Building Strong Institutions: A Manitoba Story Focused on SDG 16 and Literacy
What is the true cost of losing a safe institution? For Jenny, the Northern Star Youth Centre in Winnipeg is a sanctuary of friendship and learning. The Centre’s Bright Future, published by the Arts Incubator Winnipeg, thrusts the fifteen-year-old into a crisis when imminent budget cuts threaten the closure of her beloved youth hub. This compelling narrative highlights the critical importance of preserving grassroots community infrastructure.
Faced with the monumental challenge of raising a significant sum in a month, Jenny is forced to grow into a community leader. Her task is not merely financial; it’s about mobilizing her diverse peer group, overcoming internal conflict, and championing the traditional values of collaboration and tenacity. This story is an exploration of civic engagement and the power of local action, proving that courage and unity are the true tools for preserving essential public spaces.
Ideal for fostering Manitoba literacy and social awareness in the classroom, the book includes a comprehensive discussion guide. This material is designed to spark deep conversations about collective action, resilience, and the meaning of good governance. The core message aligns powerfully with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), using a local challenge to illustrate a global goal. It is an invaluable resource for educating students on how local choices affect global progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Jamie Bell: A Voice for Winnipeg and Manitoba’s Youth
Jamie Bell is an interdisciplinary artist and writer based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, whose work is deeply informed by community ties and participatory research. A passionate advocate for the power of shared stories, Jamie explores the complexities of contemporary life. When not writing or filming, he finds peace and inspiration while gardening, a testament to the quiet dignity found in patient growth.
ISBN: 978-1-0698405-4-7
Supporting Indigenous Storytelling and Literacy in Manitoba and Beyond
Your support of this book directly supports Indigenous publishing and contributes to strengthening community literacy in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. This ambitious and groundbreaking project was realized during the summer and fall of 2025, thanks to vital assistance from the Ontario Arts Council Multi and Inter-Arts Projects grant, the Winnipeg-based Arts Incubator Winnipeg Hub, and the transformative Minneapolis College of Art and Design Creative Entrepreneurship Program.
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About the Author
