End Homelessness Winnipeg’s annual Gizhe Service Expo brought hundreds of people together September 12 for a day that combined practical supports with cultural ceremony.
The gathering, named Gizhe Waa Tii-Sii-Win, translated from Anishinaabemowin meaning “working with love, kindness and generosity,” featured more than 45 organizations including Resource Assistance for Youth (RaY), Manitoba Public Insurance(MPI) and Main Street Project.
In one location, guests accessed identification and documentation help, housing and wellness supports, youth programs, haircuts, footcare and a warm meal. The model helps reduce barriers for people facing housing insecurity by putting essential services side by side in a respectful and welcoming space.
“The strength of Gizhe lies in bringing so many resources into one place,” said Jackie Hunt, Senior Director of Strategy and Impact at End Homelessness Winnipeg. “It restores dignity and shows what is possible when organizations work together in respect and compassion.”
The day also placed cultural programming at its centre, with traditional throat singing, drumming and dance ceremonies, grounding the event in Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing.
End Homelessness Winnipeg thanks The Winnipeg Foundation for providing the funding for Gizhe and all the volunteers, service agencies and cultural leaders who contributed to the Expo. This is an example of how community partnerships can deliver wraparound, person-centred support rooted in Indigenous values.