Anishnabeg Outreach

Baseball is in full swing here at AO! It’s been an absolute joy to see the kids come out, learn the game, and have a fun time while doing it. Youth of all ages and abilities have been working on their skills, playing games, and getting to enjoy time alongside their peers and our staff in a noncompetitive, low-pressure environment.

It’s not too late to sign up for AO Baseball! We’re running four more free sessions this summer (Aug. 13, 20, 27, and Sept. 3), from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Wilson Avenue Public School in Kitchener. To register, visit the Linktree in our bio or sign up here: info.aocan.org/baseball-program-2026

For questions or assistance with registration contact us at 519-208-5333 or email us at [email protected].

Our July Ribbon Skirt workshop has finally wrapped up! 🧵👗

Participants returned to complete the skirts they began during our first session, adding their finishing touches and bringing each unique piece to life. Everyone’s hard work, dedication, and personal style finally come together in the end.

Thank you to the community members who participated and to our staff who helped organize and guide both workshops. These gatherings create space to learn and connect with one another.

Our next workshop is happening in August, so keep an eye on our social media for more details!

For information about upcoming workshops, contact us at [email protected] or (519) 208-5333.

We want to give a big thank you to Brock Road Nursery for their plant donations! 🌱

From this nursery, we received various edible plants for our Spirit Garden (Eminidowang Kiitigan), which will be planted next week with the help of volunteers. These generous contributions will be grown and harvested to support First Nations, Inuit and Métis families through our Spirit Bundle program.

If you'd like to volunteer for our farm, register at: aocan.org/volunteer-at-ao

Didn't quite finish your last cultural workshop project? We've got you covered!

Join us for our Finishing Touches Workshop on August 12, where you'll have the opportunity to finish any beading or other cultural projects you've been working on with help from our staff!

To register, email [email protected] or call (519) 208-5333.

🗓 Date: August 12, 2026
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: 236 Woodhaven Rd., Kitchener, ON

This workshop is open to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis families. Registration is required, and drop-ins are not permitted.

We look forward to seeing you there! 💙

On Friday, our EarlyON held an outdoor play day, featuring a bouncy castle, toys, and activities for the kids to enjoy! Miigwech to everyone who made it out. 💚

Our EarlyON welcomes all families, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, from Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

For more information about upcoming EarlyON events and activities, be sure to check out our calendar at https://aocan.org/earlyon-calendar/

Ahead of the upcoming school year, help us acquire back-to-school essentials for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis youth in our Spirit Bundle program! ✏️

Items such as water bottles, binders, calculators, rulers, lunch bags, and other everyday items used in school can be difficult for families to acquire. Any donation, big or small, is appreciated! Drop-off at our centres of reconciliation below:

📍 Drop-off: 236 Woodhaven Rd., Kitchener
🕘 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Tuesdays & Thursdays

📍 Drop-off: 400 Stevenson St. N, Guelph
🕘 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Mondays & Fridays

For any questions or inquiries about alternative drop-off times, please contact us at [email protected] or (519) 208-5333.

Miigwech for your support! 💜

We are so grateful to Sustainable Waterloo Region for providing our Spirit Garden (Eminidowang Kiitigan) with this beautiful new sign for our Microforest! This sign, expertly installed by Wood Rescue Canada (woodrescue.ca) marks a special place on our 17-acre reconciliation farm in Breslau where reconciliation blooms. This microforest is a rich source for traditional medicines to grow, a dedicated space for land-based learning, healing, and ceremonies.

SWR has been a dedicated partner in the prosperity of our farm, which is a foundational element of our Spirit Bundle program. A food security initiative supporting over 600 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis with bi-weekly bundles of fresh produce, frozen foods, traditional medicines, and essentials to provide wrap around holistic support.

These partnerships are essential in our mission to support Indigenous community members in achieving healing, economic independance and prosperity.

Miigwech ♥

Miigwech to everyone who joined us for our first of two ribbon skirt workshops this month!

Ribbon skirts hold deep cultural significance and are often worn as an expression of identity, resilience, and connection to culture. Participants were able to learn the basics of ribbon skirt making, work through the sewing process, and will be leaving with a completed piece next workshop. We can’t wait to see how they turn out!

Thanks again to everyone who took part, from the staff who helped out to the community members who attended.

While our workshop this month is full, stay tuned on our socials for more information about our upcoming cultural workshops, or contact us at [email protected] or (519) 208-5333.

Baseball is back!

We're hosting a free weekly baseball program for First Nations, Inuit, and Metis youth. The sessions run from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Wilson Avenue Public School in Kitchener, starting on July 23 and going every Thursday until September 3.

Youth of all ages and skill levels are welcome to come out to the diamond to improve their game, learn the fundamentals at their own pace, and take part in some fun, relaxed activities without the competitive pressure of a league.

To register for AO baseball, visit: https://info.aocan.org/baseball-program-2026

Baseball Program 2026

Help us acquire heat-related essentials for over 600 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis families in our Spirit Bundle program so they can keep cool and hydrated this summer. ☀️

Items such as portable fans, hats, electrolytes, sunscreen, and other essentials to help combat the heat can be difficult for families to acquire. These everyday items help to maintain physical health and well-being within our community.

Donate at our centres of reconciliation below:

📍 Drop-off: 236 Woodhaven Rd., Kitchener
🕘 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Tuesdays & Thursdays

📍 Drop-off: 400 Stevenson St. N, Guelph
🕘 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Mondays & Fridays

For any questions or inquiries about alternative drop-off times, please contact us at [email protected] or (519) 208-5333.

Miigwech for your support!