Wellness Rooted
in Identity

Well Nation is a program rooted in Indigenous health and wellness intended to improve access to education and sports, fitness, and recreation opportunities in order to improve the overall well-being of Indigenous peoples and their communities.

Become a Wellness Warrior
Wellness

Core Components of the
Well Nation Program

The Well Nation program is designed to enhance Indigenous health and wellness through targeted initiatives. By focusing on resource development, active engagement, and the Wellness Warrior campaign, we aim to uplift communities across Ontario.

Resource Development

Empowering communities with culturally relevant tools and training, ISWO provides educational materials on nutrition, physical literacy, athlete development, coaching, and sport program delivery. Resources are tailored for all ages and designed to inspire confidence, build local capacity, and support self-determined paths to wellness.

Active Engagement & Training

This hands-on component brings wellness to life through training, peer support, and fitness experiences. With 28 hours of instruction and 8 weeks of community development, the Well Nation Fitness Program equips Indigenous youth and leaders with tools to lead healthier lives and spark long-term change in their communities.

Wellness Warrior Campaign

Celebrating Indigenous champions of wellness, ISWO spotlights everyday role models making positive choices for themselves and their communities. From elders to youth, the Wellness Warriors series inspires others through stories, videos, and cultural pride — amplifying Indigenous wellness across Turtle Island.

Become a Wellness Warrior

Empower your community by becoming a Wellness Warrior and promoting health and wellness initiatives.

Join Well NationNominate a Wellness Warrior
Well Nation

Indigenous Centric
Health and Well-Being

Well Nation ensures all of its programming is sustainable and provides customization options based on individual community needs, challenges and circumstances. By using Indigenous perspectives of health and wellness the program addresses physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of well being.

Celebrating Our Impact: Building Wellness Warriors since 2018

Since its inception, Well Nation has experienced remarkable growth and engagement. With over 1,800 members, our community is thriving, and our initiatives are making a real difference.

1,800+

New members in ISWO's online wellness membership since 2020 through a robust tech focused wellness strategy.

In-Person

Starting as an online initiative, Well Nation now has boots on the ground impact through training and on-site programming.

Empowerment

Tailored Programs for Community Wellness

Well Nation prioritizes sustainability and customization in its programming. We adapt our initiatives to meet the unique needs of each community.

Community Focus

Programs are shaped by community input for greater impact.

Sustainable Solutions

We ensure our initiatives are sustainable and adaptable to evolving community needs.

Submit a Hosting Bid
Become a funding partner

Funding Partners

Well Nation

Wellness is a Journey

The path to wellness is ongoing — shaped by tradition, strengthened by community, and driven by resilience. Well Nation began as a vision to support Indigenous-led health and wellness through access to sport, education, and culture.

2018

Well Nation Launched

As a legacy program of the 2018 Masters Indigenous Games, Well Nation was announced to celebrate Indigenous people making positive impacts in their lives and communities. The Games highlighted athletic achievements and cultural traditions, encouraging Indigenous adults to be active, connect, and serve as role models.

Learn More About Masters Indigenous Games

January 2021

Well Nation Hub Launch

Reaching over 1,800 members, the Well Nation Hub offers a digital vehicle for consistent engagement with the ISWO community and members across the province.

Download Well Nation App

March 2021

Well Nation Virtual Games

ISWO hosted the Well Nation Virtual Games in March of 2021, as a way to get families engaged and moving during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 400 people of all ages participated in the virtual event

2023

Initialized Women & Girls Fund

Sport is diverse but women and girls have been historically underserved. ISWO launched a new focus on Women and Girls programming to combat this disconnect offering both funding and educational conferences to build, sustain, and expand the voice of female athletes and wellness warriors inside of indigenous communities across Ontario.

Women & Girls Fund
Wellness

Think you have what it takes to be a Wellness Warrior?

The Wellness Warrior campaign inspires Indigenous individuals to embrace health and wellness. By fostering community engagement and dialogue, it promotes positive lifestyle changes.

A Legacy of Positive
Impact

Since its inception, the program has celebrated countless success stories. We are building stories and storytellers to spread wellness into the next generation.

