NorthWind Family Ministries

NorthWind Family Ministries (Business Registration Number: 791525090RR0001) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to providing safe and sacred spaces for Indigenous families and communities to find hope, healing, and belonging through holistic support and faith-based programs.

History and Mission

Founded by Bera and her partner, NorthWind Family Ministries originated from their experience living in an isolated First Nations community in British Columbia and later serving in ministry centers in northern Alberta and Ontario. The organization's core mission has been to welcome Canadian Indigenous families struggling with emotional wounds and trauma into a safe environment where they can experience whole-life discipleship and healing through Christian faith.

NorthWind operates with a long-term vision of strengthening families by embracing their stories and fostering community connection across geographic and cultural borders.[3][1]

Programs and Services

NorthWind Family Ministries offers a comprehensive Family Strengthening Program, which is structured as a one to three week intensive intervention followed by ongoing community support. The program emphasizes four key components:

• Counselling, including psychotherapy informed by attachment theory
• Spiritual growth and faith development
• LifeBuild, a trauma-informed life development and skills training program
• Expression activities, such as recreation and arts

These programs run year-round at two main sites: Eagle’s Cove camp and a counseling and ministry center in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The ministry also organizes additional offerings, including Sunday evening gatherings, summer camps, children and youth programs, retreats, Bible studies, and crisis response teams called Compass that serve northern communities.[3][4][1]

Community Impact and Partnerships

NorthWind Family Ministries focuses on creating a borderless community of hope and healing, particularly reaching northern and Indigenous communities facing complex challenges. The ministry's work includes outreach initiatives like play days and community gatherings, fostering strong relationships through compassionate service.

The organization partners with local groups, such as Cornerstone Church in Thunder Bay, to expand its reach and deepen its impact in the Northern Ontario region by working collaboratively on children’s programs, outreach, and supportive spaces for families.[5]

Legal Status

NorthWind Family Ministries is registered as a charity with the Canada Revenue Agency, holding the charitable registration number 791525090RR0001. This status endorses its compliance with regulatory requirements and enables donors to contribute with confidence, knowing their support advances the organization’s mission efficiently and transparently.[2]

NorthWind Family Ministries continues to serve as a vital resource for Indigenous families, providing healing, hope, and holistic care grounded in faith and community connection throughout Northern Ontario and beyond.