El’dad Ranch welcomed a special guest yesterday afternoon as Manitoba’s Minister of Families, Nahanni Fontaine, visited the facility.
In February, Initiatives for Just Communities (IJC) and seven other agencies from the Eastman region met with Minister Fontaine to discuss funding concerns, particularly regarding clinical and specialized services.
Key Goals and Requests from the Meeting:
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Address disparities in access to clinical and culturally appropriate specialized services between the Eastman and Winnipeg regions for Community Living disAbility Services (CLdS)-funded adults with disabilities.
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Seek support for the Shared Clinical and Specialized Services proposal developed by the Eastman interagency team.
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Advocate for greater flexibility in how CLdS-funded agencies in Eastman allocate funding provided by the Department of Families.
Minister Fontaine’s visit to El’dad Ranch provided an opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the organization’s programming and needs.
Kelly Woods, a Case Manager with IJC who has worked at El’dad Ranch for over a decade, shared the importance of the Minister's visit.
“It means the world, especially being in a rural community. I think that there is less representation about the needs of individuals who are in rural areas. So it's really cool to see the Minister come all the way out to see us here and to see the folks who live rurally and also to see what the needs are and the gaps of services.”
El’dad Ranch is a non-profit organization that supports adults with intellectual disabilities and those from challenging backgrounds, helping them heal and build new skills.
“On this property we have an alternative justice program. We have a residential home, and we also have a cluster transitional home and so that's kind of El’dad on this property. But since then and especially in the last 10 years, it's grown to offer home share services, outreach services, we have two-day programs, we have a drop-in program, and so it's significantly grown in the last 10 years,” Woods explained.
The organization has also been working to incorporate Indigenous culture into its programming, ensuring culturally appropriate and relevant services for participants, many of whom are Indigenous.
The visit began with a tour of the sweat lodge, medicine hut, and medicine garden, followed by opening remarks, during which an Indigenous knowledge-keeper shared his personal story, highlighting how reconnecting with his culture and learning from Elders played a key role in his healing journey.
Minister Fontaine expressed her gratitude to the staff and participants of IJC and El’dad Ranch for the warm welcome.
“Miigwech for having us in your space, in your home, on the land.”
During her visit, she opened up about her personal struggles with addiction and much like the knowledge-keeper, how reconnecting with her Indigenous roots helped change her life.
“I met an elder, and that elder sat me down at a kitchen table. And she said to me, don't you realize who you are as an Indigenous woman? She said don't you realize how powerful you are as an Indigenous woman? She said don't you realize how sacred you are that you come from ancestors who survived? You come from matriarchs that are so powerful.”
She said that conversation became a turning point in her life.
“I started going to ceremony. I started going to sweat. I got my name. I'm also a sun dancer. That's literally what saved my life, and it's literally what put me on the path to be with all of you here today.”
Minister Fontaine acknowledged the importance of visiting El’dad Ranch and recognizing the impact of their work.
“I honour all of the work that each and every one of you do. I honour this land, and it really, truly is an honour to be here. Miigwech for having me.”
Holly Jonker, a participant in El’dad’s day program and a member of the Indigenous committee, expressed her excitement about Minister Fontaine’s visit.
“I just wanted her to see what a good program this is, and they've changed my life,” she said. “It means a lot, like really a lot. For her to actually come out and see our program out of all the southeastern region is very big.”
As part of the event, Jonker presented Minister Fontaine with a Star Blanket.
“Part of my Indigenous culture is when someone does something good for you, you gift them with something. So yes, I've gifted her with a star blanket.”
The afternoon concluded with a drum song performed by an Indigenous knowledge-keeper, followed by a chance for staff and participants to connect with the Minister.
