Learn About Us
What is Turtle Island Charity?
Turtle Island Charity is an Indigenous-led nonprofit organization all about empowering Indigenous youth in a ways both fun and meaningful. We focus on mental health, education, and cultural revitalization—starting with our first summer camp this year. But what makes us different? Many charities live by the saying, 'Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day.' We believe in ‘teaching a man to fish,’ equipping Indigenous youth with the confidence, skills, and cultural foundation to thrive for a lifetime.
At the heart of what we do is community care through community care. We work directly with Indigenous communities and youth to design programs that truly meet their needs—because real change only happens when those most affected are part of the solution.
While we keep things engaging and fun, we also take our work seriously. We run our programs with professionalism, a strong plan for growth, and a commitment to long-term impact. Right now, we’re fundraising to get things off the ground. Any support—from donations to sharing our mission—helps us make a lasting difference!
Our Mission
What We Do.
Addressing Mental Health
Generations of indigenous children were victimized by the Residential School system, leaving behind a history of trauma and pain that still has yet to fully heal. Turtle Island Charity recognizes this as one of the single biggest barriers to indigenous success. By addressing mental health issues openly and honestly, we aim to empower indigenous people with the tools to create success in their own lives.
Promoting Education
Education plays a critical role in personal and communal success. Our program is designed to address barriers that currently bar many indigenous people from completing secondary and post-secondary education. We provide opportunities and experiences that will increase enrollment in higher education and finally give our new generations the success they have long deserved.
Pushing for Reconciliation
The driving inspiration behind our mission stems from the Calls to Action outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
We recognize the damage caused by the Residential School system, and we believe that healing and success begins with meaningful reconciliation and change.
How We Work
Our Programs
Turtle Island Charity is committed to putting youth first. Our programs and educational opportunities have been designed with a youth-first mindset, working directly with Canadian reservations and Indigenous communities to create programs that provide fresh, fair, and fun opportunities for Indigenous youth and kids to explore their cultural heritage and embrace their own potential.
Summer Camps
Our Indigenous culture summer camps offer a welcoming space for fun and learning! With activities like sports, arts, music, and land-based traditions, we bring communities together to share knowledge and talents with the next generations of Indigenous youth. Teens and adults will develop valuable professional skills in leadership, budgeting, planning, and implementation.
Educational Tours
This dynamic one-week program introduces youth to post-secondary education, inspiring them to see what’s possible for their future. Participants will tour campuses, connect with academic counselors, and discover pathways to higher education. They’ll also meet successful Indigenous professionals from diverse fields, who will share their experiences and insights.
