Indigenous Nature-Based Solutions

Creation of new green areas, Maintenance and management of urban nature, Transformation of previously derelict areas, Knowledge creation and awareness raising, Other

Winnipeg is home to Canada's largest indigenous population, however, their social inequality is one of the greatest challenges the city faces which due to the increasing number of indigenous people moving into the city from rural reserves has become an even pressing issue. Regardless of some reconciliation efforts, indigenous people still feel the prolonged impacts of oppressing legislation measures and laws of the past (e.g.: The Indian Act of 1876 or the Indian Residential School System of the 1880s-1990s) including violence, homelessness, access to healthy food (1). However, some grass-root organisations and associations building on recent reconciliation efforts started initiatives supporting the well-being and equity of indigenous people in Winnipeg. The objectives of this initiative include: 1) "Tackling systemic poverty, violence and unhealthy lifestyles through utilizing vacant green space for the benefit of inner-city Indigenous communities" 2) "Rehabilitating Indigenous women in a safe environment with land-based education and ancestral methodologies" (1 p7) Chief Grizzly Bear’s Garden (1) 1) Increase the visibility of the indigenous community in the Spence Neighbourhood 2) Creation of a space of social interactions and spiritual gatherings (ceremonies, stewardship of the land, connect elders and youth) 3) Supporting native plants especially those with medicinal importance for the indigenous community Clan Mothers Healing Village (1): 1) "Providing support and restorative programs to at-risk Indigenous women and youth who have been victims of intergenerational trauma, sexual/domestic violence, or human trafficking" (1 p 43) 2) Development of a profitable social enterprise to sustain the Healing Village 3) Creation of a knowledge centre where education and training is offered to indigenous women 4) Network and collaboration with indigenous and non-indigenous organisations and experts

"- Regeneration and creation of inner-city Indigenous green public spaces, such as the Ogimaa Gichi Makwa Gitigaan Park - Inner-city Healing Lodge and naturalized garden - Preparation of a contemporary, sustainable, nature-based, healing village and knowledge centre, self-governed by Indigenous women" (1 p 7)

• Marginalized groups: Other