Indigenous Relations

Boozhoo. Aaniine. Tansi. Hello.

The Indigenous Relations Office seeks to build and strengthen relationships with our Treaty 3 partners by providing liaison support to City administration and Council. Our purpose is to advance reconciliation through cultural awareness training in all departments and to promote the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in the City’s opportunities and development.

You can explore supports and services available to Indigenous residents located in Kenora and surrounding communities that have been researched and suggested by our office of Indigenous Relations. In the future, we plan to add educational resources, Indigenous spaces found within Kenora, and cultural events.

Land acknowledgement

In the spirit of reconciliation, the City of Kenora acknowledges that we are on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe and Metis of Treaty #3. The City of Kenora was originally the land base of one collective First Nation community, which was separated into three communities now known as Wauzhushk Onigum, Niisaachewan, and Washagamis Bay First Nations. Kenora now sustains many others, all of whom have been welcomed to peacefully share and care for these ancestral Lands and Waters. To support stewardship of the land, the City recognizes the importance of a strong relationship with our Treaty #3 partners. The City of Kenora acknowledges that our economy greatly benefits from the Anishinaabe and Metis that live in and around the City.

Commitment to Indigenous relations and reconciliation

The City of Kenora is committed to addressing the legacy of residential schools and working toward removing barriers to reconciliation with First Nations. We acknowledge the vital role that Indigenous Peoples have played in the founding of our city, and we recognize their cultures, values, and vision as essential to Kenora’s shared future.

In this acknowledgment, we recognize the past and commit ourselves to the present and future by listening, learning, and standing alongside Indigenous Peoples. This commitment is essential for initiating healing and achieving true reconciliation.

This commitment is reflected in our Strategic Plan, which outlines our goals to collaborate with and support our Treaty 3 partners through the following initiatives:

Partnering with Anishinaabe and other Treaty Partners to advance reconciliation, inclusion, and relationship-building, while enhancing our understanding of Truth and Reconciliation.
Fostering meaningful and productive relationships with Treaty Partners by establishing joint communication and engagement protocols and advancing the Tunnel Island Common Ground Initiative.

Supports and services

We encourage you to explore the support and services listed below, which include programs for children and youth, resources for older adults, initiatives for anti-racism and crime prevention, as well as housing and job assistance, among others. Our goal is to help you connect with the services you need in Kenora.

The City is not responsible for changes to the content or contact details found on these external websites.

Emergency phone numbers

If you are in a crisis or emergency, call for assistance:

Police (Ontario Provincial Police - Kenora, Keewatin, Jaffray Mellick), dial 911
Police (Ontario Provincial Police - surrounding areas), 1-888-310-1122
Fire (Kenora, Keewatin, Jaffray Mellick), dial 911
Fire (McKenzie Portage), 807-547-2400
Fire (Pellatt), 807-468-3473
Ambulance (Kenora, Keewatin, Jaffray Mellick), dial 911
Ambulance (McKenzie Portage), 807-468-3311
Ambulance (Pellatt), 807-468-3311
Hospital (Lake of the Woods District Hospital), 807-468-9861

Service providers

View the Indigenous services providers:

Grand Council Treaty 3

Grand Council Treaty 3 is the Traditional government of the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3 and their overall goal is the protection, preservation and enhancement of Treaty and Aboriginal rights. Programming includes: economic development, territorial planning unit, fish and wildlife, Ipperwash, TARR, education, health, Jordan’s Principle, residential school youth initiative, justice, and more.

Visit Grand Council Treaty 3's website for full programming or call 807-548-4214 or 1-877-880-5638.

Shooniyaa Wa-Biitong

Shooniyaa Wa-Biitong Training and Employment Centre for the Treaty No. 3 Area Inc. is mandated by the Chiefs of Treaty 3 to promote employment development and deliver training initiatives to twenty three First Nations within the Treaty 3 area, their members, and to Treaty 3 members outside the Treaty 3 area. Programming includes:

Individual employment/training programs
Regional employment/training partnerships
Self-employment programs
Disability programs

Visit Shooniyaa Wa-Biitong's website for full programming or call Toll Free 1-800-545-5113.

Kenora Chiefs Advisory

Kenora Chiefs Advisory (KCA) is committed and dedicated to providing culturally appropriate health and social services which address the needs and enhance the wellbeing and capacity of community members in our affiliated First Nations. The Kenora Chief’s Advisory has many programs for families, youth, and children.

Visit KCA's website for full programming or call 807-467-8144.

Ontario Native Woman's Association

Ontario Native Woman's Association (ONWA) celebrate and honour the safety and healing of Indigenous women and girls as they take up their leadership roles in the family, community, and internationally for generations to come.

