KENORA — Treaty 3-area youth will now be able to access a horseback riding program all year long at Makate Waagamichiwanang Gakinaa’amaatiwin
The Kenora Chiefs Advisory, representing eight First Nations in a broad area of Northwestern Ontario, is receiving provincial support for an addition to its youth and <a href="https://lumeamara.online/?p=5831" title="The Gaia Hotel Bandung reinforces commitment to holistic family wellness through AWR 2026 – Quick Dispatch – The Jakarta Post”>family wellness camp near Kenora.
A $1.5 million investment by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation will facilitate the construction of an indoor equine riding arena
The camp already provides equine-assisted learning, allowing participants to work alongside horses to build life skills including communication, teamwork, leadership and problem-solving
The director of strategy and innovation for the Kenora Chiefs Advisory, Stefanie Bryant, said for many of the youth and children who attend the camp, time spent on the land with horses opens a door to confidence and healing in a way that traditional programming can’t
“This indoor riding arena will us to offer safe, culturally-grounded programming year-round, giving more young people across Treaty 3 the opportunity to feel supported, capable and connected, even in the coldest months,” she said
The facility will be semi-heated and insulated
The existing infrastructure includes stables, paddocks, riding trails, cabins, a mess hall, art studio, welcome centre and ceremonial spaces
The camp hosts culturally-grounded health and wellness programming for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants, and integrates treatment, culture, recreation and reconciliation initiatives
Greg Rickford, the MPP for Kenora-Rainy River, described the new arena as “truly magnificent.”
The minister of northern economic development, George Pirie, said the government is “pleased to support the expansion and improvement of important recreational assets so they can accommodate more people and continue to serve the community and local economy.”
