Resources

• "Wellness" - Kevin Belmore - Meaning
  • Kevin Belmore is an Ojibwe artist from Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (Gull Bay First Nation) currently living and painting in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Since 1989, Belmore has been painting in his iconic woodland style, taking inspiration from the four-season splendour of the Northwestern Ontario landscape animals, plants, and people who inhabit it.
    
• Wellness Poster
• Brochure
• Power Point Presentation
• Book an Appointment
• Workplace Without Limits Employers Conference Poster - Sept 12, 2025
• Workplace Without Limits Conference Agenda - Sept 12, 2025

• Accessibility Standards Canada has developed the Employment standard (CAN/ASC-1.1 – Employment) to help organizations create more equitable, accessible, and inclusive workplaces for people with disabilities.  The standard provides practical, evidence-based guidance to help organizations identify, remove, and prevent barriers across the entire employment lifecycle. By taking a lifecycle approach, the standard helps organizations recognize how barriers can emerge and accumulate over time and how early decisions can affect long-term outcomes for employees with disabilities.

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 Client Information Form
• Participant Information Form
• Employer Information Form

AETS & Wellness Staff:

• Melanie Thompson, Program Coordinator
  

  • Melanie is a dedicated Program Coordinator based in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Drawing on her personal experiences and a strong background in prevention services, she brings a deep commitment to community-centered program development and Indigenous advocacy. She is a proud band member of Rocky Bay First Nation.  In her role with Anishinabek Employment & Training Services, Melanie works to uplift the strengths of the 9 AETS communities by promoting wellness, supporting independent living, and fostering culturally grounded care. Her work is guided by empathy, respect, the Seven Grandfather Teachings, and a personal connection to Indigenous knowledge and practices.  Melanie is passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces where community voices are truly heard and valued. She strives to ensure that programs are responsive, empowering, and rooted in the unique strengths of each individual and community she serves.

• Chelsea King, Employment Advisor
  

  • Chelsea King is the Employment Advisor for the Wellness Opportunities Initiative at Anishinabek Employment and Training Services (AETS) and is a proud member of Gull Bay First Nation. Chelsea graduated from the Aboriginal Community Advocacy program at Confederation College in 2020 and is currently pursuing a Business Diploma at Confederation College. Chelsea is dedicated to supporting Indigenous job seekers in Thunder Bay by providing guidance, encouragement, and practical employment services - to work closely with individuals to identify their strengths, develop career goals, build resumes, prepare for interviews, and connect with education, training, and meaningful employment opportunities. Chelsea is a dedicated advocate for increasing the participation of Indigenous citizens in the skilled trades and the mining industry, working to promote greater access, representation, and career advancement within these sectors. Through personalized support, advocacy, and collaboration with community partners and employers, the main goal is to help individuals build confidence, overcome barriers to employment, and successfully enter and thrive in the workforce. The initiative is to create opportunities that foster personal growth, economic independence, and stronger Indigenous communities.

• Kallie Milani, Job Developer
  

  • Kallie Milani is a Job Developer with the Wellness Initiative at Anishinabek Employment & Training Services (AETS). Working under the direction of the Wellness Community Coordinator, Kallie leads Job Development activities, building strong relationships with employers and leads employer engagement across AETS's nine First Nation communities, fostering meaningful employment opportunities and strong community partnerships. Kallie is committed to creating supportive, culturally respectful pathways that help individuals reach their career goals.

• Cheyenne Nobis, Life Skills Officer

  • Cheyenne is the Life Skills Officer for Anishinabek Employment & Training Services (AETS) and a proud member of Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek First Nation. Graduating with Honors in Social Work with a concentration in Indigenous Learning in 2018, Cheyenne has always wanted to work for his community. Cheyenne brings many years of lived and work experience from working in the labor industry, hospitality, mining and social services sector.  As the Life Skills Officer, Cheyenne's role is to assist members of the 9 First Nations with pre-employment training,  professionalism, soft skills, self-management, life skills presentations, guidance, be a role model, support members with disabilities, and barriers to employment.  As part of the Wellness Team, Cheyenne works collaboratively with all AETS staff to provide culturally appropriate, holistic wrap-around services and supports to the 9 First Nations in obtaining their mission statement of 'training a skilled Indigenous workforce'. 

• Reese Begin, Administrative Assistant for the Wellness Initiative
  • Reese Begin is the Intake and Administrative Assistant for the Wellness Initiative at Anishinabek Employment and Training Services (AETS) and is a proud member of Peguis First Nation. As a recent graduate first class standing of the Bachelor of Social Work program at Lakehead University, Reese is passionate about supporting First Nations citizens and communities through a strengths-based and culturally grounded approach. As the first point of contact for participants accessing the Wellness Opportunities Initiative, Reese is committed to creating a welcoming, respectful, and culturally safe environment where citizens feel heard, valued, and empowered. She recognizes that every participant's journey is unique and believes in meeting people where they are while honouring their strengths, experiences, and goals. In her role, Reese guides participants through the intake process, connects them with programs and services that support their personal, educational, and employment goals, and works collaboratively with her team to provide holistic, wraparound supports. 

Hours of operation and parking:

Monday to Friday 8:30 - 4:30 for walk ins, suite 210 at Park Ave

• • Monday to Tuesday:
    • Call 807-698-5611 to enter 251 Red River Road wheel chair accessible door access or 250 Park Avenue rear AETS door 
  • Wednesday through 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

  • • Call 211 or visit the 211 North Website
    • Call ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 or visit the ConnexOntario website
    • See below for supports and services in Thunder Bay and District

• 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
      
      

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