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

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:

• 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

  • • 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.