05/20/2025
Thank you / Migwiitch 🧡🪶
I had the privilege of speaking at the inaugural Rez Dog Networking Conference this weekend in Winnipeg, Manitoba - situated on Treaty 1 territory, the homeland of the Red River Métis, and the ancestral lands of the Anishinabe (Ojibway), Ininiwak (Cree), Oji-Cree, Dene, and Dakota peoples.
The conference brought together front line workers, chief and council, animal advocates and veterinary professionals to collectively share and learn about the importance of humane care and management of dogs in First Nations communities in Manitoba and beyond.
The weekend provided us all with a deeper insight to the significant need for more support, education and outreach for remote communities that are currently struggling with the effects of dog overpopulation, colonialism and systemic barriers to access veterinary care. This conference was a cultural gathering of fancy dancers, drum circles, smudging and story telling from traditional knowledge keepers….all for the love of Rez dogs. 🥹
I commend Katie and all others who are doing this thankless work advocating and caring for the dogs in First Nations communities. Without their efforts, thousands of dogs would suffer. Take Bear (dog in first picture), who survived being shot in the face. His lower jaw was mostly gone and was surgically repaired by Katie’s team of dedicated veterinary staff. He is the bubbliest, happiest dog and now a symbol of the work being done to end dog shoots in Manitoba - a practice happening in many communities where aggressive dog packs are a safety concern for both people and dogs.
Rez dogs are the best! And I’m so happy to have been part of such an incredible gathering of compassionate animal guardians.
Scroll to the end to see some of the dogs that receive help from Katie and her team.
