When the Province of Manitoba issued a request for an expression of interest to implement a new program – funded by a social impact bond – with the goal of reducing youth involvement with the justice system, Marymound spent much time discussing whether they might be the right fit for the program.
“We knew we could create a program and a way to engage youth and families so that their voices are lifted in whatever is happening,” explains Marymound Executive Director, Nancy Parker. “We were mostly looking to make sure that Indigenous youth were connected to their culture and community, which meant the initiative would be Indigenous led. We were very clear through the vetting process and conversations in community that this was essential.”
A social impact bond, in this case, means that investors support the program and receive a return on their investments should the program prove successful. In this case, that meant fewer days incarcerated for youth.
Marymound was selected to deliver the program, the official announcement was made, and local media covered the project. The following day, the Winnipeg Indigenous Executives Circle (WIEC) responded in the media, expressing their concern at the selection process, as well as the project concept itself.
“We sat down with the co-chairs of WIEC, who expressed that the process of the creation of the program wasn’t fair, and those are words that we lifted up to the province, as is our role as allies,” continues Nancy Parker. “Fundamentally, the group didn’t agree with the idea of mixing financial rewards with the wellbeing of youth. They very directly asked us at Marymound to step back; and we listened. Understanding that the majority of youth in the Justice system are Indigenous, this program should then be delivered by an Indigenous organisation. We began to pivot towards subcontracting the project.”
Eventually, the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO), a political advocacy organization which represents 26 Indigenous communities in the province, was selected to carry out the program. “They are doing a wonderful job delivering the program to youth in Winnipeg and Thompson,” continues Parker. “They took a very universal approach to the program and opened it up to all youth, who can self-select into the program They are engaging judges in Indigenous community sentencing circles – bringing forward wise practices from their culture”
Despite how thoughtful and collaborative Marymound attempted to be in the design of the program, there were many lessons learned. “The pandemic was a very difficult time for everyone, and we did lots of virtual consultation but now we know we needed to connect more locally, and before we applied,” concludes Parker. “It’s 2024 and we’re all living together on this land. As a non-Indigenous organization delivering services to Indigenous people, we have to be humble, acknowledge our mistakes and make repair. It’s terrible to be hurtful even inadvertently. This program was always for the youth, and the youth are benefitting, as we hoped. That’s what matters most.”