Zoongizi Odé’s 5-year Strategic Planning (2026-2031)

Zoongizi Odé Inc. (ZO) is an Indigenous-led advocacy organization based in Winnipeg, dedicated to supporting families, youth, and parents impacted by Manitoba’s child welfare systems. Rooted in Indigenous knowledge, ZO offers kinship-based advocacy, systems navigation, and cultural programming including youth mentorship, housing support, and community councils.

As the only urban Indigenous-led parent advocacy group in Winnipeg, ZO responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action by promoting healing, family reunification, and self-determined community governance. Their holistic, “walk-with” model centres cultural belonging, intergenerational support, and wraparound care.

The proposed project is a 5-Year Strategic Planning initiative (2026–2031) aimed at growing organizational capacity, securing sustainable funding, expanding services, and embedding evaluation and Indigenous governance practices. Planning will be guided by storycatching, participatory feedback circles, and an environmental scan, ensuring deep engagement across staff, board, and community councils.

Expected outcomes include a finalized strategic plan, clear governance roles, implementation tools, enhanced HR systems, and stronger alignment with funding and policy shifts—particularly around Indigenous jurisdiction under Bill C-92. As ZO transitions from a grassroots initiative into a maturing organization, this project is critical to sustaining and strengthening their work amid rising demand and organizational change.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ashley Hayward

Student:

Partner:

Zoongizi Ode Inc.

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Other services (except public administration)

University:

University of Winnipeg

Program: