Indigenous Programs & Collaborations
Start2Finish is committed to meaningful collaboration with Indigenous communities across Turtle Island. Our work in Indigenous communities is guided by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action and grounded in a deep respect for Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and learning. We support the provision of culturally relevant programming and curriculum for school-aged First Nations, Métis and Inuit students, working to collaborate continuously and partner with Indigenous schools/boards to build programs aimed at improving education attainment levels and success rates. Within community outreach, we work with Indigenous Advisors as part of an Advisory Circle who oversee the development of our Indigenous relations and partnerships across Turtle Island.
We do not simply deliver programs to Indigenous communities — we co-create them with Indigenous partners, Elders, and advisors who guide our approach and ensure our work is culturally relevant and genuinely transformational.
How We Collaborate
Brainworx! Indigenous — Culturally responsive virtual and in-person after-school programming incorporating physical activity, literacy, social-emotional learning and land-based activities
Book Vending Machines — Provision of innovative “book vending machines” filled with culturally relevant books to partner schools and community centres, promoting Indigenous storytelling and literacy (APPLICATION PROCESS REQUIRED)
Curriculum Development — Collaborative development of program content based on the Seven Sacred Teachings, the Medicine Wheel, the Thirteen Moons, land-based learning, and other cultural frameworks
Well-Being Resources — Physical activity and social-emotional learning resources for Indigenous centres and schools
Our Approach: Culturally Responsive Program Building
Movement-Literacy Connection
Incorporating mind and body through meaningful movement and intentional storytelling
Medicine-Based Activities
Fostering connectivity between emotional, spiritual, physical, and mental well-being
Art-Based Activities
Incorporating visual mediums into literacy activities
Land-Based Activities
Integrating the Land and nature into movement activities
Our Guiding Principles
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Building trust with students, program leads, and communities through respect, humility, and transparency
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Working with the unique rhythms, strengths, and learning goals of each community
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Co-developing content that is relevant to unique cultures and local contexts
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Welcoming input from a wide range of sources
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Honouring students' full realities, including historical and social contexts
A Community Voice
"The worksheets Start2Finish has provided have been a great way to get the children in our after-school program talking about each Seven Grandfather Teaching. It has been great seeing the older children help the younger ones — this gives them the opportunity to be leaders and share their knowledge. This has been an amazing way of incorporating Indigenous culture into our after-school program."
— Courtney, Native Child & Family Services of Toronto
LIT Project
Book Vending Machines
One of the starkest realities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic was how few books many children have at home — especially in Indigenous and equity-deserving communities where school and library closures cut off access entirely.
Start2Finish's “LIT Project” features innovative book vending machines that address this gap directly. Placed in schools and community centres in both urban and on-reserve communities, each machine offers a selection of culturally relevant, age-appropriate books. Like “goodies” from a candy machine, children have the opportunity to choose one book per month — a book they get to take home and keep, building their own home library and fostering a love of reading that extends to their whole family.
Why It Matters
Books are more than reading practice — they are mirrors and windows. When children see themselves and their cultures reflected in literature, it builds identity, belonging, and pride. For Indigenous children and children from diverse communities, access to culturally relevant books is especially powerful.
"The best part was having my son engage in culture and seeing himself represented in literature. This has given him a sense of belonging. He reads not just to himself, but his little sisters.
Every child matters. Our stories matter."
— Skyla, LIT Project Recipient, Staff Member and Parent
*NOTE: We currently have a waiting list for book vending machines. Your application will be reviewed, however, the approval process may take up to 6 months. The submission of an application does not guarantee your participation in the program.