Join the Movement for
Wellness

Become a part of the Wellness Warrior community today. Nominate yourself or a member of your community to become a Wellness Warrior.

Celebrating Indigenous Achievements in Health

By nominating a member of your community you are elevating their success and efforts to promote wellness. Celebrating wellness has a profound impact on our future.

Nominate a Wellness warrior

Upcoming Events

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Equipment & Leadership

Power 2 Play is a grant program developed by ISWO and funded by the Government of Ontario, which offers Indigenous communities up to $5,000 for sport equipment and an additional $1,000 for leadership initiatives in sport (i.e. coaching certifications, etc.).

$225K

Strengthening community bonds through active participation in wellness.

73

Customized programs addressing unique community health needs.

Learn More

Community Sports Fund

The Community Sport Fund (CSF) under ISWO’s Well Nation program boosts sport and recreation access, fostering community growth and reducing negative behaviours. It supports projects using sport for social change, enhancing wellness in Indigenous communities. Proposals should highlight culturally grounded activities. The CSF, backed by the Government of Canada, aims to make sport and wellness accessible to all, especially in remote and urban Indigenous areas with low participation.

Learn More

Northern & Remote Communities Recration Fund

The Community Sport Fund (CSF) under ISWO’s Well Nation program boosts sport and recreation access, fostering community growth and reducing negative behaviours. It supports projects using sport for social change and enhancing wellness in Indigenous communities. Proposals should highlight culturally grounded activities. The CSF, backed by the Government of Canada, aims to make sport and wellness accessible to all, especially in remote and urban Indigenous areas with low participation.

Learn More

Women & Girls Fund

Power 2 Play is a grant program developed by ISWO and funded by the Government of Ontario, which offers Indigenous communities up to $5,000 for sport equipment and an additional $1,000 for leadership initiatives in sport (i.e. coaching certifications, etc.).

Calling all warriors

At Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario (ISWO), we’re here to uplift Indigenous communities through sport, recreation, and wellness initiatives. Whether you're an athlete, community leader, educator, parent, or supporter, we're ready to help.

Here are a few ways we can work together:

  • An Elder who shares traditional knowledge on well-being
  • A youth starting a fitness journey and encouraging others
  • A community leader organizing land-based healing activities
  • A coach or athlete promoting physical and mental health
  • A parent, auntie, or uncle leading by example at home

Have a question? Reach out using the form — we’ll ensure it gets to the right team member.

Nominate a Wellness Warrior Today!
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latest updates

October 3, 2026

A Shared Vision for Play and Purpose: Ontario Soccer and ISWO unite to build a Lasting Pathway for Indigenous Youth

TORONTO, ON | SEPTEMBER 19, 2026 – While anchored by Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario’s (ISWO) five-year Spirit of the Pitch legacy initiative and Ontario Soccer’s current Strategic Plan Indigenous Futsal/Soccer initiative, the overarching goal of this landmark collaboration is the enduring, generational development of a sustainable soccer pathway for Indigenous youth and communities across the province. Marked by shared values, mutual respect, and a deep love for the beautiful game, Ontario Soccer has formally welcomed ISWO as an official Associate Member – an extraordinary honour that bridges grassroots community joy with provincial high-performance excellence. "This partnership reflects our shared commitment to growing the game in a way that is inclusive, respectful, and representative of the diverse communities we serve. By continuing to broaden and diversify our membership, we strengthen soccer across Ontario and create more meaningful opportunities for Indigenous youth, families, and communities to feel welcomed, supported, and connected through the sport." said Alan O'Brien, Chair, Board of Directors, Ontario Soccer. Guided by the spirit of Team 88 and directly advancing Call to Action #88, #89 and #90 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada – which calls for sustained athlete development, national initiatives, and systemic collaboration in Indigenous sport – this alliance unites both organizations under a common banner. Together, ISWO and Ontario Soccer are committed to creating welcoming environments where children can fall in love with play, communities are empowered, and systemic barriers are dismantled. "Being welcomed into Ontario Soccer as an Associate Member is both an incredible honour and a historic turning point," said Frank Horn, President of Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario. "At its core, this partnership is driven by a shared heart for the game and for the children, youth and c
6
Minute Read
Blog Post
October 3, 2026

