True North Aid

As the summer comes to a close, we'd like to give a shoutout to Blair, our incredible summer student! Blair's hard work and fresh ideas have made a lasting impact on our team and the communities we support. We are grateful for his contributions and wish Blair all the best in his future endeavours.

Thank you Blair!

Ken Smid has been the Executive Director of True North Aid since 2017 and lives in Kitchener, Ontario with his wife Deborah and daughter Olivia.

Under his leadership and in partnership with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, the organization has grown from a small humanitarian organization to a nationally recognized entity supporting hundreds of northern Indigenous communities throughout Canada.

Kenneth is passionate about serving and supporting people and doing everything he can to help alleviate the challenges that people face in accessing basic supplies and services.

Kenneth grew up in Eastern Ontario on a dairy farm and over the past 20 years has served in various roles in the Agriculture sector and also a leadership role at an outreach center in Ottawa serving the practical and spiritual needs of the community.

𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟯𝟬𝘁𝗵, 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗯𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟮𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝘁 𝟳𝗣𝗠, 𝗘𝗦𝗧.

For more information and to register: https://www.jotform.com/form/230079120780248

The Settler Discussion Series was created in response to the momentum of Canadians seeking a platform by which to begin their journey of reconciliation, learn the truth about non-Indigenous/Indigenous history and current tensions, and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Four, weekly online sessions will address the topics of Privilege, Land, Residential Schools, and Allyship. Themes of racism, colonization, relationship, and our individual and collective responsibility underpin these conversations.

Katie Koopman, True North Aid’s Reconciliation Program Coordinator, will host this series, presenting and connecting each topic in a factual, practical, and meaningful way.
Katie can be reached by email at gap at(@) truenorthaid.ca.

🍎 September is fast approaching, and for students across the country, it's that time of year to get new backpacks and school supplies. But for students living in northern and remote communities, this isn't so easy. We need your support to raise $150,000 to purchase back-to-school items and Indigenous-authored books for schools across the north. This will help to provide over 3000 books and 2000 bags of school supplies to 30+ communities. Your gift will ensure that Indigenous students have the best possible start to their school year.

Read more about our Education Stone at https://ow.ly/farE50SYG4a or the link in our bio.

For this week's Throwback Thursday, we look back on the 2023 project Rollup for the North. In partnership with Goodwill Solutions London and Rollup Inc. True North Aid provided over 200 wheelchairs and mobility aids to 14 remote communities across Canada.

The high cost of mobility devices means affordable options are needed, especially for those who don't receive government funding. People in remote areas often face strict criteria to qualify for Non-Insured Health Benefits and private insurance.

Additionally, living in these remote communities makes it harder for Indigenous individuals to access healthcare professionals who can assess their needs and assist with the necessary paperwork.

🌟 A Good Night's Sleep is more than just a bedtime wish—it's a necessity for health and well-being. True North Aid's, A Good Night's Sleep program has provided over 800 bed sets to 41 communities since 2021, in partnership with Silk and Snow.

With your generous support, we're ensuring that Indigenous communities across Canada have access to the comfort of a new bed - just like those living in Cormorant Lake, Manitoba. Thank you to Rikki and her wonderful team of youth workers who were able to help deliver the beds to their elders/grandparents, "which added an additional sentimental element to the program by having our youth giving back to our elders."

Learn more and support the cause: https://ow.ly/mz8Q50SY0eB

Meet Amanda, True North Aid’s outreach manager, who is the direct contact for communities. Amanda started at True North Aid in June 2018, when she joined as a project of the charity with her medical supplies project. She began collecting medical supplies with her husband in 2017 to send to remote communities along the James Bay coast. She was able to build relationships and help more communities because, Ken Smid, our Executive Director, was starting his role as Executive Director and was looking for Canadians working alongside Indigenous communities in the north. Since then, Amanda has been a True North Aid team member!

From Amanda, “I have been privileged to travel to remote communities nationwide and celebrate community initiatives and reconciliation events in BC, Manitoba and northern Ontario. I will never forget my first time visiting a remote community - it was life-changing and such a positive experience for me. Meeting people from the north and learning from the Elders and Knowledge Keepers is something I'm so privileged to do - every person I meet is so friendly and accommodating. I love being a connector and helping people realize their dreams. I also love working closely with our Indigenous Advisory committee, with whom I’m so proud to call friends and family.

You can find Amanda in her free time obsessing over Star Wars, LEGO and gorillas and making friends wherever she goes.

“𝗪𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱.”
~ 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

Today, on August 9th, True North Aid acknowledges and honours the contributions of Indigenous people across the world.

True North Aid understands and supports the United Nations' recognition of Indigenous Peoples as “inheritors and practitioners of unique cultures”.

