The Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre is a place of support for many members of the Indigenous community. Providing services for ages zero – 100, their clients and families are receiving the support they need, especially during uncertain times.
By providing Indigenous based, culturally appropriate programs for children, youth and adults, clients can receive services specific to their age group.
A program for every age
Waabogonee, meaning flower that wakes up in the morning and blossoms throughout the day, is an EarlyON program for children up to six years of age and their parents and caregivers, allowing them to engage as co-learners and leaders in influencing positive child, family, and community experiences.
Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre supports Indigenous youth and families.Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre
The Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre supports Indigenous youth and families from birth to adulthood and one of their many programs making a difference for Thunder Bay youth is the AWKE:GO program.
An Indigenously-based and culturally appropriate program for children ages seven to 12. AWKE:GO allows children in this age group to not be packed in with teenagers or feel like young children, the separation allows for appropriate growth and expression.
Programming goals
Before AWKE:GO came to fruition, the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre led a group called Little Beavers but when funding had stopped it led to a cry out from the community for a more centralized and individualized program for youth in the Thunder Bay community.