Grants Available for Indigenous Sport and Recreation Programs in Ontario

Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario (ISWO) offers several grants for First Nation, Métis, and Inuit communities, organizations, and groups across Ontario to fund sport, recreation, wellness, and leadership programs. Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000 and cover equipment, community programming, improving women and girls' participation, and youth leadership development in urban, rural, and remote areas. What Types of Grants Does ISWO Offer? ISWO provides a range of targeted funding programs designed to break down barriers to sport and recreation in Indigenous communities across Ontario. Each grant serves a specific need, from equipment access to youth leadership, and all prioritize culturally grounded approaches to wellness. Here's a closer look at each one. How Can Communities Get Funding for Sport Equipment? Equipment costs are one of the most common barriers to sport participation, especially in remote communities. The Power 2 Play Equipment Grant addresses this directly by providing up to $5,000 in funding for equipment, or the option to request 10 to 15 sets of Bauer hockey equipment per applicant organization. Proposals that demonstrate how culturally grounded sport and physical activity opportunities can enhance overall wellness are strongly encouraged. Timeline: Accepting applications in the summer. What Funding Is Available for Remote and Rural Indigenous Communities? The Northern & Remote Communities Recreation Fund is designed specifically for remote and rural communities. It offers up to $10,000 for new, existing, or expanded projects that address community social development needs through sport, recreation, and physical activity. Like all ISWO programs, it prioritizes culturally grounded approaches that support overall wellness. Timeline: Accepting applications in the fall. Are There Grants Specifically for Indigenous Women and Girls in Sport? Yes. The Women & Girls Spo
5
Minute Read
Blog Post
October 3, 2026

Sport and Leadership Development

Sport can start as something you do, but it often becomes something that shapes who you are. For Indigenous youth, that transformation can be especially powerful. Beyond the competition, sport offers a space to grow, belong, and lead. From the Field to Everyday Life On the field of play, athletes build skills that extend far beyond the game. Youth learn how to communicate under pressure, how to work with different personalities, and how to stay focused when things get hard. Youth also learn accountability through showing up for your team, owning your mistakes, and putting in the work to get better. Leadership also shows up in the small moments: encouraging a teammate, helping someone learn a new skill, or setting the tone with a positive attitude. Over time, those habits build confidence and responsibility. That's why we say sport is more than competition. It can be a pathway from athlete to leader, with lessons youth carry into school, work, and community for the rest of their life. Building Confidence, One Day at a Time Confidence doesn't show up overnight. It's built every time a young person tries something new, keeps going, and realizes they can do hard things. That's exactly what Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario (ISWO) designs its sports camps to do. At an ISWO camp , youth set goals, practice, and see their progress in real time. Maybe it's learning a new skill, completing a challenging drill, or stepping into a scrimmage with courage. Those small wins add up and build a sense of believing in oneself that lasts. When things don't go according to plan, sport teaches resilience. Youth learn to bounce back, keep practicing, and try again. That lesson is just as valuable as any trophy. Leadership Starts Here Being part of a team builds confidence, too. Youth learn to communicate, support each other, and step
3
Minute Read
Blog Post
September 28, 2026

How Short-Term Paid Youth Training Improves Job Readiness

Eight weeks after finishing the Bridge to Employment job readiness program, participants are more confident, more connected, and more motivated to keep going.
3
Minute Read
Employment
October 3, 2026

A Shared Vision for Play and Purpose: Ontario Soccer and ISWO unite to build a Lasting Pathway for Indigenous Youth