That the distinct social, cultural, economic and political characteristics of Indigenous communities being crucial to the world's longevity, are deserving of protection.

As a registered charity, we are committed to supporting Indigenous self-determination in northern and remote communities in Canada.

For Throwback Thursday this week, we look back on the 2022 Wapaw canoe program. This canoe program in Pelican Narrows, SK, mixed cultural teachings, traditional practices, and physical training to engage and educate community members. With the help of a certified canoe instructor, students trained for the Indigenous Summer Games in late July and enjoyed the canoes for recreational use throughout the year.

Meet Katie Koopman, our dedicated Reconciliation Program Coordinator. Katie has been involved with True North Aid since November 2018. She first started as a volunteer, was nominated as a board member, and is now staff.

How did Katie get involved? Well, a very convincing Executive Director, Ken Smid and employee Amanda Amesse, invited Katie into the work of True North Aid after observing her commitment to fundraising and advocating on behalf of a northern and remote Indigenous community in Ontario. Her dedication and understanding of social justice at a grassroots level was a perfect fit.

From Katie: “Every day I get to wake up, collaborate with staff who are like family and dig my heels into the good work we do. I love hearing about the Indigenous-led, community-centered initiatives that True North Aid is able to fund, and I enjoy facilitating and participating in challenging conversations with Settler Canadians who are diving into meaningful reconciliatory action.”

Some fun facts about Katie: She was “this close” to becoming a contestant on Wheel of Fortune in 1996. Indian is her go-to comfort food. And she loves spending time with her small flock of chickens.

Meet the Team Tuesdays presents Marilyn Shuart, our dedicated Finance Manager at True North Aid.

Marilyn started volunteering in 2019, helping to thank donors and supporters. As soon as she was introduced to True North Aid, she was “all in!”

She writes about her favourite memory and project while working with True North Aid:

“One of our employees was interviewed on a newscast regarding our mattress project, A Good Night's Sleep. A couple had just returned from the hospital, and here is their story, which touched me deeply: ‘My husband and I were watching the news the evening as he was discharged from hospital. It was a program for donations of beds and mattresses. It brought us both to tears. He is in poor health, but instead, he felt very fortunate that he was able to come home to a nice warm bed and had good food to eat. He felt blessed and we wanted to make a difference for Indigenous Peoples in some small way. We keep you in our prayers and hope our donation will help someone in some small way.”

What does she love about True North Aid?

“I love that what we do matters. I love our vision and our mission. I love that every donation to True North Aid is spent wisely and that our finances are meticulously managed. I love saying, 'Yes, we have the funds to support this need'. I love that we help meet people's basic needs.”

A fun fact about Marilyn: Marilyn grew up in a small town on two islands off the coast of Newfoundland. She is one of eight children and lived with her grandmother. She says, “I had the best childhood ever!”

Meet Lisa, our fantastic Operations Manager here at True North Aid!

Lisa began volunteering with Hockey Cares, a project of True North Aid, in 2017, helping to lead fundraisers in Oakville. The more she was involved, the more she fell in love with True North Aid. When the opportunity to join the team was presented, she jumped on it with zero hesitation.

What's Lisa's favourite memory while being involved with True North Aid? She said, "I had the privilege of visiting Attawapiskat in 2017 with my son through True North Aid's Hockey Cares project. Visiting Attawapiskat was a transformative experience that left an indelible mark on my heart. From the moment I arrived, I was enveloped in a warmth and hospitality I had never encountered before. The people of Attawapiskat went out of their way to share their culture, traditions, and stories with us, creating an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding. Attawapiskat's embrace was a reminder of the incredible power of human connection and the beauty that unfolds when strangers come together with open hearts."

What Lisa loves most about her job: "Working for True North Aid is a source of immense fulfillment for me. The organization's unwavering commitment to humanitarian aid resonates deeply with my values. True North Aid's dedication to fostering positive change, empowering Indigenous communities, and addressing their unique challenges reflects a genuine passion for making a meaningful impact. Being part of a team that prioritizes collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and sustainability makes my work not just a job but a purposeful journey. The organization's values align with mine, and the opportunity to contribute to their mission is a constant source of inspiration, making each day at True North Aid a gratifying experience."

Fun fact about Lisa? She was a member of the national team for Team Canada in synchronized skating and competed in two world championships!

True North Aid is happy to sponsor the Youth Connections project in Grand Cache, Alberta.

A program of the Mountain Métis, community youth development is supported by engaging participants in learning traditional on-the-land skills, and various cultural crafts, like sewing ribbon shirts and skirts.

Meet Ally, our dedicated Donor Relations Administrator!

