Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation

Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation The Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation was a self-determined traditional wellness initiative with the mandate of culturally reviving traditional healing

Both Inuit and Dene elder leaders have come together with young Indigenous trail blazers including the Metis from various fields to bring forth this project to the people of the north. Solely defined and lead by traditional protocol, elders will be the guiding force and vision for how the AIWF fulfills its mandate. The AIWF is meant to fill the void left by residential schools in the Arctic by fol

lowing through with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, point #21, in addition to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, article 21, point #1.

01/07/2026

AIWF Closure Notice
Dear Community Members, Partners, and Clients,
Please note that the AIWF camp will remain closed after the holidays due to ongoing capacity issues.
Thank you again to our travel coordinators, social workers, Elders, counsellors, shelter partners, dedicated volunteers, and all clients for your patience and understanding through our transition. We were able to serve many clients and groups across the Arctic and North, and all of your collaboration and support made this possible. We encourage all to continue focusing on gratitude to the Creator, fostering a deep connection to the land, and praying (in whichever way is your way) for strength as we all move through a changing world. Our Elders remind us to always work together and bring each other up.

Emergency Contacts available 24/7:
• Canada Su***de Prevention: 1-833-456-4566
• Hope for Wellness (Indigenous): 1-855-242-3310
• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
• NWT Help Line: 1-800-661-0844
• Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Help Line: 1-800-265-3333
• Yukon Distress Line: 1-844-533-3030
• Domestic Violence Line (NWT): 1-866-223-7775
• YWCA Shelter YK: 867-873-8257
• Crisis Text Line: Text CONNECT to 686868
• Poison Control: 1-844-764-7669
• RCMP: 911
• NWT Roadside Assistance: 1-800-661-0750
• Yukon Highways: 867-667-8215
• Nunavut After-Hours Health: Local health center

With deep respect and gratitude,
AIWF

12/12/2025

AIWF Holiday Closure Notice

Dear Community Members, Elders, Partners, and Clients,
Please note that AIWF camp and office services will close for the holidays on Friday, December 12th, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. and reopen on Monday, January 5th, 2026.

For any queries, please contact: [email protected]

Thank you to our travel coordinators, social workers, Elders, counsellors, shelter partners, volunteers, and all clients for your patience and understanding as we take rest over the holidays. We were able to serve many clients across the Arctic and North this year, and all of your collaboration and support made this possible.

As we enter the holidays, please continue practicing your wellness strategies.
“Healing does not happen in isolation; it blossoms when we walk together.”

Emergency Contacts (24/7)

• Canada Su***de Prevention: 1-833-456-4566
• Hope for Wellness (Indigenous): 1-855-242-3310
• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
• NWT Help Line: 1-800-661-0844
• Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Help Line: 1-800-265-3333
• Yukon Distress Line: 1-844-533-3030
• Domestic Violence Line (NWT): 1-866-223-7775
• YWCA Shelter YK: 867-873-8257
• Crisis Text Line: Text CONNECT to 686868
• Poison Control: 1-844-764-7669
• RCMP: 911
• NWT Roadside Assistance: 1-800-661-0750
• Yukon Highways: 867-667-8215
• Nunavut After-Hours Health: Local health center

Warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2026.

With respect and gratitude,
AIWF

10/21/2025

Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation (AIWF)
Official Notice – Healing Camp Appointments

The Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation (AIWF) would like to inform the community that all appointments for this year’s Healing Camp are now fully booked.

Due to a limited workforce capacity at the camp, AIWF will not be accepting any new appointments at this time. Our priority is to honour and accommodate clients who already have confirmed appointments to ensure that each individual receives the care and attention they deserve.

We sincerely appreciate the community’s understanding, patience, and continued support as we work to provide culturally grounded, trauma-informed healing services across the North.

For any questions or concerns, please contact:

[email protected]

AIWF

09/30/2025

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | September 30, 2025

Today, across Canada, we pause and reflect on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a time to honour Survivors of residential schools, remember those who never returned home, and stand with Indigenous families and communities in their healing journey.

At the Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation, our work is deeply rooted in supporting truth, reconciliation, and wellness for all peoples in the North. Every day, we walk alongside Elders, youth, families, and communities offering culturally grounded counselling, land-based healing, and safe spaces where voices are heard, experiences are respected, and resilience is nurtured.

