100 Women | 1 Heart

A group of generous women gathered at the CRCNA offices in Burlington, Ont., Apr. 24, 2025, to raise funds for the Indigenous Family Centre (IFC), a Winnipeg, Man.-based ministry supported by the CRCNA.

The premise of the event was simple: ask 100 women to each contribute $100 toward a goal of $10,000 that could go directly to support the vital work of IFC. IFC is a women-led ministry dedicated to strengthening Indigenous families and fostering a strong sense of community within Winnipeg. While the event didn’t quite meet its target, it welcomed 80 guests and raised $8,600, making it a noteworthy success.

Attendees not only had the opportunity to contribute to this significant cause but also to worship alongside and connect with like-minded women who share a passion for making a tangible difference. The evening was further enriched by a delicious meal prepared by a talented, Indigenous chef, adding a unique cultural flavor to the gathering.

Amy Baarda from Hamilton, Ont., attended the event and said, “I think it was such a great way for women to support women. Hearing the amount of community and connection that happens at the Indigenous Family Center, you can tell it’s a spot of meaning for people. It is humbling to be able to be a very small part of what’s going on.”

Liz Vanderveen, currently residing in Guelph, Ont., also shared a heartfelt connection to the cause. Having previously lived in Winnipeg, where she worked with Indigenous students, and having later worked on a reservation in northwestern Ontario, she said the stories that were shared deeply resonated with her. “The whole night really spoke to my heart,” she added.

The centerpiece of the evening was a powerful and moving address by Shannon Perez, director of the Indigenous Family Centre. Perez shared her personal journey of finding belonging at the intersection of her Christian faith and her Indigenous heritage. She also shared the impactful stories of individuals who find solace and belonging at IFC.

Perez recounted the experience of her mother, a Sayisi Dene woman, whose family was forcibly relocated to Churchill, Man., and the profound impact that racism, violence, and the legacy of residential schools had on her family and community. Perez also spoke of her own childhood in Winnipeg, in which she learned to navigate a complex family life and grapple with a sense of not fully belonging.

A pivotal moment in her life, Perez said, came when someone made a discriminatory comment while she was working in a restaurant, and that ultimately led her to pursue Native studies at university. That journey of learning and self-discovery, she explained, brought her to a deeper understanding of her identity as an Indigenous woman and of the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization.

Perez poignantly described her experience of navigating faith and Indigenous identity, recalling a moment of feeling excluded at a university event and facing unspoken pressure to choose between her Christian faith and her Indigenous heritage. Then, through her involvement with a Christian Reformed youth group and a connection with the former director of IFC, she said, she found a space where she could embrace her whole self.

When Perez later joined the Canadian Indigenous Ministry Committee as a volunteer, she said, she learned more about IFC and experienced a profound sense of belonging. She highlighted the significance that a prayer spoken by a committee member had on her because the man praying uplifted Indigenous ways of being without undermining them, allowing Perez to feel fully accepted as both Indigenous and Christian.

Today Perez serves as the full-time director of IFC. She also shared several moving stories about individuals whose lives have been touched by the center's work. From popular bingo nights that help provide food security and connection during harsh Winnipeg winters, to arts and crafts sessions that foster community, to sharing circles that offer a safe space for vulnerability and support, IFC is a vital lifeline for many.

Perez recounted the story of Daphne, a woman with a support worker who found a sense of belonging and cultural connection at IFC, expressing her joy with "I love you" hugs. Perez also shared about Juanita, who regularly brings fresh bannock to share with others and exemplifies the care and community fostered at the center. Then, said Perez, there’s the experience of James, who relies on IFC for food security while caring for his wife with cancer, and who experienced an unexpected moment of grace when a birthday cake for him was included in his food hamper from IFC.

In closing, Perez expressed her deep gratitude for the donations received, noting, “Your gift is healing and reconciliation, and it is deeply humbling to me. Thank you.” 

The 100 Women | 1 Heart event not only raised crucial funds for the Indigenous Family Centre but also fostered greater understanding and a connection between women committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others, said Perez.

The following video was shared during the event to provide a glimpse of the center and some of its programs: https://youtu.be/1fVEhG9Bl7A