Summer in Winnipeg: A Profile on the IYMP summer programming in Winnipeg, MB.

Written by Keatton Tiernan, IYMP member and research partner from the University of Alberta, and Marianne Okemow, Program Leader and Youth Advisory Circle Member in Winnipeg.

Summer 2023 marked the second year that IYMP offered summer programming in Winnipeg. Beginning the previous summer, IYMP in Winnipeg provided High School Mentors, Program Leaders, and Regional Coordinators with invaluable learning opportunities and a whole lot of fun. Summer IYMP programming runs between June and August, with activities happening at sites across Winnipeg. 

The IYMP team in Winnipeg started their summer by partaking in a traditional Sundance. This marked the first time many team members of IYMP had the opportunity to experience a Sundance and the first time participating with their co-workers. 

“It really opened my mind to this new experience of my culture, all the teachings I learned in those two days were very rewarding! – Marianne Okemow, Program Leader and Youth Advisory Circle Member

In July, Program Leaders and High School Mentors in Winnipeg had a chance to attend a plethora of training and learning opportunities. These included training at the Wiichiiwaakanak Learning Centre in partnership with the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre (WASAC), The University of Manitoba, and the Rainbow Resource Centre. 

As a brief overview, they partook in learning opportunities with the SPARC program, got their ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) certificate, and trained on computer coding and how to teach coding to children and youth. They also led Indigenous games and various classroom games with the youth, learned how to bead, and acted as helpers at the National Gathering for Survivors event that was hosted in Winnipeg in late August. 

“I loved that this year’s summer program was so organized and packed with so many more learning opportunities and that I got to be around so many different youth each week.” – Marianne Okemow, Program Leader and Youth Advisory Circle Member.

These opportunities allowed the team to gain competencies across disciplines, from Kinesiology to Computer Science to Education.

The team went on excursions to the Human Rights Museum, FortWhyte Alive, and Winnipeg Art Gallery to supplement their rich learning sessions. 

When August began creeping in, it meant it was time for the team to apply all their newly acquired skills and knowledge! So, Winnipeg’s Summer High School Mentors, Program Leaders and Regional Coordinators partnered with Neecheewam Inc. to facilitate days filled with Indigenous games, gym games, arts and crafts, brain games, and all-around fun for children in care!

At the end of August 2023, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada, hosted the National Gathering for Survivors, where members of the Summer IYMP Winnipeg Team volunteered with the University of Manitoba to help with the event. The team members shared that they particularly liked learning more about Iniut’s history and hearing all the stories from all the different speakers and panels during the event.

Overall, IYMP in Winnipeg had a jam-packed summer—filled with learning opportunities, adventures, community, and fun!