Community members peacefully occupy Winnipeg’s Thunderbird House, citing concerns with current ownership

For more than a week, a group of Indigenous community members have occupied the site — a well-known cultural and spiritual lodge — citing concerns over its management, condition and future.

“We’ve already lost so many Indigenous spaces we can’t continue to lose anymore, our spaces need to stop being exploited,” said Megan Salwan, a community member taking part in the peaceful occupation of Thunderbird House in downtown Winnipeg. “All of us have a story here, this is very important to community, and it would be a shame to see it go anywhere.” 

Thunderbird House, built more than two decades ago, was created as a gathering space for Indigenous ceremonies, teachings and healing. Its distinctive roof, shaped like eagle wings, symbolizes protection. But in recent years, the building has suffered break-ins, vandalism, and — according to those occupying it — neglect, despite nearly $3 million in federal funding allocated for restoration.

“They could afford to put this fence up but can’t afford to fix the building which is a vital hub of the Indigenous community as a whole in Winnipeg,” said Salwan.

Community members involved in the occupation say they want to protect the space and bring attention to what they describe as a lack of transparency and adherence to Thunderbird House’s original bylaws. Concerns raised include the absence of a council of elders, the failure to hold annual meetings and a lack of clarity around who is eligible to serve on the board.

“We’ve already lost so many Indigenous spaces we can’t continue to lose anymore, our spaces need to stop being exploited,” added Salwan. 

Coleen Rajotte, who has been a board member for over a year and was appointed board chair 13 days ago, says she is taking the concerns seriously and has already begun reviewing the claims.

“We’re looking at all these concerns and are going to address them and take them seriously,” said Rajotte. 

She says the board plans to start repairs, re-establish a council of elders and hold a public meeting to discuss Thunderbird House’s finances.

“This building was meant for community, so community should be part of the planning process, so we will give everybody advanced notice, we’ll have a meeting, air everyone concerns and go from there,” Rajotte says.

The group occupying the building says they plan to remain at Thunderbird House until the public meeting takes place, which is expected to happen at the end of June.