and a Lighting of the Qulliq by Elder Martha Peet, grounding participants in Indigenous traditions of respect and healing.

Jason Whitford, CEO of End Homelessness Winnipeg, delivered a welcome address, affirming the commitment to collaboration and reconciliation. He stated, 

This gathering is a critical step toward reconciliation…Together, we aim to create lasting solutions that respect Indigenous teachings, strengthen our communities, and provide every person with the dignity of a home.”

The ceremony also featured stirring fiddle music by Tayler Fleming and a special musical performance by Leonard Sumner, who shared his personal journey of overcoming houselessness. The event was guided by MC Lisa Meeches, who facilitated a seamless flow of cultural and ceremonial elements.

Letters of greeting from leaders emphasized the need for collective action. Premier Wab Kinew called for systemic change through Indigenous-led initiatives, while Minister Bernadette Smith highlighted the importance of community-driven solutions. Mayor Scott Gillingham reaffirmed Winnipeg’s dedication to reconciliation and equitable housing. Kyle Ross, President of MGEU, praised frontline workers for their advocacy and commitment. On behalf of Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister Dan Vandal remarked, 

This conference is more than a gathering—it is a platform for action, innovation, and shared commitment to ensuring that everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home.”

The opening ceremony brought together policymakers, frontline workers, landlords, and community members, all united in a shared commitment to coordinated action and the pursuit of a Winnipeg where everyone has access to safe and dignified housing.

Jason Whitford, CEO End Homelessness Winnipeg delivering his opening remarks, welcoming attendees to the gathering.

Bernadette Smith, Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness of Manitoba delivering her goodwill message.

Master of Ceremonies, Lisa Meeches welcoming attendees of the gathering.

A cross section of attendees of the opening ceremony.

Jean-Paul Lapointe, 4th Vice President of MGEU delivering the remarks of Kyle Ross, President MGEU.

Elder Martha Peet lighting the Qulliq at the opening ceremony.

Leonard Sumner, a lived expert, performed some moving tunes.

Tayler Fleming set the tone for the opening ceremony with fiddle music.

Photo credit: Leif Norman