Former factory to be converted to address Indigenous food security and sovereignty in Winnipeg

A former factory is being converted to a community drop-in, grocery store and food bank to address food insecurity.

A former factory is being converted into a place to address food security in Winnipeg.

Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata announced Friday it has bought the two buildings at 563 and 567 Notre Dame Avenue, and they will be used to create a community drop-in and programming space, as well as a grocery store and food bank.

The space, which has been given the name Asihcikan – meaning “to put out an offering” in Cree/Ojibwe – will allow people to have “access to cultural food, intergenerational knowledge exchange, and supportive culture-based programs and services.”

“Asihcikan is a natural next step for Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre as we aim to address not only food security, but food sovereignty and access to cultural food and programming within central Winnipeg,” said Tammy Christensen, the executive director of Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata, in a news release.

Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata is partnering with Harvest Manitoba for the project. Harvest is already operating from the main floor of the buildings, where it provides its Meals2Go program for students in the city.

“Our partnership with the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre on this important initiative plays a big role in furthering our commitment to foster more Indigenous-designed and led programs in Manitoba,” said Vince Barletta, the CEO of Harvest.

Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata said construction to convert the former factory will cost $14 million, and the organization plans to move into the building in early 2026.