What We're About

Who We Are

Finding Our Power Together is an Indigenous-led non-profit organization supporting Indigenous youth to access support and relationships that enable them to thrive. FOPT offers a variety of therapeutic and educational programs designed to develop community, increase capacity, and promote wholistic well-being. We started as a way to grow connections between Indigenous communities across Turtle Island to share a message of hope and solidarity, particularly to save our young people from preventable death. We collectively understand the value of bringing together young people and community members from various communities to share resources and maintain connection; we know we can find our power together.

Our Vision

We dream of a future where:

Indigenous youth are deeply connected to their cultural identity, enriched with knowledge, language, and ceremony.
Every young person feels an unshakeable commitment to life, anchored in their bonds with others, the land, and spirit.
Families, communities, and societies actively support the development of skills and talents in Indigenous youth.
Our youth recognize their intrinsic worth and belonging, confidently using their power to uplift others.

Our Mission

Our mission is to guide Indigenous youth in realizing their goals and accessing diverse supports. We achieve this by:

Fostering connections between Indigenous youth and mentors.
Incorporating traditional Indigenous practices and cultural teachings.
Enhancing social connectedness and resilience through counseling.
Offering training and skills development for practical learning and growth.
Celebrating Indigenous identity and promoting diverse Indigenous lifeways.

Our ultimate goal is to end preventable death by suicide in Indigenous communities and support our young people to thrive.

Our History

FOPT originated in 2016 as a grassroots initiative in Nibinamik First Nation, founded by Indigenous youth from Treaty 9 territory. Facing the heartbreak of suicide in their community, these youth collaborated with Ryerson University members to create a documentary, voicing their experiences of systemic discrimination and their resilient spirit of hope.

This film, marking our first major milestone, premiered in 2017 at Ryerson University, Toronto, uniting nearly 400 allies in a show of solidarity. Since then, we've expanded nationwide, offering various programs and adapting to online support during COVID-19, registered as a non-profit in May 2020.

Our journey gained momentum in 2017 with a pivotal community visit by the Nibinamik youth council. They produced a video to share their stories and extend support to peers grappling with suicidal ideation. This peer-support initiative was a beacon of help and solidarity.

Our Growth and Evolution

Since our inception in 2016, Finding Our Power Together has undergone significant transformation and growth. As we've moved into 2023, our journey has evolved from a grassroots initiative to a comprehensive service agency, deeply committed to the well-being and empowerment of Indigenous youth across Canada.

Our Evolution

Expanding Services: From our initial focus on community connection and documentary filmmaking, we have broadened our scope to include a wide range of mental health services, educational programs, and cultural mentorship.
Increasing Accessibility: Recognizing the diverse needs of Indigenous communities, we've adapted our delivery models to include both in-person and online services, ensuring greater accessibility and reach.
Strengthening Networks: We've built strong collaborations with Indigenous leaders, health professionals, and educators to enrich our programs and extend our impact.
Growing Community Impact: As we've expanded, our ability to touch more lives and communities has grown exponentially. We've seen an increase in the number of youths participating in our programs and a positive shift in their overall well-being and community engagement.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to grow, our commitment to our core mission remains unwavering. We strive to adapt, innovate, and respond to the changing needs of Indigenous youth. Our goal is to be a leading service agency that not only addresses the immediate needs of Indigenous youth but also empowers them to shape a hopeful, vibrant future.