“Gwayakochige-Wigamig is a 24-hour emergency youth shelter devoted to providing services founded in the Anishinaabe worldviews and ways of practice.”

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“Gwayakochige-Wigamig’s vision is to decrease the amount of youth in need of emergency shelter services while increasing the amount of youth who are more culturally confident, self-aware all the while, honoring their resilience.”

• Gwayakochige-Wigamig: “Making the right choices” (as in the choices Creator would want you to make)
• Cornerstone for intergenerational and community healing
• Ensures Anishinaabe youth and families have access to Indigenous rights of community, belonging, cultural identity
• Non-profit Anishinaabe culture-based emergency crisis shelter, located on the Red Lake Indian Reservation
• Serves at-risk youth ages 5–17 who may be experiencing:
  • Houselessness
  • Family or individual crisis
  • Runaway status
  • Abuse
  • Involved with juvenile corrections
  • Child protection
• Shelter details:
  • Up to 8 youth at a time
  • Open 24 hours/day, 365 days/year
  • Intake process required for eligibility
  • Temporary stays; extended stays if eligible

• Historically Anishinaabeg did not experience houselessness, substance abuse, domestic violence, poverty, etc.
• Western religious education systems created detrimental impacts.
• Tribal Nations now face social/cultural problems that affect youth development.
• Belief: “These children deserve to thrive, not just survive.”

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• Outreach services
• Case management
• Transportation
• Community health services
• Traditional food education
• Spiritual/physical/emotional well-being
• Mental wellness
• Comprehensive assessments
• Youth outpatient

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• Teaching Lodge
• Sweat Lodge & appropriate ceremonies
• Traditional seasonal activities
• Self-identity building
• Ojibwemowin teachings
• History teachings
• Medicine & traditional food gathering
• Other traditional teachings

• Inpatient & outpatient therapy (via telehealth or in-person)
• Individual therapy (ages 5–17)
• Family therapy
• Trauma & resilience focused therapy
• Wellness support

• Elwyn Jourdain Jr — Chairperson
• Dustin Harris — Treasurer
• Nyah Neadeau — Secretary
• Bianca Mendoza — Board Member
• Lisa Defoe — Board Member