OUR HEARTS ON OUR STREET: NEECHI COMMONS AND THE SOCIAL ENTERPRISE CENTRE IN WINNIPEG

Abstract

Neechi Commons, a community business complex run by and for Aboriginal people, and the Social Enterprise Centre, a office complex that includes warehouse space, are two community-driven projects to emerge in an unlikely place: a stretch of Winnipeg, Manitoba that cuts through one of the poorest postal codes in Canada. Although both projects have similar outcomes, such as employment and neighbourhood renewal, how each was constructed and which community development principles they drew strength from were different. This article describes the unique process and hurdles each project went through, the role of CED principles in their direction and decision-making, and lastly, the future challenges each may face. The role of “thinking big” while “putting your heart out there” is emphasized throughout.