An Indigenous group in Steinbach aims to contribute to the city’s community safety and well-being plan following an incident where an 11-year-old First Nations boy was attacked at his school. Mino Odewin, meaning “people with good hearts” in Anishinaabemowin, was established in Steinbach last year to foster cultural understanding and support the organizations involved in developing the safety and well-being plan.
Co-founder Bambi Bertholet emphasized that Mino Odewin does not seek to replace existing support agencies but rather bring an Indigenous perspective to discussions and ensure that individuals’ needs are acknowledged and addressed. Recent interactions with Theo Osborne and his mother, Melissa Johnson, shed light on ongoing bullying incidents at Stonybrook Middle School, prompting the group’s involvement in advocating for marginalized voices.
Steinbach Mayor Earl Funk highlighted that the city is the first among six rural communities and six First Nations to finalize a safety and well-being plan, initiated in 2022 under the previous provincial government. The plan aims to promote a collaborative strategy to address safety and well-being risks through social development, prevention, intervention, and response measures.
A new committee comprising service providers will oversee the allocation of funding, approximately $60,000 from the province, to support plan implementation efforts. Mayor Funk emphasized the importance of community-wide participation and unity in executing the plan effectively, emphasizing the collective responsibility of all residents in ensuring its success.
The Steinbach community safety and well-being plan outlines 23 objectives across seven key areas, including housing, mental health, community safety, youth services, accessibility, transportation, and community inclusivity. The service providers’ committee will be tasked with ensuring the fulfillment of these objectives to enhance community well-being.
Residents like Curtis Berens, who moved to Steinbach from downtown Winnipeg, expressed feeling safer in the city but stressed the need for increased cultural awareness and dialogue on Indigenous issues. Bertholet shared Mino Odewin’s plans to establish initiatives such as foot patrols, homeless shelters, detox centers, and educational events to promote community engagement and understanding.
The group has secured grants from Shared Health to support its endeavors and is exploring innovative approaches, including culinary events like “farmer sausage bannock hotdogs,” to foster community connections through shared experiences.