The future of health starts in the north.
Who We Are
Established in 2019, Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc. (KIM) is a First Nations-led and governed health transformation organization working with and on behalf of northern Manitoba First Nations. KIM brings Nations together to strengthen community wellness, advance self-determined health systems, and shape the future of First Nations health.
Our Mission
To create and operate a self-governing First Nations health organization which will achieve health-related services that are reflective of the needs and priorities of the First Nations people of Northern Manitoba.
History of KIM
Our roots
KIM was formed directly from Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO), where the health file for northern Manitoba First Nations had been carried since 1981. Over that time, the Chiefs in Assembly passed more than 400 health resolutions. KIM carries forward the vision, leadership, and advocacy of northern Manitoba First Nations advanced through MKO for more than four decades.
A new entity
In May 2017, the federal government approached MKO to lead a federally funded clinical care transformation initiative for northern Manitoba First Nations. That July, the Chiefs in Assembly passed a resolution directing the work forward: to explore a partnership model and new entity, address physician service gaps, and build capacity among northern First Nations youth to pursue careers as health professionals.
This work led to the creation of a new First Nations-led health entity, developed through MKO’s Chiefs Task Force on Health. It was incorporated as a non-share corporation in 2019, and in January 2020, the Chiefs in Assembly ratified its bylaws and governance foundation.
Leading health transformation
KIM is now a First Nations-led and governed health transformation organization working to redesign health services around the sovereignty, needs, and priorities of northern Manitoba First Nations. In February 2024, through the Keewatinohk Inniniw Okimowin Council (KIOC), KIM signed an agreement-in-principle with the federal government that established a phased pathway toward First Nations leadership in the design and delivery of parts of the northern health-care system.
Our focus now
Transformation into action
KIM advances health transfer while transforming the health-care system as it operates today. With its team of health professionals and sector experts, and through established program areas that put transformation into practice, KIM is building the foundations of a First Nations-led health system.
KIM Logo and Meaning
KIM’s Logo is meant to convey sovereignty and choice.
- The uniqueness of each First Nation and health sovereignty, as reflected in the three distinct medicine bags. Each First Nation should have the ability to exercise choice as to what to include for health and wellness services in their Nation’s “medicine bag” – including the choice to access traditional and western medicines.
- The three-part inclusive and accountable governance structure – the Keewatinohk Inniniw Okimowin Council of First Nations elected leaders, the 6 First Nations caucuses, and the Board of Directors.
- Continuity of care without gaps – with a single string that joins the three medicine bags.
- A sense of home and belonging on our lands – the northern sky, waterways, and the trees.
- The organization overall as a welcoming place, with ownership by northern First Nations people and a unifying connection to it.
Mandate (Objectives)
KIM works across the full continuum of health transformation, advancing the transfer of health programs and services to First Nations leadership while strengthening the health system that exists today. Through collaboration with First Nations, governments, and health partners, KIM is building a health system that reflects the sovereignty, priorities, and aspirations of First Nations in northern Manitoba.
KIM works to:
- Advance the transfer of health programs, services, funding, and authority to First Nations leadership
- Eliminate First Nations-specific racism and promote culturally safe health care
- Expand access to primary care, physician services, diagnostics, and specialized care
- Strengthen traditional healing and First Nations models of wellness
- Build First Nations health data sovereignty and support evidence-informed priority setting
- Steward health funding and resources in alignment with First Nations priorities
- Develop and strengthen the First Nations health workforce
- Design and build a First Nations-led health system for future generations
Our Relationship to the Nations (Governance Structure)
Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc. (KIM) operates under the authority of 23 First Nations in northern Manitoba and is accountable to them.
KIM is governed through a three-part structure: the Keewatinohk Inniniw Okimowin Council (KIOC), composed of elected First Nations leaders; six First Nations regional caucuses; and a board of directors. Together, these bodies ensure KIM remains accountable to the 23 First Nations and responsive to the priorities of their citizens, wherever they reside in Manitoba.
Chief Executive Officer
Michelle Monkman
Michelle Monkman (she/her/iskwew) is a First Nations, master’s prepared Registered Nurse from Norway House Cree Nation, with family ties to Misipawistik, Pimicikamak, and Tataskweyak Cree Nations. With more than 22 years of experience, she is a senior health executive advancing First Nations–led health systems in northern Manitoba, informed by work across Indigenous communities at the national level.
Michelle brings extensive leadership experience spanning public health, harm reduction, primary care, long-term care, education, and system transformation. She has led the design and implementation of innovative models of care that advance cultural safety, address anti-First Nations racism, and improve access, quality, and measurable health outcomes.
Grounded in First Nations sovereignty, accountability, and Two-Eyed Seeing, Michelle’s leadership integrates Indigenous knowledge and western evidence to drive meaningful system change. She is recognized for leading complex, multi-sector transformation while maintaining a strong focus on community priorities and wellbeing.
Board of Directors
Chair: Frank Turner
Vice Chair: Loretta Bayer
Treasurer: Florence Duncan
Secretary: Mirenda Sutherland
Member: Sarah Samuel
Member: Diane Flett
Member: Grace Kyoon-Achan
Member: Raymond Robinson
For General Requests
Please contact us at info@kiminoayawin.com
For Media Requests
Please contact our communications team at [email protected]