Resource Library

Policy and Discussion Papers: Exploring New Perspectives for Cultural Communities
At CMCCF, we recognize the importance of fostering innovative thinking and bold ideas to strengthen the relationships between Manitoba’s vulnerable cultural communities, allies, and government. A range of papers has been thoughtfully prepared by individuals associated with CMCCF, serving multiple purposes:
Policy Papers: Crafted to guide the Board of Directors in shaping and approving key strategies that align with our mission.
Discussion and Opinion Papers: Designed to spark dialogue, challenge conventional views, and encourage new perspectives.
Engagement Documents: Developed to support meaningful conversations with communities, allies, and policymakers where public policy is shaped and implemented.
These papers emerge from the recognition that transformative ideas are essential for addressing the needs of cultural communities, amplifying their strengths, and creating pathways for them to achieve their visions of the future. They provide a foundation for exploring innovative approaches to public policy, ensuring that the voices and aspirations of cultural communities are heard and respected.
We invite you to explore these documents, reflect on the ideas they present, and share your feedback. Your insights are vital as we work together to pursue new ways of building equitable and inclusive communities in Manitoba.

These documents are for informational and discussion purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. The views expressed are those of the authors and may not reflect those of all stakeholders or affiliates. Any actions taken based on the content of this document are done at the reader`s own risk and CMCCF assumes no liability for actions taken based on this content. Information is subject to change, and references to third-party materials are for context only, without endorsement or guarantee of accuracy.

About CMCCF

We are a diverse, collaborative network of individuals united to promote the well-being of Manitoba’s cultural communities. Using engagements, events and storytelling projects, we promote social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion through facilitated conversations where diverse voices can be heard and amplified. We are dedicated to building relationships based on trust, respect, and dignity for all.

Acknowledgement of Original Lands

CMCCF is located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation. We respect the Treaties that were made on these territories, we acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past, and we dedicate ourselves to move forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.

Contact Us

Winnipeg, MB

Canada

Email:hello@cmccfamilies.ca

Website:https://www.cmccfamilies.ca

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Purpose

The Purpose of These Peace-First: CollaborationNet Pages These pages exist to share what we have learned. Over the past year, Peace-First: CollaborationNet has operated as a time-limited demonstration initiative, which is a space to test ideas, host conversations, and discover what might grow when peace is placed at the center. Conversations took root in informal Peace-First Hubs across Winnipeg, Thompson, Brandon, and Portage la Prairie, with related gatherings in Vancouver and Toronto. Toronto now helps convene national roundtable conversations, linking local dialogue with a broader Canadian exchange. What began as small, local discussions has become more connected — not through expansion or centralization, but through coherence. Across regions, shared themes, tensions, and hopes are emerging. This webpage documents that journey. It gathers reflections, materials, and learning from Hub conversations so others can understand what has been explored and carry it forward. From the beginning, Peace-First was designed as a seed-planting initiative, formally concluding March 31, 2026. Its focus has been to explore how individuals and cultural communities understand inner peace, collective vision, community cohesion, and cultural dignity and visibility. The Hubs are volunteer-led spaces where community connectors and members gather to listen, reflect, and imagine what a peaceful geographic and cultural community might look like in practice. Along the way, we developed background papers, reflection documents, and practical toolkits shaped by lived experience in Manitoba and beyond. This page now serves as a living repository within the Peace-First Library, offering capacity-building tools, framing papers, hub guidance, and shared learning that communities can adapt to their own realities. The purpose is not to centralize authority, but to make learning accessible. Peace-First Hubs are community-led and partner-supported — grounded in relationship, not hierarchy. Supported by ACOMI, ECCM, Palaver Hut, MIA, cultural community members across the country, and allies such as MANSO, Mediation Services, CanU Canada, and PCHS, this work moves through partnership rather than control. This initiative has been made possible through the principal financial support of the Department of Canadian Heritage, with a supportive role played by The Winnipeg Foundation. Their investment has allowed these conversations, materials, and connections to take shape. These materials are not instructions to replicate. They are tools to adapt. This page is more than documentation. It is an invitation. Peace-First is not about imposing a uniform model. It is about strengthening conditions for dialogue, cohesion, and shared responsibility before a crisis. If this resonates, we invite you to explore further, join a national roundtable call, or consider what it would mean to host or support a conversation in your own community. Join a national roundtable call. Complete the survey. The seeds have been planted. What grows next depends on all of us.