Next Steps

imagiNorthern Update — May 29, 2026

imagiNorthern is entering an important new phase as we move from an incubated regional network toward becoming an independent northern-led non-profit organization.

Following the 2026 Governance Summit in Flin Flon, the community-ratified governance model, Strategic Action Plan, and Transition Plan are now guiding the next steps. These documents reflect the work of the Steering Committee, Community Conversations, Summit participants, partners, and the ongoing support of Inga Petri of Strategic Moves, who helped bring this collective input together into a clear path forward.

Our current focus is on:

• recruiting Founding Board members
• preparing for federal incorporation
• building a founding membership base
• continuing work under the Flin Flon Arts Council while the transition is underway
• preparing the structure needed for Champions, staff, members, and partners to work together with clearer accountability

The Founding Board will help guide imagiNorthern through incorporation, approve bylaws and governance policies, and support the transition to independence. Expressions of interest are open until June 1, 2026.

This is a key moment for imagiNorthern. The goal is not simply to create another organization, but to build a durable northern arts and cultural network rooted in northern voices, Indigenous leadership, regional collaboration, and practical support for artists, makers, food producers, cultural workers, and communities.

By the North. In the North. For the North.

Please see the linked documents for full details:

• Governance Summit 2026 Proceedings Report
• Transition Plan and Timeline for Incorporation
• Strategic Action Plan 2026–2029
• Founding Board Recruitment Information

imagiNorthern Update - February 2026

imagiNorthern is entering an important next phase of its development: clarifying how decisions are made, how leadership is shared, and how accountability is held as the network grows across Northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Governance is not just about structure or paperwork. It is about relationships, trust, responsibility, and care for one another. It shapes how voices are heard, how priorities are set, and how imagiNorthern stays grounded in Northern realities and Indigenous protocols as it evolves.

This governance work in 2026 continues to be shaped in the open, through a combination of:

• A Northern-led Steering Committee
• Open Community Conversations
• A draft governance framework shared for review and reflection

This continues the sharing, learning and action planning work of the Northern Arts and Food Workshop gatherings in Flin Flon (2023), The Pas (2024) and Thompson (2025).

Governance Summit 2026 Proceedings Report

The Governance Summit Proceedings Report captures the outcomes of the February 2026 Summit in Flin Flon, where participants ratified imagiNorthern’s governance model and confirmed the path toward becoming an independent organization. The report outlines the proposed membership structure, board composition, decision-making principles, accountability framework, and the future role of regional Champions.

Transition Plan and Timeline for Incorporation

This document provides a step-by-step roadmap for imagiNorthern’s transition to an independent federally incorporated non-profit organization. It outlines the key milestones, timelines, and actions required to establish the founding board, complete incorporation, launch membership, and transition from the current fiduciary arrangement with the Flin Flon Arts Council.

Strategic Action Plan 2026–2029

The Strategic Action Plan establishes imagiNorthern’s priorities for the next four years. Developed through years of community engagement and regional gatherings, it focuses on strengthening governance, supporting regional Champions, securing sustainable funding, advancing arts and cultural development, building partnerships, and implementing the Northern Manitoba Arts and Cultural Industries Strategy.

Founding Board Recruitment Information

As imagiNorthern prepares for incorporation, we are seeking individuals interested in serving on the Founding Board of Directors. This document outlines the role of the Founding Board, desired skills and perspectives, expected time commitments, and how interested individuals can submit an expression of interest to help shape the future of a northern-led arts and cultural organization.

imagiNorthern Update - February 2026

A draft imagiNorthern Governance Framework is available here. This document reflects work to date by imagiNorthern staff, partners, and the Steering Committee, informed by years of Northern gatherings and conversations.

This draft is not final.

We invite you to:

• Read it in whole or in part
• Reflect on what feels right, what raises questions, and what needs care
• Share your thoughts, insights, or concerns

In addition to participating in the open conversations, you are welcome to send feedback and observations by February 3, 2026, directly to:

Inga Petri (click to email)
Facilitator, Strategic Moves

Project Manager (click to email)
Project Manager, imagiNorthern

All feedback will be received with respect and considered as part of the governance development process.

This work is guided by a simple commitment:

By the North, In the North, For the North 

imagiNorthern’s governance must reflect the lived experience, leadership, and knowledge of the people and communities it exists to serve—today and into the future.