Education and Community Building
Walking Forward with the Niigin Mosewak Program
The Niigan Mosewalk Program follows the teachings of the Medicine Wheel to teach First Nation youth about physical, emotional, spiritual and mental wellbeing, as well as tackling difficult subjects such as addiction, self-esteem and life promotion.
The program provides an environment where “no youth is left out” and participants can gain confidence and leadership skills with a cultural perspective to create positive change for themselves and their communities.
Funding from the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund covered travel costs to a summer camp program held in a remote area near Trout Creek, Ontario for youth from Anishinabek Nation communities. Many of these youth and their families cannot afford the costs to travel to the summer camp.
The Niigan Mosewalk Program, initiated in 2008, began as an Indigenous youth diversion program and is currently sponsored by the Anishinabek Nation 7th Generation Charity. The program operates as summer camps with dedicated mentors for youth aged 13-17. The camp takes place at Spirit Point Lodge in Trout Creek, Ontario, running for one week in July and two weeks in August.
Through hands-on activities such as fire making, drumming, and medicine walks, youth can explore how each of the four directions—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual—relate to their lives, and the importance of respecting each state of being for balanced health.
This program is a true testament to the power of reconciliation and will ensure that Indigenous cultures and languages remain alive for future generations. The impact of this project could be felt across Canada, as it demonstrates IRF’s commitment to investing in projects that foster understanding and healing between all Canadians.
Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie
