Winnipeg Boldness is an initiative that seeks to create large-scale, systemic change for children and families in Winnipeg’s Point Douglas neighbourhood.
The project uses tools and processes from social innovation to develop community-driven solutions to create better outcomes for the neighbourhood’s residents. Diane Roussin, who grew up in the Parkland and is a member of the Skownan First Nation, is the president and CEO of Winnipeg Boldness.
Diane has been with them since 2014. Winnipeg Boldness has a way of serving communities and families from an Indigenous approach that resonated with Diane and aligned with how she was raised, her values, and how she was treated in life.
"We all knew that beyond serving families through programs, there are many systems out there that don't serve families very well," said Roussin. "Things like the child welfare system, the justice system, education system, and healthcare system. There needs to be change in those systems. That's what Winnipeg Boldness is all about."
It's about finding ways to change those systems to better serve Indigenous families. In January of 2018, Diane received the Governor General's Award for Outstanding Indigenous leadership.
By this time, Diane had been working towards making a change for kids in the inner city of Winnipeg. Diane's name was put forward for the award, and when she received the call saying she won, she was humbled.
"What is clear to me when I got that award, there are a lot of people that support the work I do and support me," added Roussin. "I feel that I've been surrounded by really good friends, family, colleagues, and allies. There are a lot of people working towards the same cause."
The Skownan First Nation member has worked within several different sectors. They include the business, government, philanthropy, not-for-profit, and health sectors. She is often asked to sit at different tables for her insights and perspectives.
She has always made herself available for honest and curious conversations. Roussin has served on many different committees and boards. Quite often, she was the first Indigenous person to sit on a board or take a leadership role. That was the case when Diane was appointed as the board chair of the Winnipeg Foundation.
She became the first Indigenous person to hold the role. It began on January 1, 2026, and she will serve as board chair for two years. The Foundation's board of directors elected Diane to the post.
"Always grateful. I always go to my gratitude teachings," added Roussin. "Very grateful and humble that they would put their trust in me. I'm very excited to work with the very first Indigenous CEO of the Winnipeg Foundation, Sky Bridges."
Diane works tirelessly for initiatives that promote Indigenous People’s values and ways of knowing and being.
The colonization and history of racism have forced some Indigenous people into instances of having to be scrappy and agile to stay alive. Right now, she's trying to change the conversation to helping families thrive.
"That's the thing we're trying to change. Moving our condition from doing all the things to stay alive to living in conditions where we can thrive," added Roussin. "When I say alive to thrive, that's what people seem to understand most when I talk about our work."
Thanks to her efforts and incredible work over the years, Diane added another decorated award to her trophy case. She was appointed to the Order of Manitoba.
Established in 1999, the Order of Manitoba is the highest honour in the Province of Manitoba. It recognizes individuals who have demonstrated excellence and achievement in any field, benefiting in an outstanding manner the social, cultural, or economic well-being of Manitoba and its residents.
Diane is widely regarded by many as one of the province's most influential Indigenous leaders.
When Diane looks at the people who have received the award in the past, she's honoured and humbled.
"You know, I do take the bow as an individual," she continued. "In addition, I take this award as recognition of the work of our families and the vision of our families. While there are challenges in the North End in Winnipeg, there are strengths as well. This award, to me, represents the strength we see in the North End."
While she no longer lives in Skownan, it's where she grew up. She spent time in multiple different Parkland communities, including Rorketon and Dauphin. She graduated from the DRCSS. At the end of the day, during all of her successes, Roussin never forgets her roots. She's proud to be from Skownan and thanks everyone for their support over the years.
"Being raised in a really strong, proud, and loving family is very important," commented Roussin. "Knowing that there is a community there rooting for me. I'm related to many people in Skownan. I'm very proud of Skownan."
Diane Roussin of the Skownan First Nation has spent more than two decades advancing Indigenous-led solutions that support children, youth, families, and communities' ability to thrive.
