ABOUT US
SHKODAY ABINOJIIWAK OBIMIWEDOON is the legal name of the organization that was started in 1996 and incorporated in 1997. This name was a gift to the new Aboriginal Headstart program in Thunder Bay, and later became the name of the entire organization.
When the name was given we were told that the name was interpreted as Shkoday (ishkode – fire) Abinojiiwak (children) Obimiwedoon (spirit) which would honor the important work that the organization was about to embark on. The Aboriginal Head Start (AHS) program in Thunder Bay goal is to nurture the social, physical, emotional, spiritual and cognitive development of Indigenous children, while supporting and honouring their parents and guardians as their primary teachers. Seasonal teachings with cultural curriculum enhances traditional knowledge acquisition, language, land-based teachings, play, story telling, drumming and singing which are embedded into the foundation of a child’s strong cultural identity and sense of belonging.
Throughout the next twenty-five plus years Shkoday continued to grow, while maintaining their cultural foundation supporting children, youth and their families in a strong cultural identity and sense of belonging. The continuum of education and support expanded to Biwaase’aa for ages 7-13. When Elder Agnes Hardy ban gave the name Biwaase’aa she indicated that it speaks to that early part of the day, when the sun is just rising above the horizon, when there is that feeling of hope in people’s hearts as the dawn rises on a new day and way of knowing and being.
To continue programming with youth, Shkoday’s Pathways Thunder Bay began in the winter of 2023 for high school aged youth. Pathways Thunder Bay offers a free tutoring, mentoring and cultural development programs that works alongside youth and their caregivers to provide academic, financial, social and one to one supports to address barriers related to education. The main goal of this program is to increase graduation rates of high-school Indigenous youth.
Vision Statement
Igniting the Fire Within
Mission Statement
Shkoday Abinojiiwak Obimiwedoon is an Indigenous-led organization that revitalizes traditional knowledge and culture to nurture Indigenous children and communities to embrace Mino Bimaadiziwin.
Value Statement
Shkoday’s values include commitments to the good life (Mino-bimaadiziwin) and the Seven Grandfather Teachings of Love (debwewin), Truth (zaagi’idiwin), Humility (dabaadendiziwin), Bravery (aakode’ewin), Respect (manaji’idiwin), Wisdom (nibwaakaawin), and Honesty (debwewin). Shkoday’s vision has been declared as ‘Igniting the Fire” (of Knowledge and Love). The current mission is to revitalize Anishinaabe language and life practices to promote the good life among the Anishinaabe. Shkoday’s commitment is towards education, operationalization, and promoting a balanced life.
Our Supporters
