Strong Hearts, Strong Futures: Zoongizi Ode Leads with Compassion and Community at the Core

The Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is proud to spotlight Zoongizi Ode, this year’s featured non-profit organization at our Toys & Ties fundraising event on December 10. Zoongizi Ode, meaning ‘strong heart’ in Anishinaabemowin, is an organization offering support services for Indigenous youth and families in need.

The Story Behind Zoongizi Ode

For Zoongizi Ode, every step begins with intention. Even the organization’s name was received in ceremony. “Our name, Strong Heart, was chosen for us,” explains Mary Burton, the organization’s founder. “We asked an Elder in ceremony, offering tobacco, to find our new name. She spent hours discussing our purpose.” This spiritual foundation continues to shape the organization’s work, reflecting its commitment to healing and community-driven growth.

“We support our youth by being there for them,” says Burton. “If they need help with food, shelter, or advocacy, we’re there to offer help.” A recent milestone speaks volumes about the organization’s commitment to youth empowerment. One of their young board members is set to take on the role of Youth Manager while the current manager goes on maternity leave. “This is huge for the youth,” Burton shares proudly –– a tangible example of leadership development in action.

Three Pillars: Education, Advocacy, and Navigation

Zoongizi Ode’s approach centres around three interconnected pillars: education, advocacy, and system navigation. In education, the organization provides practical training to help community members navigate complex systems. Whether through Advocacy Training, Wahkotowin sessions, or Restorative Practices workshops, the goal is empowerment.

Advocacy is deeply personal at Zoongizi Ode. Staff members often walk with youth and families to meetings with child and family services, EIA, landlords, or schools to ensure that their voices are heard and respected. Finally, system navigation training helps community members understand how to elevate their concerns effectively, “that way, they know their voice will be heard.”

How You Can Support Strong Hearts in Action

For businesses and community members seeking to make a difference, there are many ways to support Zoongizi Ode’s impactful work. Each year, they host a Youth Suicide Prevention Conference, bringing together Indigenous businesses and youth role models who share their stories of resilience and success. Sponsors play a vital role in making this event possible.

The organization also leads community initiatives like the Backpack Campaign, which provides school supplies to families in need, and Holiday Hampers, which deliver meals and essentials to families during the winter season. “We always welcome donations —financial or in-kind,” says Burton “We’re also always looking for volunteers to help with advocacy and resources for our families and youth.”

Since its founding in 2014, Zoongizi Ode has grown from a grassroots effort into a cornerstone of Indigenous community support in Winnipeg. Remarkably, its leader worked without pay for the first eight years, driven purely by commitment to the mission and the people they serve.

As the ICC celebrates community and generosity at Toys & Ties this December, we honour the tireless dedication of organizations like Zoongizi Ode, whose work strengthens not just individuals but entire generations.