Endaayaan Awejaa

This project supports Indigenous youth in northern Ontario who face barriers within the justice, education and child welfare systems. Many youth who are registered clients of Endaayaan Awejaa experience boundaries in daily life as they deal with legal issues within the justice system. Inadequate education causes barriers for Indigenous people and prohibits their involvement in continuing education as most Indigenous people find it difficult to navigate the colonial education system set in place. Turtle Island’s current education system is not in favour of Indigenous knowledge and learning. The system also does not contribute to the traditional knowledge and teachings Indigenous people require in order to feel connected to one another and culture. An objective is to continue offering teachings to their people so that they can carry lessons through life and thrive in community. Insufficient support in the Child Welfare system has left Indigenous people at the bottom of the bucket. There is not enough advocacy for Indigenous people looking for supports related to working with clients with children and protection of family. Endaayaan Awejaa amplifies clients’ voices and ensures that children within the community are protected, that their needs are met, to advocate for families and provide supports to youth involved within the child welfare system to prevent another generation from being involved.