About Us
One of Winnipeg’s oldest and most active environmental non-government organizations, Save Our Seine River Environment Inc. (SOS) began in 1990, and was incorporated in 1994
We are located on Treaty 1 territory, the original lands of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota and Dene peoples, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. We honour and respect the Seine River and its surrounding land that we provide stewardship for at this time.
The urban Seine River is a meandering 26 km river flowing south to north from the Red River Floodway to the Red River through St. Vital and St. Boniface. The river and the natural areas and pathways that adjoin are known as the Seine River Greenway. The Seine River Greenway has very high ecological, historical, cultural, health and recreational values.
Highly notable achievements have included annual clean-up of parts or all of Seine River and its adjacent natural areas since our founding in 1990, spearheaded $2.2 million fund raising campaign that saved the upland portion of the magical Bois-des-Esprit forest in south St. Vital from being developed for housing, successful advocacy resulting in the largest contaminated site clean-up ever in Winnipeg, undertook fundraising and development of Winnipeg’s first universal paddling dock at the John Bruce Road bridge, and continuous advocacy and support for recognized trail and greenspace preservation, policies and development that have enhanced the Seine River Greenway.
We are registered with the Canada Revenue Agency under charity #893996975RR0001. Our financial information is available to the public on the CRA's website here.
Our Vision
Our vision is for a sustainable and protected Seine River Greenway that provides a healthy habitat for vegetation and wildlife and contributes to the quality of life of all residents and visitors.
Our Objectives
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Preserve, protect and enhance the Seine River greenway
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Restore and repair the Seine River greenway
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Raise public awareness of the Seine River greenway
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Improve public access to the Seine River greenway
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Work in partnership with governmental, business and other non-profit organizations for responsible planning of the Seine River greenway
Core Values
At Save Our Seine, our core values of Environmental Stewardship, Respect and Collaboration, reflect our commitment to protecting and enhancing the Seine River corridor for present and future generations. These values guide how we work together as an organization, engage with our communities, while caring for this unique natural environment. Through teamwork, inclusivity, and sustainable action, we strive to honour the river’s cultural, ecological, and social significance while fostering a legacy of respect and responsibility
Environmental Stewardship
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We are dedicated to safeguarding the natural world through initiatives, education, collaboration, and action. By working with communities and partners, we aim to create lasting environmental solutions that benefit current and future generations.
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We integrate sustainable practices into our operations, decision-making, and workplace culture. By prioritizing resource efÏciency, reducing waste, and encouraging innovation, we model environmental responsibility within our organization.
Respect
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We uphold a culture of inclusion, equity, and appreciation for diversity within our organization. We listen actively, value different perspectives, and treat each other with kindness, fairness, and integrity in all interactions protecting the dignity of all.
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We engage with communities, partners, and the environment in ways that honour their unique identities, rights, and contributions. We are committed to ethical practices and to nurturing meaningful, respectful relationships
Collaboration
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We foster a culture of teamwork and shared purpose among our board,
staff, and committee volunteers. By promoting open communication and
support, we leverage the unique strengths of each group to achieve our mission together. Our collaborative approach ensures that all voices are valued and aligned in driving our organization’s success.
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We build strong, transparent partnerships with stakeholders, communities, and organizations. By fostering trust, mutual learning, and shared goals, we create sustainable solutions and drive collective impact. committed to ethical practices and to nurturing meaningful, respectful relationships.
Our Strategic Priorities
Strengthening Our Organization
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Ensure strong governance policies.
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Ensure a diverse, supported and committed board with varied skills.
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Ensure financial oversight and accountability.
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Ensure a strong team of staff led by the Board of Directors.
Ensure Organizational Stability
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Ensure a strong summer team program to address SOS objectives 1 & 2.
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Ensure a strong Urban Restoration and Enhancement Initiative to address SOS objectives 1, 2 & 4.
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Ensure strong public awareness, education and membership engagement on-going work to address SOS objectives 3 & 4.
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Ensure strong Seine River Corridor Policy and Development on-going work to address SOS objective 5.
Ensure Strong Programs and Initiatives
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Ensure strong fund development for strategic priorities, operations, programs and initiatives.
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Enhance donor and corporate recognition.
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Preserve, honour and respect SOS history and noteworthy members.
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Enhance recognition of SOS's work in the community.
Ensure Strong Collaborations and Partnerships
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Enhance collaborations with all levels of government.
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Enhance respectful collaborations with local indigenous organizations and cultural groups.
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Enhance collaborations with other non-profit organizations and educational organizations.
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Enhance collaborations and partnerships with for-profit organizations.