People First of Winnipeg president Heidi Hutchison focuses on helping others

Heidi Hutchison, founder of People First of Winnipeg and elected president of People First of Manitoba in 2025, leads efforts to rebuild the provincial chapter and advocate for Manitobans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Heidi Hutchison leads People First of Manitoba after founding the Winnipeg chapter a few years ago and being elected provincial president in 2025. The group represents Manitobans with intellectual and developmental disabilities and is part of a broader network across North America, Europe and Australia. Hutchison describes herself as a high-functioning person with an intellectual disability and says she has faced barriers in education and work that shaped her determination. In recent months she and fellow members have focused on rebuilding the provincial chapter after membership declines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key details: - Hutchison founded People First of Winnipeg and was elected president of People First of Manitoba in 2025. - The organization offers members opportunities to socialize, share experiences, learn skills and advocate for change. - People First is connected to similar chapters in other provinces and internationally in North America, Europe and Australia. - Hutchison, a 39-year-old St. Vital resident, studied culinary arts and later nutrition and family studies, and has worked at the University of Manitoba in kitchen and caretaking roles. - Recent chapter work includes monthly virtual meetings, budget management, meetings with government officials, presentations about lived experience, and outreach to other provincial chapters. Summary: Hutchison is working to restore and strengthen the provincial chapter while continuing public advocacy for people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. The chapter is seeking to expand membership and advisory volunteers, and the article reports a contact number and email for the chapter for those who wish to reach out. Undetermined at this time.