Winnipeg, June 28, 2025 — Immigration Partnership Winnipeg (IPW) brought together community members, sector colleagues, youth representatives, and members of the media this Saturday for the launch of two timely reports addressing safety, justice, and systemic barriers faced by racialized newcomer communities in Winnipeg.
Links to reports:
▸Listening for Safety: Community Solutions for Racialized Newcomer Youth in Winnipeg ( single pages | spread format )
The knowledge-sharing event, held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg (SPCW) boardroom, provided a platform for critical conversations and reflection. IPW’s Hiwot Taye moderated the event, which featured opening remarks from IPW Director Reuben Garang, who emphasized the importance of community-driven solutions and amplifying newcomer voices.
The first report, Listening for Safety: Community Solutions for Racialized Newcomer Youth in Winnipeg, authored by Darrien Morton and Matt Fast, summarizes a three-year IPW project supported by The Winnipeg Foundation. The research highlights the complex realities of safety for newcomer youth, including persistent systemic barriers such as racism, over-policing, and lack of culturally responsive services. It calls for investment in youth-led safety initiatives and improved accountability between institutions and communities.
The second report, Exploring Restorative Justice Organizations or Individuals Practicing in Canada, with a focus on Racialized Communities: Winnipeg and Manitoba, authored by David Mabior Atem, examines how culturally relevant restorative justice practices can support marginalized communities. The report advocates for community-driven justice models that emphasize healing, accountability, and social cohesion as alternatives to punitive systems.
Attendees participated both in person and virtually via Zoom. Following each presentation, authors engaged with the audience through interactive Q&A sessions, fostering dialogue on actionable steps toward systemic change.
The event underscored IPW’s ongoing commitment to advancing equity, safety, and justice for newcomer and racialized communities in Winnipeg and beyond.