KIIKENOMAGA KIKENJIGEWEN EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING (KKETS) AND TD BANK MAKE FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENT ON NEW PROGRAM LAUNCH
MEDIA RELEASE
Wednesday May 14, 2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KIIKENOMAGA KIKENJIGEWEN EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING (KKETS) AND TD BANK MAKE FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENT ON NEW PROGRAM LAUNCH
THUNDER BAY, ON: Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment & Training Services (KKETS) is proud to announce the launch of its Mino-Ayaawin Maamawi (Leading in Health and Wellness Together) project, supported by $392,800.00 in funding from the TD Ready Commitment under its Better Health – Innovative Solutions focus area. This two-year initiative aims to develop and implement a culturally grounded, community-led wellness model that addresses urgent mental health, trauma, and addiction-related needs in the nine Matawa First Nation communities. The primary objective of the project is to increase access to safe, trauma-informed wellness supports that are rooted in Indigenous knowledge and traditions while integrating clinical care and life-skills programming to promote healing, resilience, and long-term community wellness.
The funding will support the delivery of workshops, one-on-one support services, community-based research, and culturally appropriate healing activities that respond to the unique needs of Indigenous individuals living in Northwestern Ontario. By creating a holistic system of care that embraces both traditional and contemporary approaches, Mino-Ayaawin Maamawi seeks to strengthen individuals’ emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being while also enhancing their capacity to succeed in education, employment, and community life.
“This funding from TD is more than just financial support—it is a partnership in our vision to build strong, healthy, and resilient Indigenous communities,” says David Neegan, Executive Director of KKETS. “Through this project, we will empower our members to reconnect with culture, rebuild from trauma, and move forward with strength and dignity.”
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For more information, please contact:
For more information, please contact Roxann Shapwaykeesic, Indigenous Skills & Employment Training Strategy Manager at (807) 633-9928 or by email at rshapwaykeesic@matawa.on.ca.