wellnessposter2025-05

Resources

  • tools, skills and information to obtain employment;
  • enhanced employability; and
  • become employed, self-employed or have returned to school.

To support persons with disabilities prepare for, find and maintain employment or become self-employed, thereby increasing their economic participation and independence.

  • increased ability to hire and support persons with disabilities in the workplace
  • hire and retain persons with disabilities.

To assist employers, through a range of hands-on supports, to diversify their workplaces and to create inclusive and accessible work environments for employees with disabilities, assist those who support persons with disabilities in employment and employers that hire them by assisting them to increase their disability-related skills and capacities.

  • Legally able to work in Canada
  • AETS First Nation Citizen are given priority
  • Disabled (Disability is defined as any developmental, intellectual, physical or other including addictions or mental health ).

Applications

Are open and ongoing and will include a scheduled appointment in Suite 210 at 250 Park Ave (behind Dilico Health Centre on Court Street). 

    AETS & Wellness Staff:

    • Amanda Sawatzky, Program Coordinator
      • Amanda is a dedicated Program Coordinator residing in Thunder Bay, ON who brings over a decade of experience in community-cantered program development and Indigenous health advocacy. In her role with Anishinabek Employment & Training Services, Amanda is committed to uplifting the strengths of the 9 AETS communities by supporting wellness, independent living, and culturally grounded care. Her approach is rooted in empathy, respect, and partnership, drawing on her background in health and her personal understanding of Indigenous practices. Through her work, Amanda strives to create safe, inclusive spaces where community voices are heard and supported, ensuring services are responsive, empowering, and rooted in the strengths of each individual and community she serves.

    • Sandi Erickson, Life Skills Officer
      • Sandi is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in Corrections. With 18 years' experience as a Correctional Officer, she has demonstrated a track record of success in delivering high-quality work and exceeding expectations. Sandi is known for her strong work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with cross-functional teams. She is passionate about joining the Anishinabek Employment and Training Services team as a Life Skills Officer and continuously seeks opportunity for growth and development. With a proactive and solution-oriented approach, Sandi is dedicated to achieving excellence in all she does. When I'm not working you can find her exploring Thunder Bay Trails, experimenting with new recipes, or buried in a good book. 

    • Bev Hunsberger, Employment Advisor
      • Bev moved to Thunder Bay in 2014 after falling in love with the land, the lake, and the people during her time at Lakehead University. Bev's experience includes retail management, volunteer management, running a small business, and the lived experience of being an employee with a disability. Bev has degrees in History and Indigenous Learning from Lakehead University and recently completed the Onajigawin Indigenous Services program at Confederation College. Bev is dedicated to meeting people where they are at, using a strength-based, holistic approach to relationships and healing and is passionate about assisting people in finding meaningful and sustainable employment. 

    • Cody Wawia, Job Developer
      • Cody is the Job Developer for the Wellness Opportunities Initiative at Anishinabek Employment and Training Services. He resides in Thunder Bay, north of Lake Superior, and is a member of Red Rock Indian Band. He is currently pursuing a diploma in the Onajigawin Indigenous Services program at Confederation College and holds certificates in General Arts & Science and Mechanical Techniques from Confederation College. Cody has diverse knowledge in the construction, forestry, mining and retail sectors. Passionate about empowering individuals and strengthening community resilience, Cody champions a holistic, trauma-informed approach to employment support that honours cultural identity and lived experience.

    Hours of operation and parking:

    • Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm by scheduled appointment in Suite 210 at 250 Park Avenue:
      • Monday:
        • Call 807-698-5611 to enter 251 Red River Road wheel chair accessible door access or 250 Park Avenue rear AETS door 
      • Tuesday:
        • Call 807-698-5611 to enter 251 Red River Road wheel chair accessible door access or 250 Park Avenue rear AETS door
      • Wednesday:   
        • Call 807-698-5611 to enter 251 Red River Road wheel chair accessible door access or 250 Park Avenue rear AETS door, 
        • or enter 251 Red River Road wheel accessible door access at 11 am 
      • Thursday:  
        • Call 807-698-5611 to enter 251 Red River Road wheel chair accessible door access or 250 Park Avenue rear AETS door,
        • or enter 251 Red River Road wheel accessible door access at 11 am 
      • Friday:   
        • Call 807-698-5611 to enter 251 Red River Road wheel chair accessible door access or 250 Park Avenue rear AETS door,
        • or enter 251 Red River Road wheel accessible door access at 11 am 
    • Free Parking at:
      • 250 Park Avenue outside rear AETS door, in 2 marked AETS Parking Spots
      • Parking Lot next to Silk & Cedar (275 Park Avenue), in 2 marked AETS Parking Spots

