The Affirming program is both a process and recognition for ministries who strive to celebrate Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ people publicly, intentionally, and explicitly. Any ministry of any kind can become Affirming! Within our Regional Council there are many such ministries- with lots of room for growth. On this page you’ll find a short list of resources and an Affirming-related newsfeed (keep scrolling down).
Knox United Church in Brandon, an Affirming ministry, marching in Brandon’s Pride parade.
The Equity and Diversity Committee will carry the continuing work forward and welcomes conversation with you. You can find their page and membership here.
Click here for the Vision Statement.
Click here for the Affirming Action Plan.
And scroll down for Affirming news.
Get in touch!
Have a look for the many Affirming ministries in our Regional Council: on the Affirm United national site; and on the United Church of Canada ministry locator (check under MB and NW Ontario communities for both.) Many others who are not listed are currently in the Affirming process. And you are welcome to join our private Affirming Facebook group!
A little history
In June 2019, Prairie to Pine Regional Council voted to begin the Affirming process. This reflects its past commitments, when the former Conference of Manitoba and NW Ontario and all of its presbyteries were Affirming. Guided by a task group, the Regional Council and its members discerned how our new structure might live into the spirit and practice of being Affirming. At the October 2020 annual meeting of the Regional Council, the membership voted unanimously in favour of accepting the Vision Statement and Action Plan, and of becoming an Affirming Regional Council. This was a moment of great joy for the Affirming committee! A public celebration on May 30 2021, Our Place in the Rainbow, marked the final step in the formal journey, and the journey of growing into being Affirming began.
Resources and info:
Affirm United/ S’affirmer Ensemble
Affirm United/ S’affirmer Ensemble
AUSE private Facebook group
Affirming PIE Day (14 March annually)
Resources and info: United Church of Canada
The United Church of Canada: resources and overview
Celebrating Gender Identity Toolkit (PDF)
Affirming news
Global partners coming to Prairie to Pine in October
Prairie to Pine will be hosting two global partners Oct 1-6 as part of a national visit! It's been many years since we have done so. Winnipeg, Brandon, and Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Centre are all...
Pride festivals in Prairie to Pine
Your Equity and Diversity Committee has put together dates for known Pride festivals and parades. Many thanks to the United Church ministries taking part! May and June have seen Chalmers Pride, the...
Public celebrations of inclusivity: 100 Tables returns
The national church is excited to once again invite all United Church communities of faith to take part in 100 Tables! Please read more from the national church here. New ideas for projects and...
UCC at Winnipeg Pride Parade – June 7, 2026
The UCC was well represented at the Pride Parade with about 50 people walking representing Charleswood UC, United Church in Meadowood, St. Mary's Road UC, St. Andrews River Heights UC, Transcona UC,...
Affirming Pride resources
June and summer are Pride festival months, and your community of faith’s support makes a positive difference. Have a look at these new resources, created with the help of people in our Regional...
United Church Pride Parade Float Receives Award!
Big, bold, and full of spirit—our United Church float won the Size and Support Award at the 2025 Winnipeg Pride Parade! On Sunday, June 1, a group of approximately 70–100 members of the United...
Regional update on the Apology to Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ people on August 8
August 8 at 9:00 AM MDT, the United Church will offer a public apology to 2SLGBTQIA+ people. Read on to learn how to participate and be supported. Dear members of the Northern Spirit, Living...
Prairie to Pine at Winnipeg Pride Parade
On Sunday, June 1st, a vibrant and joyful group of 70–100 United Church walkers of all ages joined the Winnipeg Pride Parade, representing the Prairie to Pine Regional Council. Throughout the route,...
Neechi Camp 2025 Seeks Campers and Donations
Neechi Camp will take place this year, August 17 to 21, 2025 in Ochekwi Sipi Cree Nation, also named Fisher River, MB. We will set up camp on the beautiful grassy area beside Fisher River United...
Zeebu 2025
Thanks to Selkirk United Church for hosting 20 young leaders for the Feb 14th Zeebu pre-event leader training plus an additional 20 grade 7 to 12 participants for the Zeebu retreat, Feb 15 to 17,...