This journey is not one carried by a single person or organization it is a collective effort. I want to sincerely thank all of our Elders, counsellors, social workers, child protection workers, family resource workers, liaison workers, frontline staff, and management teams who give of themselves tirelessly. Your compassion and commitment are a living expression of reconciliation in action.
Our doors remain open to children, adolescents, adults, Elders, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, visible minorities, and all community members who seek care, support, and belonging. Healing is for everyone, and together we are creating pathways of hope and wellness for future generations.

On this day, let us reflect, remember, and recommit ourselves to building a future founded on truth, dignity, and healing.

AIWF

We were honoured to host and share Indigenous healing teachings with the Honourable Supreme Court of Canada Chief Justic...
09/15/2025

We were honoured to host and share Indigenous healing teachings with the Honourable Supreme Court of Canada Chief Justice Richard Wagner and Supreme Court of Canada Justices Nicholas Kasirer and Michelle O’Bonsawin along with the Northwest Territories Court of Appeal Chief Justice Ritu Khullar and our Northwest Territories Supreme Court Chief Justice Shannon Smallwood. Our healing camp is led by our highly respected and knowledgeable Elders and Traditional Healers Besha Blondin and Ruth Mercredi who walked us through a smudging ceremony while a large sacred eagle flew above us. We also all prayed with to***co and offered it to the fire letting go of our heavy burdens. The Elders teachings focused on the importance of our Indigenous healing and reconnections that our clientelle receive when they are ready to walk their path towards healing and attend our camp for counselling. We know that our traditional teachings are one step towards reconciliation and helping inform the judiciary and legal community with better understanding, empathy and knowledge when faced with Indigenous people and issues in the judicial system. The Judges left our healing camp with their gifted braid of sweetgrass and we pray they walk in a good way and remember to think with not only their heads but also with their hearts.

Marsicho to our Executive Director and Counsellor Bala Tirupathi, our Traditional Counsellor Leanne Joss, our Intake Coordinator Patricia Andre, and our Camp Maintenance men Malcom Jaeb and William Joss (Bummer) who all helped organize and prepare the camp for our distinguished visitors. Our Board of Directors for the Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation Magnolia Unka-Wool, Thomsen D'Hont and Sue Qitsualik were also present for this visit (absent were Nicole Redvers, Laney Beaulieu and Noni Paulette) and are continuing to work towards our collective northern Elders vision of providing traditional Indigenous counselling and healing to our people and communities.

07/29/2025

📣 Volunteer Opportunity at AIWF Healing Camp – Support Community, Build Together

Dear Community Members,

The Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation (AIWF) is currently seeking dedicated volunteers to assist with general maintenance work at our healing camp. This is a meaningful opportunity for individuals especially those in transition and looking to reintegrate into the Community to get involved in a supportive and culturally grounded environment.

Your contributions will directly support our ongoing efforts to maintain a safe, welcoming, and healing space for our clients and community members.

Volunteer Roles Include:
• Assisting with light maintenance and upkeep of the camp
• No experience required just a willingness to help and a positive spirit
• This is an excellent way to build confidence, reconnect with others, and begin a new chapter

What AIWF Will Provide:
• Lunch and beverages at the camp
• A letter of appreciation and reference letter upon request
• A culturally safe, inclusive environment rooted in Indigenous values and healing practices

If you are interested or know someone who would benefit from this opportunity, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

📧 Contact: [email protected]
📞 Phone: +1 (867) 447-1095

We look forward to welcoming you to the land and working together in the spirit of wellness and community regeneration.

Mahsi cho,
Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation (AIWF)

AIWF Community Cookout Appreciation 😊Over the past two consecutive Fridays, the Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation (A...
07/29/2025

AIWF Community Cookout Appreciation 😊

Over the past two consecutive Fridays, the Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation (AIWF) has proudly hosted Community Cookouts for our clients. These gatherings were not just about food they were about connection, compassion, and creating a safe, welcoming space for those we serve.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to every individual who contributed both directly and indirectly to making these cookouts a meaningful success. Your time, effort, and spirit of giving have brought warmth and nourishment to some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

A special thank you to our generous donors who supported these events with their thoughtful contributions. We also wish to recognize our incredible AIWF team members who went above and beyond by donating food items and helping prepare and serve meals with care.

At AIWF, we believe in community-led healing and wellness, and these cookouts are a reflection of that belief in action. Together, we continue to support, uplift, and walk alongside those on their healing journey.

Mahsi cho, thank you, and we look forward to many more moments of sharing and togetherness. ❤️

Address

Yellowknife, NT

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+18674471095

Website

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