Community is the cornerstone of any celebration. In that spirit of collaboration, Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre (Ma Mawi), the Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre, and the City of Winnipeg are holding “Halloweek.”

Throughout the last week of October, Halloween-themed activities are being held for Winnipeg’s North End as a safer way for youth to enjoy the season, culminating in a “Safe Halloween” Celebration on October 31. For over 15 years, this longstanding North End tradition was formerly hosted by the Indigenous Friendship Centre. With Ma Mawi taking the reigns, the event looks to build community while addressing safety concerns.

“Sometimes, you know, just for safety. For real. We now live in a world where it’s not always the safest for young people,” says Crystal Leach, Ma Mawi Wi’s youth coordinator. “For youth especially, sometimes there are negative things happening in the community. Where we live and do most of our work around the Turtle Island Neighborhood Centre, in the Lord Selkirk Developments, the housing agreements don’t really allow for trick-or-treating, and there have been safety concerns in the past. So, having opportunities for young people to stay in their community, trick-or-treat safely, or attend events is a huge deal for them.”

Addressing safety is accomplished through the other key focus, community building. Crystal explains that this not only provides an alternative for trick-or-treating but also helps older youth take on leadership roles, as they can volunteer and assist with event activities such as managing haunted houses, distributing candy, or hosting games. The entire community has a role to play as well.

“Yeah, just being considerate of your community. I feel like keeping a watch out is important. In our youth program, for example, we have staff posted around our sites stationed on the streets where kids will be trick-or-treating. They’ll be wearing safety vests so young people have safe adults to go to if they get lost or need help. If you can, keep your lights on and have candy ready, but even if not, just keeping an eye out and being mindful is key.”

If you’re driving on Halloween night, slow down, reduce your speed, ensure your headlights are on, and stay aware.

For anyone interested in contributing, Crystal suggests donating candy or volunteering time to help with event activities. Ma Mawi sees more than 700 young people attend the Safe Halloween event each year, so donated candy and volunteers make a big difference. Volunteers can even join the city’s “clown crew,“ bringing a playful twist to Halloween for the kids.

For more information on Ma Mawi’s Halloween events and other youth programs, visit their Facebook page or follow their social media for the latest updates.

More Halloween Safety Tips from the City of Winnipeg”

• Stay Alert and Watchful: Keep an eye on trick-or-treaters and make yourself available as a safe presence for kids in the community.
• Provide Visibility and Guidance: For extra safety, consider wearing visible gear (like safety vests) to help children feel secure and find assistance if needed.
• Light Up Your Home: If possible, keep lights on to signal a safe and welcoming space for trick-or-treaters.
• Drive Carefully: If driving on Halloween, slow down, keep headlights on, and stay alert for kids crossing the streets.

– Ryan Funk, U Multicultural