Born from a podcast. Carried by spirit. Grounded in kinship, culture, and movement
Building Kinship Ties Mentorship
The Building Kinship Ties (BKT) Mentorship Program is a relationship-based, Indigenous-led program delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Social Services. The program currently serves 20 Indigenous youth, providing consistent, one-to-one mentorship grounded in kinship, community connection, and care.
At the heart of Building Kinship Ties is Wâhkôhtowin—the understanding that relationships matter and that healing and growth happen through connection. The program supports youth by strengthening their ties to community, culture, and positive supports, while meeting them where they are at in their lives.
Through 1:1 mentorship, youth are supported by Indigenous mentors who bring lived experience, cultural knowledge, and strong community relationships. All mentors are Indigenous and have a deep understanding of the realities, systems, and challenges the youth are navigating. This allows mentorship to be rooted in trust, safety, and cultural relevance.
Building Kinship Ties integrates land-based education, movement and wellness, entrepreneurship, and life skills development. Youth participate in activities that support healthy lifestyles, confidence-building, and practical skill development, while also learning through hands-on experiences, cultural teachings, and connection to the land.
Programming is flexible and responsive, recognizing that each youth’s journey, needs, and strengths are different.
The program focuses on building protective factors by fostering belonging, accountability, and positive relationships. By connecting youth to community resources, cultural knowledge, and opportunities for growth, Building Kinship Ties supports youth in strengthening their sense of identity, stability, and future pathways.
Building Kinship Ties is more than a mentorship program—it is a commitment to walking alongside Indigenous youth, strengthening kinship systems, and creating space for youth to grow, lead, and thrive within their communities.
This website uses cookies.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.