Please be advised that many programs listed on the ONWA website are not available in Kenora; however, the following programs are available to Kenora:

Breaking free from family violence program
Community Wellness
Indigenous Victim and Family Liaison
Mental Health and Wellness
Youth Suicide Prevention

For more information on ONWA programs, call 1-800-667-0816.

Nechee Friendship Centre

NeChee Friendship Centre (NFC) is a place for community members and Indigenous people living in urban spaces to gather, connect with one another, and receive culturally based services. NFC aims to improve the lives of Indigenous people in Kenora by providing programs and services to address common, urban issues.

Visit the Nechee Friendship Centre's website or call 807-468-5440.

Anishinaabe Abinoojii Family Services

Anishinaabe Abinoojii Family Services (AAFS) protects and supports the healing, well-being, and strengthening of families through Abinoojii Inakonigewin to achieve the preservation of families. Keeping children from coming into care and avoiding the adverse effects of apprehensions and prevention services is their main goal.

Caregiving
Cultural programs
Family preservation and prevention services
Customary care
Transfer service agencies
MINO BIMAADIZIWIN
Family well-being program

Visit AAFS website for full programming or call the Kenora Office 807-468-6224 or the Wauzhusk Onigum Nation Head Office 807-548-1099.

Bimose Tribal Council

Bimose Tribal Council is a non-profit organization providing essential services to our ten Member First Nations in the areas of education, economic development, technical services, Bimose HUB and advisory.

The Tribal Council is owned and directed by ten Anishinaabe communities in Northwestern Ontario:

Eagle Lake First Nation
Iskatewizaagegan 39 Independent First Nation
Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation
Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation
Shoal Lake 40 First Nation
Washagamis Bay First Nation
Wabauskang First Nation
Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation
Wabaseemoong Independent Nations
Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek

The teachings and directions that they have received from the Elders have been incorporated into their mandate, mission, and vision statements.

Vision statement

We walk to strengthen our Anishinaabe way and our goal is to build a better, stronger, healthier life for the Anishinaabeg.

Mission statement

Bimose Tribal Council strives to provide our Member First Nations with responsible, relevant, quality advisory services and program delivery.

We fully support our Anishinaabe governments in their quest to enhance the quality of life of the Anishinaabeg.

We endeavor to integrate our culture and tradition into all of our activities and to be an open, transparent and innovative organization.

Visit Bimose Tribal Council's website for full programming or call 807-468-5551.

Waasegiizhig Nanaandawe’iyewigamig Health Access Centre

Waasegiizhig Nanaandawe’iyewigamig Health Access Centre (WNHAC) promotes wholistic well-being and fosters healthy Anishinaabeg, families and communities through traditional and contemporary health care encompassing mind, body, heart, and spirit. WNHAC offers primary health care and preventative services combining traditional and contemporary approaches to health and healing.

Assessment, diagnosis and treatment
Preventative health care
Health education and promotion
Traditional health care
Mental health and wellness
Diabetes education and specialized care
Nutritional counselling and support
Midwifery and reproductive health
Early child development and nutrition

Visit WNHAC's website for full programming or call Toll Free 1-888-699-6422.

Treaty Three Police Service

The Treaty Three Police Service is a self-administered policing entity under the First Nations Policing Program in Canada, responsible for full policing duties across the expansive Greater Treaty Three Region in Northwestern Ontario. Visit Treaty Three Police Service website for more information or call 807-548-5474.

Kenora Métis Council

The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is a provincial organization representing the collective rights and interests of Métis people in Ontario. The MNO delivers a range of programs and services in areas like education, training, healing, and wellness.

To reach the Kenora Métis Council, contact Liz Boucha, President, at 807-468-5835 or liz.boucha.kmc@gmail.com.

Visit Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) for more information.

Northwestern Ontario Métis Child and Family Services

The Northwestern Ontario Métis Child and Family Services focus on protecting and ensuring the safety and well-being of Métis children, youth, adults, Elders, and their families.

Visit Northwestern Ontario Métis Child and Family Services for programming or call 807-467-2542.

View the all nation service providers:

Kenora Association for Community Living

Kenora Association for Community Living (KACL) is a multi-sector agency in operation for over sixty years in Kenora, the surrounding communities, and the Kenora Rainy River District. To ensure full participation in community life for people with intellectual disabilities, adults with chronic, serious mental illness ,or those living with a dual diagnosis. Their goal is advocacy and service delivery in the quest for social and health justice for those people who have been kept at the margins or lack a sense of belonging.

Kids' Zone Childcare Centre
Children and family programs
Infant and child development programs
Child and youth programs

Visit KACL's website for full programming or call 807-467-5225.

Minto Parent Resource Centre

Minto Parent Resource Centre offers children and their families a place to drop in and learn, play, socialize and have fun.

