NorthWind’s Story

If you had met Bera and me (founders of NorthWind) twenty-five years ago, when we lived in an isolated First Nation’s community in British Columbia, or fifteen years ago while serving at Eagle’s Nest Ministry Centre in northern Alberta, or five years ago at Eagle’s Cove near Thunder Bay, Ontario, you would have heard a common thread. We longed to welcome Canadian Indigenous families, hurting from emotional wounds and trauma, into a safe environment where they could find hope in Christ and experience whole-life discipleship. We did not see the reality of that dream until recently, even though we witnessed transformed lives throughout those years.

We now have the ability, through obtaining relevant education, proper facilities, a Canadian charity and qualified staff, to operate our Family Strengthening Program. This program consists of a one-week intensive and ongoing follow-through support. The four components present in both parts are counselling, spiritual growth, LifeBuild, and land-based activities.

Today, this program runs consistently throughout the year at both NorthWind sites: Eagle’s Cove camp and the main counselling and ministry center in Thunder Bay. NorthWind includes other outlets for people searching for healing and hope. These include the Sunday Gathering, summer camps, counselling, LifeBuild, children and youth programs, retreats, Bible studies and the northern community Compass teams.