WestEnd Commons

Molly Damiani completed her domestic field placement with the WestEnd Commons. The WestEnd Commons is a project of St. Matthews Non-Profit Housing Inc. Molly’s work involved addressing gaps in the organization related to truth and reconciliation and creating policies, practices, and educational materials to support these efforts.

A final report was developed compiling research on reconciliation efforts in Canada, a history of Indigenous Nations in Winnipeg, and tenant, staff, and board survey results. The report also incorporates a list of additional resources to support ongoing learning for staff and tenants, monthly learning objectives for the board, a social media plan, and infographics. Steps have been taken to grow youth engagement by developing a learning corner in the main office and an arts-based activity on creating safe spaces. Finally, a database of organizations in the city has been updated, and community outreach undertaken to identify opportunities to connect tenants with the community through services, events, and presentations.

“It has been enlightening to critique organizational structure and realize some of the many ways that racism and colonialism hide in plain sight through under-examined policies and structures. Leaders in these spaces have a major responsibility to regularly interrogate policies and practices in the interest of cultural safety and responsiveness”.