The Makate Waagamichiwanang Gakinaa’amaatiwin Youth and Family Wellness Camp is proud and excited to announce the launch of its new brand identity, marking an inspiring new chapter in its journey.

Over the past year, the Camp — formerly known as the KCA Youth and Family Wellness Camp — has been working closely with Ogimaawabiitong – Kenora Chiefs Advisory (KCA) to transition into a standalone entity. While it will continue to operate in partnership with KCA, the Camp will begin to function independently, allowing it to grow its impact, expand its partnerships, and build its own presence.

This transition is not only a milestone for the Camp, but also for KCA as a whole. The rebranding represents a strategic step forward to strengthen the Camp’s presence, support long-term sustainability, and further its mission as a grassroots, community-driven initiative rooted in Indigenous culture, land-based education, and youth empowerment.

Purchased by KCA in 2020, the Camp spans 327 acres of open space, forest, shoreline, and natural beauty along the Winnipeg River. It serves as a regional centre for healing, recreation, reconciliation, and cultural revitalization — addressing multiple determinants of health and wellness for children, youth, and families across northwestern Ontario.

“This is a huge step forward for not only our organizations, but for all our communities as a whole,” said Chief Chris Skead, on Behalf of the Board of Directors. “This space is for our youth-for our future, and by expanding into its own entity, the camp is really creating a space for true healing and advancement,” concluded Skead.

Since its inception, the Youth and Family Wellness Camp has offered land-based programming, cultural education, recreational opportunities, and mental wellness supports, all grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems and community strengths. It has become a hub for healing, empowerment, and cultural renewal.

“This new chapter is about reclaiming space for healing, culture, and connection — and I’m honoured to help lead a vision rooted in community and guided by our youth, Elders, and families,” said Stefanie Bryant, Executive Director of the Camp.

The new brand identity has been developed with the support and guidance of the KCA Board of Directors, the Ma’mo’weh Wii’soo’ka’tiwin Foundation, the KCA Elders and Youth Councils, and valued community partners. It is a direct reflection of the values that have shaped the Camp’s work since its beginning.

The new name and logo were created through a collaborative, culturally grounded process:

  • The name Makate Waagamichiwanang Gakinaa’amaatiwin, given by the Elders Council, references a traditional gathering and learning place within Treaty 3 and the river that connects the Nations.
  • The logo design was based on a painting by Jason Fobister of Grassy Narrows First Nation, created under the guidance of the Elders Council.
  • The slogan was selected by the Youth Council, ensuring that the voice and vision of youth are embedded in the Camp’s identity moving forward.

As the Camp steps into this exciting new phase, it remains anchored in culture, land, and community — and committed to creating a brighter, more connected future for First Nations children, youth, and families.