Welcome.
Gi Zhawenimin Indigenous Wraparound
Serving Waterloo Region and surrounding area.
Waterloo Region is situated on the Haldimand Tract Treaty 4 area, land that was granted to the Haudenosaunee of the
Six Nations of the Grand River, and is within the territory of the Attawandaron or Neutral, Anishinaabe,
and Haudenosaunee peoples.
Who are we?
We promote and facilitate permanent connections and belonging for Indigenous youth and young adults (age 15-29) who are at risk in the community or have aged out of the child welfare system. We support and walk alongside community caregivers/relatives who are connected to an Indigenous youth or young adult. Serving Waterloo Region and surrounding area.
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Our Community.
The Gi Zhawenimin community is an Indigenous-led wraparound program focused on permanency, cultural safety, and holistic support for youth, families, and caregivers. It blends practical assistance with cultural practices to ensure dignity, healing, and long-term connection. We support youth and young adults who are between the ages of 15-29 years old who are missing healthy and safe familial connections. We focus on promoting community connection and cultural grounding, providing our youth/young adults with a strong foundation to support them on their journey to becoming strong Indigenous community members.
Our community relatives are here to help guide, support, and never give up on our future generations.
Serving Waterloo Region and Surrounding Areas
Our Vision:
For Indigenous children and youth to be wrapped in
unconditional love and know that they hold
worth and belong.
What we do.
Our project provides training, support and growth opportunities that are anchored in a trust based, trauma informed and culturally appropriate approach, to Indigenous caregivers, primarily in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. Our focus is on helping caregivers learn ways to support youth who experienced intergenerational trauma, separation from family and multiple complex childhood adversities.
Major Activities:
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Relative Training
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1:1 Support
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Individual Mentoring/Coaching
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Sharing/ Teaching / Healing Circles
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Family Resolution Circles
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Sweat Lodges / Healing Lodges
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Feasts
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Cultural Activities
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Knowledge Sharing Webinars and Events
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Grandmothers Circle
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Youth / Young Adult Connections
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Resources and Referrals
Our Purpose:
To reconnect Indigenous children and youth with their cultural roots and communities, ensuring they are supported by programs and services that honor their identity and worth.