O’KANATA
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Treaty 1 Territory, the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and the homeland of the Métis NationWinnipeg, Manitoba.
Northern Eco-Literacy and Action Hub
The Northern Eco-Literacy and Action Hub seeks to empower Indigenous youth to become champions for environmental justice in rural and remote areas of northern Manitoba. Stewarded by O’KANATA, an Indigenous youth-led nonprofit, the Hub utilizes a mobile, pop-up workspace model to bring workshops directly to rural and remote communities. Through co-facilitation with environmental leaders and Indigenous Elders, workshops merged cultural knowledge with actionable skills in climate literacy, storytelling, and sustainable community action to advance climate adaptation strategies rooted in cultural teachings. Youth were not only empowered with the skills and tools to lead environmental change in their communities, but connected to hands-on learning opportunities and intergenerational, inter-community networks that continue to support each other’s growth and initiatives.
“One challenge was the initial lack of localized, culturally relevant curriculum on eco-literacy. We overcame this by co-creating materials with Elders and youth, ensuring community knowledge was at the forefront. A lasting lesson is the power of co-creation—youth feel more invested when they help shape the solutions.”
Impact
3 northern & rural Indigenous communities impacted in 2025, with expansion to an additional 2 communities planned for 2026.
Partnerships forged with Indigenous Elders, schools, First Nations governments, Métis Councils, and environmental nonprofits.
Over 60 youth participants in activities ranging from solar panel installation workshops to youth-led climate action days and land-based education co-hosted with Elders.
12 paid internships offered to young leaders, equipping them to pursue green career pathways and policy advocacy.
1 Indigenous-led Eco-Action Toolkit developed and distributed to support educators and community workers, and plans for a digital learning platform and Northern Youth Climate Forum in 2026.