Our story

“Nitawahsin” (ni-ta-wah-sin) meaning: My land in Blackfoot language”

 

This name was chosen to reflect the deep connection we have to the land and to each other. The meaning behind the name is a significant part of the program and services being offered.

Nitawahsin is a not-for-profit Indigenous organization that focuses on Health and Wellness, offering a range of non-clinical support to individuals and families, especially Indigenous people in urban settings.

Our programs focuses on promoting mental wellness through non-clinical holistic healing, support groups, workshops and cultural teachings.

Providing a strong sense of belonging and connection for individuals and families by offering community-based programs that are culturally safe and Indigenous-led. 

 

 

 

Our history

Indigenous people in Canada experience higher rates of health disparities and face systemic racism, which significantly impacts their well-being. In urban communities, there is a pressing need for cultural knowledge and support services that are grounded in Indigenous traditions and practices.

Nitawahsin’s goal is to provide essential services focused on health and wellness to Indigenous individuals and families. This includes, but is not limited to, support for intergenerational survivors of Indian Residential Schools and the Sixties Scoop, families affected by Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples (MMIP), 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, those who have interacted with children services. 

All community members and allies are welcome to participate, engaging together in shared learning and reconciliation.

The program and services provided by Nitawahsin aims to serve as a transformative guide for individuals on their path to healing and well-being. By incorporating traditional practices, teachings, and values. Our programming seeks to empower participants to reconnect with their heritage. This fosters resilience and personal growth, supporting both individual and community healing in a way that honours the richness of Indigenous culture.

Our Mission

 

Our mission is to break generational cycles of gender-based violence by addressing root trauma through cultural revitalization and community capacity building. We believe in balancing the spirit, emotion, mind, and body to restore overall well-being.

 

Vision statement

 

A future where every individual enjoys emotional, physical, spiritual, and intellectual safety within culturally vibrant, empowered communities.

  1. Cultural Resurgence & Restoration

  • The Principle: We believe that reclaiming culture is a powerful form of medicine.
  • In Practice: Every program honours heritage, tradition, and ancestral knowledge to rebuild identity and counteract systemic erasure.

  2. Holistic Safety

  • The Principle: True safety requires protecting the mind, body, spirit, and intellect.
  • In Practice: We maintain environments where individuals are safe to express vulnerability, seek healing, and build knowledge without fear or judgment.

  3. Trauma-Informed Capacity Building

  • The Principle: We build skills and resilience by recognizing the deep roots of generational trauma.
  • In Practice: Our training and growth initiatives are survivor-centered, encouraging self-agency and sustainable growth rather than temporary fixes.

  4. Intergenerational Healing

  • The Principle: We work to heal the past so future generations can thrive.
  • In Practice: We focus heavily on breaking toxic cycles and addressing root causes, ensuring our community impacts ripple forward positively.

Our services

 

Based on our mission and vision, the following programs are the foundation of Nitawahsins’ work.

These programs build on existing community strengths and support a way of life that strengthens resilience:

  • Non-Clinical Trauma-based workshops/programs
  • Land-Based activities
  • Inclusivity programs
  • Anti-bullying initiatives 
  • Support groups
  • Art Therapy
  • Community events

We aim to support mental health by promoting mindfulness, emotional processing, stress reduction, and building confidence. 

Creating a safe space for everyone to heal, grow and reconnect.