TORONTO, ON | SEPTEMBER 19, 2026 – While anchored by Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario’s (ISWO) five-year Spirit of the Pitch legacy initiative and Ontario Soccer’s current Strategic Plan Indigenous Futsal/Soccer initiative, the overarching goal of this landmark collaboration is the enduring, generational development of a sustainable soccer pathway for Indigenous youth and communities across the province. Marked by shared values, mutual respect, and a deep love for the beautiful game, Ontario Soccer has formally welcomed ISWO as an official Associate Member – an extraordinary honour that bridges grassroots community joy with provincial high-performance excellence. "This partnership reflects our shared commitment to growing the game in a way that is inclusive, respectful, and representative of the diverse communities we serve. By continuing to broaden and diversify our membership, we strengthen soccer across Ontario and create more meaningful opportunities for Indigenous youth, families, and communities to feel welcomed, supported, and connected through the sport." said Alan O'Brien, Chair, Board of Directors, Ontario Soccer. Guided by the spirit of Team 88 and directly advancing Call to Action #88, #89 and #90 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada – which calls for sustained athlete development, national initiatives, and systemic collaboration in Indigenous sport – this alliance unites both organizations under a common banner. Together, ISWO and Ontario Soccer are committed to creating welcoming environments where children can fall in love with play, communities are empowered, and systemic barriers are dismantled. "Being welcomed into Ontario Soccer as an Associate Member is both an incredible honour and a historic turning point," said Frank Horn, President of Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario. "At its core, this partnership is driven by a shared heart for the game and for the children, youth and c
6
Minute Read
Blog Post
October 3, 2026

Grants Available for Indigenous Sport and Recreation Programs in Ontario

Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario (ISWO) offers several grants for First Nation, Métis, and Inuit communities, organizations, and groups across Ontario to fund sport, recreation, wellness, and leadership programs. Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000 and cover equipment, community programming, improving women and girls' participation, and youth leadership development in urban, rural, and remote areas. What Types of Grants Does ISWO Offer? ISWO provides a range of targeted funding programs designed to break down barriers to sport and recreation in Indigenous communities across Ontario. Each grant serves a specific need, from equipment access to youth leadership, and all prioritize culturally grounded approaches to wellness. Here's a closer look at each one. How Can Communities Get Funding for Sport Equipment? Equipment costs are one of the most common barriers to sport participation, especially in remote communities. The Power 2 Play Equipment Grant addresses this directly by providing up to $5,000 in funding for equipment, or the option to request 10 to 15 sets of Bauer hockey equipment per applicant organization. Proposals that demonstrate how culturally grounded sport and physical activity opportunities can enhance overall wellness are strongly encouraged. Timeline: Accepting applications in the summer. What Funding Is Available for Remote and Rural Indigenous Communities? The Northern & Remote Communities Recreation Fund is designed specifically for remote and rural communities. It offers up to $10,000 for new, existing, or expanded projects that address community social development needs through sport, recreation, and physical activity. Like all ISWO programs, it prioritizes culturally grounded approaches that support overall wellness. Timeline: Accepting applications in the fall. Are There Grants Specifically for Indigenous Women and Girls in Sport? Yes. The Women & Girls Spo
5
Minute Read
Blog Post
October 3, 2026

Sport and Leadership Development

Sport can start as something you do, but it often becomes something that shapes who you are. For Indigenous youth, that transformation can be especially powerful. Beyond the competition, sport offers a space to grow, belong, and lead. From the Field to Everyday Life On the field of play, athletes build skills that extend far beyond the game. Youth learn how to communicate under pressure, how to work with different personalities, and how to stay focused when things get hard. Youth also learn accountability through showing up for your team, owning your mistakes, and putting in the work to get better. Leadership also shows up in the small moments: encouraging a teammate, helping someone learn a new skill, or setting the tone with a positive attitude. Over time, those habits build confidence and responsibility. That's why we say sport is more than competition. It can be a pathway from athlete to leader, with lessons youth carry into school, work, and community for the rest of their life. Building Confidence, One Day at a Time Confidence doesn't show up overnight. It's built every time a young person tries something new, keeps going, and realizes they can do hard things. That's exactly what Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario (ISWO) designs its sports camps to do. At an ISWO camp , youth set goals, practice, and see their progress in real time. Maybe it's learning a new skill, completing a challenging drill, or stepping into a scrimmage with courage. Those small wins add up and build a sense of believing in oneself that lasts. When things don't go according to plan, sport teaches resilience. Youth learn to bounce back, keep practicing, and try again. That lesson is just as valuable as any trophy. Leadership Starts Here Being part of a team builds confidence, too. Youth learn to communicate, support each other, and step
3
Minute Read
Blog Post