Ally joined the Cares - a project of True North Aid team in 2017 before joining the True North Aid board in 2020. As an employee, Ally takes care of all things administrative and loves working with and supporting our donors.

Her favourite memory volunteering with True North Aid was her trip to Attawapiskat First Nation where she says, "It will always be something to remember!" ❤️

When asked if she was a dog or cat person, Ally said both (she has one of each…)!

Ally loves seeing communities have a positive experience with programs and support made possible by True North Aid donors.

Thank you, Ally, for being such a vital part of the True North Aid team!

As a national nonprofit committed to providing northern and remote Indigenous communities with practical supplies, we discern daily, how best to honour community requests, steward donor dollars, and at the same time, build relationships.

In all honesty, it is expensive for True North Aid staff to travel. That’s why we don’t do it often, prioritizing the funding of projects and programs.

But there are times when it makes sense to travel, to meet community members in person.

For staff to learn, share in meals, be introduced to culture, to gain a better understanding of our organization’s responsibilities, and how we can do more.

Last week, Lisa (Operations Manager), travelled to Bloodvein First Nation in Manitoba to help oversee a significant shipment of new beds and bedding with Silk and Snow team members.

And in between meaningful conversations and bed building, baking cheesecake with a new friend and exploring the beauty of a First Nations community is always a good thing.



Silk and Snow Manitoba Advocate for Children & Youth Air Canada Southern Chiefs' Organization

Happy Nunavut Day! Did you know that Nunavut is the largest, and youngest province/territory in Canada and boasts the longest coastline? On July 9th the people of Nunavut commemorate the enactment of the 1993 Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Act, honouring the unique and distinct status of this region.

Source: https://destinationnunavut.ca/discover/13-facts-you-didnt-know-about-nunavut

Today, our Operations Manager, Lisa, together with team members from Silk & Snow will be travelling to Manitoba to deliver 30 new beds and mattresses to Bloodvein First Nation. Safe travels to all! We can't wait to hear all about it!

Silk and Snow Air Canada Manitoba Advocate for Children & Youth

You may ask what does reconciliation look like? Where can it start? Hockey Cares is an example of what types of relationships we can look forward to with Indigenous peoples in Canada with reconciliation at its heart. This past week, youth from Constance Lake and Attawapiskat First Nations in Northern Ontario visited the town of Oakville, Ontario for the 2024 Hockey Cares Exchange.

During their time in Oakville, the First Nations youth came together for three exciting games of hockey on teams blended with Oakville, Ancaster and Mississauga youths, while also participating in other activities like a Toronto Blue Jays game, potluck dinners and games, paddle-boarding and boat rides, a visit to the North American Trade School and more!

A huge thank you goes out to the volunteers, chaperones and the Oakville community that came together to make this an unforgettable experience for all.

Hockey Cares - a project of True North Aid
Experiences Canada

Students in Grades 5-9 from St. Pascal Community School in Green Lake, Saskatchewan, wrapped up their school year with a fun and exciting trip to Alberta! They visited the Telus Science Center, Jubilations Dinner Theatre, a waterpark, Elk Island National Park, Fort Edmonton, and the Edmonton Valley Zoo. They also enjoyed activities such as bowling and escape rooms. A significant part of their learning focused on real-life skills that cannot be learned from textbooks. They learned how to prepare for a trip, order meals in restaurants, show respect for elders by opening doors and socializing, and advocate for themselves in customer relations. They also gained valuable knowledge about safety in urban areas. This experience provided them with practical learning that they can apply in everyday life!

St. Pascal Community School

On July 1st, while we celebrate, in gratitude, these lands we call home, True North Aid recognizes Canada's past and present harms towards Indigenous people. We look forward to one day when we can celebrate a nation of meaningful reconciliation, restored lands, and repaired relationships. We desire and work towards becoming a nation that ensures a safe and fair place for everyone to live.

🙌🙌💕

Attawapiskat youth arrive tonight to kick off Hockey Cares - a project of True North Aid's 2024 exchange!!

Attawapiskat flag flying over Oakville Town Hall to welcome Attawapiskst players. The flag will fly while they are here June 27- July 3.

Last week, in celebration of National Indigenous History Month, True North Aid was invited to speak at Hilti Group in Oakville, Ontario. Staff presented 2023 highlights, including the many Indigenous-led, community-centred initiatives funded this past year.

True North Aid was accompanied by Indigenous advisor and mentor, Leo Atlookan, member of Eabametoong First Nation. Leo spoke about his culture, family and community, offering Grandfather and Grandmother teachings as he dressed in his regalia. Hilti employees received education about the significance of the varying pieces that make up Indigenous regalia.

We look forward to furthering our relationship with Hilti as we put into action the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action together!