An estimated 75% of the homeless in Canada are Indigenous.
Groups are joining together in Winnipeg to build "warming tipis" as shelters from the cold.
WINNIPEG-The First Nations people of Winnipeg are involved in a couple of different offerings to help people stay warm in the cold winter air as temperatures often dip to –40 C.
Groups in the city are joining together to provide "warming tipis" as a temporary safe haven for those who are homeless or otherwise find themselves out in the cold.
The tipi project is being led by Anishiative, a non-profit, grassroots youth organization, along with other community organizations. While a tipi may not be a luxurious shelter, what it lacks in amenities, the organizers hope is made up for with, besides literal warmth, the warmth of kindness and empathy. Organizers envision the shelters as places where Indigenous guests can share food and swap stories, enriching their minds while they keep their bodies safe from the cold.
And, says volunteer Raven Hart, "The tipi's really important to our way of life. Within that tipi, each tipi pole represents a virtue of how to have a very healthy home." She told APTN news, "These tipis will be serving our relatives that are houseless, that are unsheltered."
The groups are hoping other volunteers will step forward with donations of firewood, blankets, camping chairs, socks, mitts, food, warm drinks and anything else that might help the guests in the cold weather.
Meanwhile, in another part of the city, Winnipeg has opened the first tiny home village to help provide for Indigenous people who do not have safe accomodations. The housing group has been called, Astum Api Niikinaahk or "come sit at our home" in Michif.
In this village, nearly two dozen colorful apartment units form a circle around a fire pit.
Astum Api Niikinaahk is overseen by Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, a community service provider. Planning for the project started in late 2019 with input from those who have experienced homelessness. The 22 units each have a bathroom, bed, television, and a kitchenette with a sink, microwave, stove and mini-fridge. Four of the units are accessible for people who use wheelchairs or walkers.
The village also has a "lodge," with staff offices, a commercial kitchen, a programming area, and a medical clinic.
The village is more than a place to stay safe out of the cold and dangerous community. There, people also find resources. Staff provides mental health, addiction, medical and cultural services. Leaders feel that when the participants' needs for heat and food are met, they can then focus on ways to reconnect with their culture and make their life journey healthier through taking advantage of the tools offered. For some of the people who've been on the streets for years, transitioning into their own home is fraught with difficulties, but the staff is prepared to help residents through the new ways of life.
The project received funding for construction from the federal government's Rapid Housing Initiative in 2020. Referrals can be made by individuals or the project's partner agencies. Rental rates vary depending on how residents receive their income, and the residents aren't limited in how long they can live there.
The project operation costs $800,000 to $900,000 per year, covered by various partners in the project, the province and United Way. However, permanent funding has not been secured.
Jason Whitford, CEO of End Homelessness Winnipeg, a partner in the project, told the Canadian Press that he would like to see municipal budgets address the need. "There's a tremendous demand for culturally appropriate housing in our city to respond to chronic homelessness, particularly Indigenous-led solutions," he said.
Whitford estimates the city needs 1,800 units to address the homeless crisis, including transitional housing for those living with mental health problems, addictions or trauma. As estimated by the Winnipeg Street Census, about 75 percent of those who are homeless are Indigenous.