Offers programs to children at no cost to parents
Provides play opportunities for child/parent engagement and preschool programs to introduce children to math and reading
Offers workshops on various parenting topics and answers questions about child development
Provides links to family services within the community, participates in various preschool programs with community partners, and loans out adult resources on various parenting issues
Encourages parents and children to drop in anytime during regular hours to use the facility's indoor and outside play spaces and learning centres
May offer infant programs, car seat programs and loans of items such as baby monitors, highchairs etc.

Visit Minto Parent Resource Centre's website for full programming or call 807-468-3161.

Kenora Sexual Assault Centre

The Kenora Sexual Assault Centre (KSAC) provides twenty-four hour crisis intervention, emergency transportation, personal support, advocacy, practical assistance and safety planning (e.g. meals, transportation and emergency accommodation) to female victims/survivors of sexual assault in the Kenora District.

If you are in crisis, call 807-468-7233 or Toll Free 1-800-565-6161.

24-hour confidential crisis line
Counselling services
Groups
Emergency walk-ins
Hospital support
Resources
Accompaniment and advocacy
Public education
Healing room

Visit Kenora Sexual Assault Centre's website for full programming or call 807-468-7958.

FIREFLY

FIFRFLY is a full service agency and an active participant in supporting and strengthening the health and well-being of children, youth and families, and communities across Northwestern Ontario. FIREFLY services focus on responding to the diverse and often critical needs of families and communities by utilizing a wide range of physical, emotional, developmental and community services.

Visit FIREFLY's website for full programming or call Toll Free 1-800-465-7203.

Housing and homelessness programs

View the housing and homelessness programs in Kenora.

Kenora District Services Board

Kenora District Services Board (KDSB) is the main provider and offers housing programs and services to all residents in the Kenora District.

Visit KDSB's website for more information on housing services or call 807-468-5372 (KDSB) or Toll Free 1-888-767-2038.

Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services

Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS) aims to provide safe and affordable housing to urban and rural First Nation, Inuit and Métis people living off-Reserve in Ontario. You may complete an application for future developments.

Visit OAHS's website for more information or call Toll Free 1-866-391-1061.

Kenora Fellowship Centre

The Kenora Fellowship Centre is a place for people facing homelessness and poverty to feel safe. The Fellowship Centre is a part of the National Native Ministry Council. Although they don’t only serve the First nations population, we serve the homeless, those living in poverty, working poor, seniors, and people living with physical and mental disabilities of all ages.

Visit Kenora Fellowship Centre's website for more information or call 807-467-8205.

Kenora Emergency Shelter

The Kenora Emergency Shelter is open nightly from 8:30 p.m. to 8 a.m. The Kenora Emergency Shelter is 46-bed shelter facility that provides homeless and underhoused individuals living in Kenora with warm, safe overnight accommodations, snacks, warm beverages, toiletries, and connections to mental health, addictions, employment and housing supports.

Visit Kenora Emergency Shelter's website for more information or call 807-468-1838, press 8 for emergency shelter.

Kenora Food Bank

The Salvation Army operates a food bank in Kenora. Visit the Salvation Army Kenora Facebook page for more information on applications and hours of operation or call 807-468-1044.

Mobile youth and crisis and outreach

In partnership with the Kenora Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police and Treaty Three Police Service, Kenora Chiefs Advisory’s Youth Mobile Crisis Workers provide crisis intervention support and outreach for youth, ages 12 to 24 years, in the City of Kenora and surrounding First Nation communities.

Visit Kenora Chiefs Advisory's website for more information or call 807-467-8144.

Kenora Makwa Patrol

Kenora Makwa Patrol is a community-driven, culturally safe grassroots initiative that is committed to promoting and providing safety to individuals within the City of Kenora. The Patrol is a visible point of contact for vulnerable populations to connect to services that support their well-being. Following the 7 Grandfather teachings, the Patrol builds strong relationships within the community based on respect and understanding. Visit Kenora Chief Advisory's website for more information.

To reach the Patrol, call 807-464-7233.

Women's Shelter, Saakaate House

Saakaate House is a fourteen bed shelter that services women and their dependents that are escaping violent relationships. They have counselling services, transitional housing worker advocacy services and children’s services. Other programs include The Kendall House Young mom’s program, a residential program for at risk moms and their children under four. Also, they have WIT (Women in Transition) a two-year transitional housing program for women and their dependents. Saaksaate House serves all women, two spirit, gender queer, trans and non-binary folks within our catchment area of the Manitoba border, to Vermillion bay and Sioux Narrows/ Nester Falls.

Visit Saakaate House's website for more information, or call 807-468-5491 or Toll Free 1-800-465-1117.