Our membership has surged since the organization’s inception in 2013 and continues to grow. Over 1,800 Red River Métis women, girls and 2SLQBTQ+ individuals are part of our vibrant organization.
The Red River Métis has a long history of being a strong, matriarchal society where women’s voices are valued and respected. Our legacy was built on the strength and resiliency of our women. IWS will always invest in our Red River Métis women, girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, working to enhance their skills and knowledge. Our goal and vision will forever be to foster a strong sense of belonging for our members, encouraging them to thrive, succeed, and lead by enhancing their social, cultural, economic, and political well-being.
We have much to share with you about our various projects, programs, activities, workshops, and consultations. More information about all our work can be found on our website and we hope you find it informative. Our consultations are always well attended, and the feedback of our Red River Métis women, girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals integral. Identified as a priority by our members, we have been educating Red River Métis women, girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals on Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+), a process that outlines how to meet the diverse needs of all Red River Métis Citizens. IWS is adapting our governance for more inclusion of gender equality and providing training to our members. GBA+ is being used to prevent and address gender-based violence (GBV). We are working to proactively educate our youth, so that they do not become victims of the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited People (MMIWG2S+) epidemic.
IWS had many endeavours planned for the future. Yet we do not do this work alone. I am honoured to work with an extraordinary group of Métis women, the IWS Board of Directors, who’s advice, counsel, and leadership directs our work and strategic planning. Their dedication and commitment to our members remains consistent. I would also like to convey my genuine appreciation to the IWS staff and our consultants for all the work that they do.
I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to Manitoba Métis Federation, the national government of the Red River Métis, in supporting all that we do for the betterment of the women of our Homeland. With the continuous support of President David Chartrand and the MMF Cabinet, the seven Regions of the MMF, other Affiliates, partners, and stakeholders, IWS will continue to flourish through our connections.
Biography of Spokeswoman Campbell
Anita Campbell is currently the Spokeswoman and CEO of Infinity Women Secretariat (IWS). Having grown substantially since it began, IWS now provides many programs, services, and supports to over 1300 members. Her dedication and passion to support the Métis women of Manitoba is prevalent in her day-to-day activities as she has served as Spokeswoman since the incorporation of IWS in 2013.
Spokeswoman Campbell was first elected in 2003 as a Caucus and Cabinet Member of the Manitoba Métis Government, she has held many Ministerial appointments including Minister of Finance and Human Resources since 2012, and Minister of Information Technology since 2018, along with many appointments to multiple Boards and Committees. In addition, she holds the position of Chief Administrative Officer, as of September 1, 2016. Since April of 2020, she has served as the Co-chair of the Métis COVID-19 Response Team, working to ensure the health, safety, and care of all Red River Métis citizens.
Spokeswoman Campbell is happily married to Mike McIvor and has a blended family of 3 sons, 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren. She is a Métis woman from Duck Bay, Manitoba. She received her education through the Red River College Business Management Program. After moving from Winnipeg to Thompson, Spokeswoman Campbell was employed with the Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre for 35 years, where she dedicated her life building it from the ground up. She played a key role in the development of programs and services that address the social, economic, cultural, and educational issues and has been striving to empower women to gain a better quality of life. She was the Executive Director for 23 years, and under her direction and leadership, the Centre developed many community initiatives that are still self-sustaining. Her mentorship gave the Centre the “push” it needed to become the place it is today, where urban Indigenous peoples can access programs and services from one location.
Spokeswoman Campbell has received multiple awards for her commitments. She was presented the provincial award for Community Development from the Original Women’s Network in 2001, the Interprovincial Association on Native Employment (IANE) Bill Hanson Award in 2007, the Thompson Trail Breakers Award for Community Leadership in 2011. She received the Governor General of Canada’s Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers in recognition of outstanding Indigenous Leadership in June 2017.