Aandeg Miikana (Crow's Path) was born in Thunder Bay, on the traditional territory of the Fort William First Nation, signatory to the Robinson-Superior Treaty.
This work was led by Indigenous youth, with a broader circle of collaborators. We carry deep respect for the lands, waters, and communities that shape who we are. While the work remains central to Thunder Bay, this resource is meant for youth across Northwestern Ontario; thus, we acknowledge their many Nations, many stories, and many homelands.
We also acknowledge that some collaborators contributed to this work from Ottawa, on the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabe people. We honour the voices, knowledge, and lived experiences of all the youth who engage with Aandeg Miikana. This space exists because of you.
This work was made possible through the Indigenous Youth Futures Partnership (IYFP), supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). IYFP's commitment to community and youth-led research has been foundational in building the relationships, trust, and collaborative spaces that made this work possible.
We also gratefully acknowledge the Royal Institute of Mental Health Research and the City of Thunder Bay for their generous support of this initiative.
The team behind Aandeg Miikana (Crow's Path)
Kayleigh is an Indigenous high school student from Sandy Lake First Nation. She started this project during the summer of 2025 at the RMYC. Her favourite part of this project was watching the progress made on the initiative throughout the process.
Eternity is a youth leader from Mishkeegogamang First Nation based in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Her favourite part of this experience was giving youth a voice and a platform to share their stories in the foster care system, as it's very meaningful to her as a youth in care.
Malakai is an upcoming Indigenous advocate from Sandy Lake First Nation. His favourite part of the project was being able to advocate and represent people within urban settings.
Dani is a Carleton alumnus who helped to oversee the project. Her favourite part was creating the promotional posters and driving people around!
Kiri is a Carleton alumnus who helped to oversee the project. Her favourite part was working with everybody and watching the project come to life from start to finish!
Owen is a Media Production and Design student at Carleton University. His favourite part of the project was the meaningful friendships and the valuable experiences he gained while travelling, meeting new people, and spending time in Thunder Bay.
Alicia is a Media Production and Design student at Carleton University who designed and developed the website. Her favourite part was visiting and connecting with people in Thunder Bay. She also loved seeing the project come to life and hopes it brings positive change for youth in foster care.
Mackenzie is a Media Production and Design student at Carleton University. She illustrated and designed the care booklet and was the video editor for the interviews. Her favourite part of the project was playing in the park with the youth in Thunder Bay and getting dizzy on the play structures.
Habone is a Media Production and Design student at Carleton University. Her favourite part of the project was co-creating alongside the Indigenous youth, travelling to Thunder Bay, and connecting with them.
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