Like every house, the kitchen of Spirit 5 is the heart of the home. On the wall is a large calendar that maps out the routine and schedule for each youth living there. The calendar is consulted and updated daily, so both the staff and the youth know what the day will hold.

Cooking with the youth also provides a deliberate space for conversation, says Youth Worker, Paul. “Their culture is important and we like to make meals using traditional Indigenous foods. It’s just one of many ways to help connect them to their culture.”

Dry meat, wild fish and game are sometimes brought in when available.

 “I try to combine what they want to eat with creating a healthy, balanced meal,” says Paul.

Life at Spirit 5 isn’t much different than any other household. Besides cooking and eating meals together there’s a lot of routines and recreational activities including soccer, dance, swimming lessons, and sporting events.

“A typical day is different every day,” says Paul. “But we try to have a routine because routines work. If things get disrupted, they get disorganized and that can cause anxiety.”

All five Spirit of Our Youth homes house First Nations, Metis or Inuit children and youth age 3 to 24.