The Makaatewaagmichewang Youth and Family Wellness Camp provides 327 acres of open space, kilometres of beach and forest, access to water and a world of possibilities for children, youth and families who’ve had to navigate difficult paths.
This camp, owned, operated, and maintained by the 8 KCA member First Nations, serves as a new treatment, cultural, recreation, and reconciliation centre to address the multiple determinants of health and socioeconomic challenges in the communities.
The camp creates a safe but connected space for activities and programming to enhance strengths-based programming to support community members through the Anishinaabe culture. KCA’s goal is to have the strengths of their programs, staff and community members engage children & youth in social participation and resilience-building activities in a safe way that is not always available within the First Nation communities.
KCA has engaged with community leadership, Elders and Youth councils and surveyed the communities at large to determine the needs/wants within this property, which highlighted the need for healing and mental wellness, recreational and healthy living supports and services.
In the 2022-23 Fiscal Year, the Youth and Family Wellness Camp had 7,568 participants either visit/tour the property or attend activities facilitated by KCA programs and partnerships.
Kenora Chiefs Advisory has provided comprehensive services for children and adults struggling with mental health and addictions for more than 25 years. These services support community members across the lifespan, incorporating counselling, addiction treatment referrals, and aftercare. The approach intertwines crisis intervention with traditional Anishinaabe healing practices, led by Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Healers, offering a culturally-centered path toward recovery.
For Anishinaabe youth reclaiming and renewing their culture is key to healing intergenerational trauma. The Camp will include a roundhouse for spiritual learning and knowledge sharing between Elders and youth. Anishinaabe arts and culture will be celebrated in spaces like the pow-wow grounds and art studio. Finally, learning from Mother Earth will happen at the eco camp, cultural trails, food gardens, and bee pods.
