Aaniin. Boozhoo. Emski Misgokwe ndizhnikaaz. Nbisiing ndoonjibaa. Waawaashkesh ndoodem. Niizh Manidowaag ndaaw. My name is Natasha Lariviere. Also, my spirit name is Strong Earth Woman. I am from Nbisiing Aka Nipissing First Nation. I am part of the deer clan. I am Two-Spirit, and my pronouns are she/her. I have been passionate about working with youth since I was a teenager. Growing up, I was always a part of the youth group at the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre. I then started attending high school at Nbisiing Secondary. They helped me learn about my culture and passion for helping others. After graduating there, I participated at the Indigenous Wellness Addiction Prevention program in 2011. I then graduated from Canadore College in 2015, receiving my Office Administration diploma. I graduated from the Social Service Worker program at George Brown College. I am working towards my Bachelor's Degree in Equity Diversity and Human Rights with a minor in Land-Based Anishnaabemowin Immerson.. I am the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Endaayaan Awejaa. I started this organization in memory of all my ancestors and loved ones who have passed on and for future generations. I also wanted to help our younger generation have a chance at a good life. Life isn't always easy, and there can be a lot of obstacles. Growing up in North Bay and Nipissing First Nation, I have met a lot of youth who have relocated for their education. Many of them were young and lived with family or alone. I felt that sometimes, our youth got overlooked when it came to housing support and mental health issues. We hope to open a youth home for those who may need a home, want support to start living independently and learn more about their gifts and culture. I love meeting new people and learning their stories. Through our organization, I hope to meet more of our younger generation and start helping them work towards their dreams. - Natasha Lariviere

My spirit name is White Lily, and I’m part of the Bear Clan. I am Swampy Cree (Omushkego & Eeyou), Two-Spirit, queer, neurodivergent, and in recovery. In my role as Programs Revenue & Crowdfunding Officer, I draw on both my lived experience and professional background to help grow and sustain initiatives that support Indigenous youth. My work focuses on creating meaningful partnerships, building trust in community, and securing funding through grassroots and systemic pathways. I’m passionate about making sure our programs are not only accessible – but deeply rooted in care, culture, and connection.

I’m a queer Métis writer and director based in North Bay, Ontario. Born in 1999, I moved to North Bay in 2017 to attend Canadore College – and I’ve called this community home ever since. As the Youth Programming Manager at Endaayaan Awejaa, I bring creativity, compassion, and collaboration into everything I do. I support the development and delivery of programs that empower Indigenous youth through storytelling, culture, and connection.

I am a Metis woman, who’s pronouns are she/her. I am a dedicated mother of 3 adult boys and 2 fur-babies. I am originally from a small French hamlet called Lafontaine (Georgian Bay area) and moved to the North Bay area in 2022. I graduated from the Indigenous Wellness and Addictions Prevention program at Canadore College in 2024. Currently, I am fast-tracking my diploma in Recreation and Leisure at Canadore, hoping to add this knowledge to my tool kit. I am looking forward to meeting everyone and am happy to be a contributing member of the team at Endaayaan Awejaa.

I am a strong Two-Spirit Indigenous person who is trying to navigate both paths in modern society. I am trying to learn the traditional ways and bring them back to life in today's society. As the Youth Housing Navigator at Endaayaan Awejaa, I support youth in finding safe and stable housing, while helping them access resources that honour both their needs and their identities. I walk alongside them with respect, care, and a commitment to cultural reconnection.

I am Cree from Constance Lake First Nation. I am an artist and I have a small-business that I am proud of to display my artwork on products that are available for people to purchase. I am a graduate of the Office Administration program at Canadore College and I enjoy spending my time in ceremony and on the land with my family in the community. I am a mother of two beautiful girls and I walk the Red Road in recovery by living the “good life” by using my bundle and the sacred medicines to guide me. I am happy to be a part of the Maamwi Bmosedaa Youth Social Enterprise helping youth to learn how to manage and be self-sustaining in their business endeavours.

North Bay has been my home since 2007, though my journey began in Winnipeg and Colorado Springs. I’m passionate about fitness, nutrition, the outdoors, and spending quality time with my friends and family. As the Fund Development Officer at Endaayaan Awejaa, I support our mission by building relationships with funders, managing grants, and helping secure resources that keep our programs thriving.