The Neeginan Centre, located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, serves as a significant cultural and community hub, promoting the social, educational, and entrepreneurial growth of Indigenous individuals and organizations. The name Neeginan, which means ‘Our Place’ in Cree, represents the long-standing need for Indigenous people to have a place of their own—the idea of such a place was mentioned as far back as 1969 by the Indian and Metis Friendship Centre and reiterated in 1972 by the Manitoba Metis Federation. A feasibility report by Neeginan (Manitoba) Incorporated in 1975 further solidified this vision. Today, the Centre offers a wide range of services, including employment assistance, a health and wellness clinic, education and training programs, a daycare, and even a restaurant and art gallery. The initial vision behind the creation of the Aboriginal Centre of Winnipeg was to address the pressing needs of the Indigenous population in the Higgins and Main area. “In the early 60s, various studies and plans highlighted the need for Indigenous social, economic, 51 SEPT 2024 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
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