Project Strategy

Ka Ni Kanichihk, in Cree means, “those who lead” or “those who bring the people forward,” and is an Indigenous non-profit organization that delivers culturally based programs focused on healing, education, and community empowerment.

A defining feature of the main floor is Manitoba’s first Indigenous Early Learning Centre, grounded in Indigenous pedagogies and designed as a child centered, land-connected learning environment.
At its core is a rotunda beneath a ceiling constellation that represents Indigenous star knowledge, with floor patterns referencing the moon and traditional teachings. Direct connections to outdoor play and learning areas reinforce the principles of land-based education.

On the second floor, a cultural gathering space takes the form of a traditional lodge. Oriented on a true north–south axis with entry from the east, it honors spiritual teachings about beginnings, the rising sun, and the journey of life.

The space supports drumming, feasts, teachings, and community events, and embodies Indigenous values of flexibility, community, and connection to land.

Other program spaces include a spiritual wellness room, clinic, teaching kitchen, training rooms, lounge, and offices. Cultural expression is woven throughout the building in materials, textures, and patterns referencing Indigenous artforms such as beading, pottery, and birch bark bitings. Symbolic elements like water and copper are also integrated, reflecting spiritual teachings and the traditional roles of Indigenous women as water carriers.

On the Main Floor, the 4 Daycare Rooms and Rotunda consisted of a Moon with surrounding Stars and Bear Paws - with patterning as small as a dime scribed into the vinyl flooring. The Lobby also received 2 lake designs incorporated as a symbolic element.
The Second Floor involved Milliken's newly launched Nibi Collection, which was designed by Destiny Seymour of Indigo Arrows, created especially to be used on Indigenous projects.
This project soon after turned into a second phase, consisting of the same products throughout.

Products Used: Milliken Nibi Collection, Armstrong Natralis, Tarkett Base and Accessories.