Building Bridges helps create a more welcoming Winnipeg

Water-based learning brought newcomer and Indigenous youth together to build understanding

Earlier this summer, we brought together newcomer and urban Indigenous youth for a day of learning, sharing, and connection.

Held on the banks of the Red River, Building Bridges is a unique event designed to help dispel harmful myths and stereotypes. It gives youth a chance to spend time together, learn about each other’s experiences, and share their cultures.  

Youth learned canoeing skills and paddled together on the Red River. They also took part in a series of land games to get to know each other and received smudging and water teachings.

Youth took part in a series of land games to get to know each other and received smudging and water teachings.
Youth took part in a series of land games to get to know each other and received smudging and water teachings.
Youth took part in a series of land games to get to know each other and received smudging and water teachings.

During a sharing circle, youth reflected on the day, and shared stories about their own personal journeys.

“Building Bridges gives youth a chance to get together, learn about each other, and hopefully realize that they aren’t that different from each other,” said Cecil Sveinson, Manager of the City’s Indigenous Relations Division. “We hope the event helps build understanding between the two communities as we continue toward reconciliation.”

Youth learned canoeing skills and paddled together on the Red River.
Youth learned canoeing skills and paddled together on the Red River.
Youth learned canoeing skills and paddled together on the Red River.

Building Bridges for a better tomorrow

Indigenous Relations Division and Community Development Division host Building Bridges each year. It supports our anti-racism work through our Newcomer Welcome & Inclusion Policy and Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak, our Indigenous Youth Strategy.

By creating opportunities to listen and learn, we can help build stronger relationships between communities as we all work towards reconciliation.

To learn more about racism and anti-racism, explore Winnipeg Public Library’s anti-racism info guide. It includes a collection of books, videos, and websites for all ages.

Other City information

Was this information helpful?

How can we make this web page better?

Information collected will be used to improve our website. Do not use this form to submit a request for service or information because it will not be forwarded to departments for response. To submit a request for service or information, contact 311.

This form is not intended to collect personal information; however, any personal information you choose to include in your comments is collected by the City of Winnipeg under the authority of section 36(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of improving our website and will not be used or disclosed for any other purposes, except as authorized by law. Contact the Corporate Access and Privacy Officer by mail (City Clerk’s Department, Susan A. Thompson Building, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg MB, R3B 1B9) or by telephone (311) if you have any questions about the collection of this information.