Youth & Social Development

The Youth and Social Development department is dedicated to the health and well being of all members in Fort William First Nation. We aim to provide ongoing opportunities for personal development and growth through our programming, volunteer opportunities and special events. 

Our vision places the Youth Department at the heart of our community, providing a sustainable and accessible safe space for the young people.  This further enables a range of social, cultural, recreation and preventative services to meet the changing needs of the youth in Fort William First Nation.

The recreation department organizes and leads recreational activities for various groups of people within the community.  The goal is to provide empowering and enjoyable experiences that enhance physical, mental, and social well-being.

Cultural Awareness incorporated into all areas of programming and service provision continue to teach, promote, preserve, and enhance the Ojibway language and Anishinaabe Culture using delivery methods such as media, cultural classes and activities, traditional stories, immersion experience and other resources and programming.

Red Dress Walk

This day is recognized on May 5^th and the goal of the day is to honour and bring awareness to the thousands of Indigenous women and girls, and two-spirit people who have gone mission or who have been murdered.

Pride Event

To honour and celebrate our LGBTQIA+ persons as well as to raise awareness in society so that people can break from the stigma and biases that surround them.

Summer Powwow

The opportunity for people to gather, to honour the traditions, reconnect, rekindle old friendships, and make new friends. Powwow is a time to share experiences and to reflect on time honored traditions, while helping to educate future generations of dancers and singers.

Niibin Day Camp

The overall goal of the Fort William First Nation Niibin Day Camp is to serve as a prevention program by providing constructive activities to its children and youth.

In addition to providing the activities, Niibin Day Camp is also designed to:

• Encourage cooperation and participation
• Enhance cultural awareness
• Raise self-esteem
• Teach social skills
• Develop live skills
• Create or enhance trusting relationships between each other and resource people within the community
• Promote respect for self, others, and the environment
• Promote inclusion

Mountain Keeper Program

The Mountain Keeper Program aims to foster community involvement and inclusion by incorporating traditional building practices and introducing culturally relevant activities for youth. Through this summer work program, 15–20 high school students will be employed as part of the Summer Student Program to help maintain and care for the mountain.

In addition to performing maintenance and upkeep, students will gain valuable knowledge about the land and culture, embracing their roles as keepers of the Mountain. This program provides a unique opportunity to connect with tradition, learn new skills, and contribute meaningfully to the community.

Family Fields Day

Family Fields Day is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy a day filled with fun activities for all ages. It’s a chance to connect with one another, strengthen bonds, and create lasting memories with family and friends. Join us for a day of laughter, connection, and celebration!

Traditional Gathering

The Traditional Gathering is a day of unity, reflection, and education. It serves as a time to honour the resilience, dignity, and strength of survivors while remembering the children who never made it home. This gathering is also an opportunity to educate others about the ongoing impacts of colonial history on Indigenous communities. Together, we come to acknowledge the past, support healing, and foster understanding.

Halloween Drop In

This event is a pit stop for community members to take a quick break from trick or treating and to enjoy a light snack and warm up.

Remembrance Day

Annual Event recognizing First Nation Veterans with a ceremony at the Anemki Wajiw Cenotaph. “To recall the end of the First World War hostilities, the hostilities ended at the 11th month.”

Children’s Christmas Party

The Children’s Christmas Party, organized by our Youth & Social Development team and supported by youth volunteers, promises a fun and engaging experience for families. Twelve interactive stations will be set up throughout the community center, and possibly the gymnasium, to ensure plenty of space for participants to enjoy.

The event is designed to encourage children and parents to interact and explore the activities together at their own pace. With no set schedule, families can start at any station, participate in as many as they like, and create their own unique holiday experience.

Family Day Activity

This holiday which falls on the third Monday of February emphasizes the importance of family values.  It’s the perfect opportunity for families to spend quality time together and bring our families together in our community.

March Break

To provide our children and youth the opportunity to enjoy fun indoor and outdoor land-based activities, arts and crafts, prevention presentations and outings throughout the week.

Looking eastward across Thunder Bay from our community lies Nanabosho, forming the picturesque and world famous Sleeping Giant. Nanabosho is the first Anishinaabe, a term by which our people call themselves. Thunder Mountain (also known as Mount McKay) is home to the Fort William First Nation.  Historically our community was the centre of cultural activity for the Anishinaabe, the largest indigenous nation north of Mexico. In times past our people travelled from the farthest reaches of the four directions to practice their traditional way of life at this sacred mountain.

We seek to revitalize our community as the heart of Anishinaabe traditions and customs. We have therefore established a new Culture and Recreation division as part our structure. For us, culture includes Anishinaabe identity, our language, history, and our customs and values rooted in traditional way of life. Recreation means social activities designed by the people for the enjoyment, amusement and pleasure of our community and to share these activities with our neighbours of Thunder Bay and surrounding municipalities. But the overriding importance of combining culture and recreation is to begin now to build on our glorious past as the foundation of a healthy community for our children, men, women and elders.

• Hand Drumming
• Drum Making
• Language
• Pow Wows
• Regalia Making
• Trapping, Hunting and Fishing

The Recreation Department organizes and leads recreational activities for various groups of people within the community. The Goal is to provide our community with empowering & enjoyable experiences that enhance physical, mental & social well-being.