    Community Resources:

    • Mental Health Support

    • Disclaimer

      AETS does not provide acute crisis or mental health services or counselling.  If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis:

      • Call 911
      • Call the suicide crisis helpline at 988 for calls and texts in both English and French, 24/7.
      • Visit your nearest emergency department
        • (807) 684-6100 (in Thunder Bay)
      • Contact Crisis Response
        • Thunder Bay: Call or text 807-346-8282
        • District of Thunder Bay: 1-866 888 8988

    Never be afraid to reach out for help. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength. You don't have to face your struggles alone. There is support nearby with the following Indigenous Focused programs:

    Crisis

    • Beendigen Women's Crisis Home
      • Crisis Home
        • The crisis home, open 24/7, provides emergency shelter for women and children who require safe accommodations and are seeking refuge from abuse
        • (807) 346-HELP (4357) or Toll Free: 1-888-200-9997

    Counselling

    • Dilico Anishinabek Family Care
      • Walk-in counselling available in Thunder Bay, Tuesdays 1pm to 7pm
        • (807) 624-5818
      • Walk-in counselling available in Longlac, last Monday of each month from 1pm to 3pm
        • (855) 623-8511 - Contact local Dilico office for clinic times and locations in the district

    Programming

    Beendigen

    • Provides support and programs to women and their children who have experienced abuse with the incorporation of the Seven Grandfather Teachings.
    • (807) 622-1121

    Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre

    • Wide range of programming offered to support health and wellness across the lifespan. Open to clients by appointment only during COVID-19.
    • (807) 345-5840

    Thunderbird Friendship Centre

    • Variety of programming offered to people across the lifespan for improved health and wellbeing
    • Geraldton: (807) 854-1060

    Ontario Native Women's Association

    • Programming and support offered to Indigenous women (regardless of status)
    • Fort William First Nation head office: (807) 623-3442, Toll-Free: 1-800-667-0816
    • Thunder Bay office: (807) 623-3442, Toll-Free: 1-800-667-0816

    Biidaaban

    • The Biidaaban Healing Lodge is a 12 unit facility that provides the Aboriginal population in the Robinson-Superior Area with Residential and Community-based Programming.
    • (807) 229-3592 or Toll-Free: 1-888-432-7102

    Anishnawbe Mushkiki

    • Provide culturally safe, comprehensive care and helps empower patients through their health and wellness journeys
    • Services include: Maternal Wellness Programs, EarlyON Centre, Youth Mental Health, Healthy Eating and Active Living
    • Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4:30 pm
    • Phone (807) 623-0383

    Dilico Anishinabek Family Care

    • Walk-in counselling available in Longlac, Nipigon, Mobert, Thunder Bay, Whitesand
    • Toll free: (855) 623-8511
    • Call or click above for clinic times

    Addictions

    Ka-na-chi-hih Specialized Solvent Abuse Treatment Centre

      • Substance use residential treatment centre for First Nation youth aged 18-30. Offering services such as intake, referral, aftercare, and support.
      • (807) 623-5577 or Toll-Free: 1-888-863-1560

     

    Online/Over the Phone Support

    Hope for Wellness Helpline

    • Hope for Wellness Helpline offers free phone or online chatting support 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada from experienced and culturally competent counsellors
    • Chat lines are available in English and French and telephone support can be made available in Cree, Ojibway (Anishinaabemowin), and Inuktitut). *Please note: Supports in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut are not available 24/7, so you may need to call in to find out the next time that a language-speaker will be available.*
    • You can chat with them online by visiting the link above or call them at 1-855-242-3310

    Talk4Healing

    • Culturally grounded, confidential helpline, for Indigenous women (available in 14 languages) offered 24/7
    • Call or Text: 1-855-554-HEAL
    • Live chat option available on website

     

    Funding for the initiative is provided by Employment and Social Development Canada through the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities.