Annual Report
Wii Chiiwaakanak infographics 2024
Aniin,
Welcome to another look back on updates and proud moments for our Centre from 2024. Through our programs and events, we bring community to campus, help families and young people connect to Indigenous languages and culture, and light pathways to post-secondary for first generation students.
Thousands of youth and families come to the UÂ鶹´«Ã½ campus through our programs each year. Our drop-in powwow club – the largest in all of Â鶹´«Ã½ – has over 1,000 people registered and anywhere from 80-220 people attending each week. This year, our third annual STEM Days with Wii Chii was the biggest to date, hosting almost 1,000 Grades 3-8 youth on campus.
Our learning Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe language) I & II classes have over 100 people applying for each class. In the summer, our team bears witness to summer students who grow in their leadership ability, self-confidence, and help others to bring that out in themselves. They are supported through several layers of mentorship all while supporting our young campers in Indigenous STEAM camp.
All of this work is only possible through the support of external funders, donors, and the generosity of our community. Our largest donor has been a supporter for many years; the Kingfisher Foundation, whose generosity supports our powwow club and self-defense classes and has committed for two more years. Jen Roblin and Friends through the Tea for Wii Chii, in its tenth year, continue to be champions and help in supporting the costs of transportation and the nourishment we are able to provide to all youth in our programs. Solid support from the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ Foundation through the Duff Roblin dinner continues as well as connecting us with new donors like Mr. Gracie and Ms. Loxley.
— Angeline & Julie
