Step Up 2025: See It. Share It. Celebrate It!
For more than 15 years, Dilico Anishinabek Family Care has led the Step Up Campaign across the District of Thunder Bay every October. The annual initiative aims to remind both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities that we all share the responsibility for the health, happiness, and well-being of children and youth.
What is a Step Up Kid?
A Step Up Kid is someone who’s making the community around them better in their own awesome way! Whether they’re helping friends, being kind, showing off their cool talents, sharing their culture, or doing something amazing in their community, a Step Up Kid goes above and beyond!
From JK to Grade 10, kids can be recognized as:
- Helpers: Kids who lend a hand, stand up for friends, or volunteer in their community.
- Leaders: Kids who guide others, whether in school, sports, or cultural activities.
- Dreamers: Kids who take on new challenges, creative projects, or excel academically.
- Changemakers: Kids who make a difference, raise awareness, or bring positive change to their communities.
The 2025 Step Up Kids Awards were presented to:
Bryar Solomon
8 years old- Claude E. Garton School
Bryar is full of energy and ready to take the lead, whether it’s on stage, on the basketball court, or with her Girl Guides troop. She dances, plays soccer in the summer, and somehow still finds time to volunteer,
most recently helping out at the Firefighters Thanksgiving Dinner. Bryar’s the first to cheer on her friends, step up for a challenge, and show others how it’s done.
Emmy Badanai
10 years old- St. Bernard School
You could say Emmy was born for the spotlight, literally! She’s been doing theatre since she was two, inspired by watching her parents bring shows to life behind the scenes. Now she performs, directs, and helps others shine too! Emmy volunteers with the Badanai Young Company, mentoring younger performers. She’s sung the national anthem at community events, performed in The Music Man at the Auditorium, and even shared the stage with Johnny Reid! She has also trained in New York for theatre school and is known for her big heart and bigger talent.
Eli Bannon
12 years old- C.D. Howe School
Eli lives and breathes football. He’s been playing for seven years and knows more stats than most adults! But what makes Eli stand out is how he shares that love with others, organizing friendly games at recess, showing classmates how fun the sport can be, and encouraging others to join the Thunder Bay Minor Football league. He’s all about teamwork, leadership, and giving everyone a chance to play.
Naomi Sagutch
12 years old- Kingsway Park School
Naomi’s the kind of person who makes you want to be kind. As a volunteer with Girl Guides, she helps organize activities for younger units, ran her own cookie drive, and even fundraised to attend Provincial Camp in 2025! She’s served soup at Shelter House, made blankets for kids overseas, and always makes sure everyone feels included. When she’s not volunteering, Naomi loves diving, crafting, and sewing beautiful pieces of cultural regalia that she’s incredibly proud of.
Cheyne West
13 years old- Ogden Community School
Cheyne is a Fancy Shawl dancer who beams with culture, confidence, and kindness. She creates her own ribbon skirts, loves beading, and is often found singing and drumming with her hand drum. She’s a helper to a drum carrier and dreams of becoming a singer-songwriter. At school, she volunteers to hand out food twice a week, represents her school at events, and is always the first to stand up for others. She attended the Mino Bimaadziiwin Leadership Camp this summer and participates in every school sport she can.
Brady Liddicoat
9 years old- Whitefish Valley School
Brady is a natural born leader both in and out of the classroom. He takes every responsibility seriously, whether he’s helping organize the Terry Fox Run and Walk for Wenjack or motivating his team on the field. Brady plays ultimate frisbee, soccer, football, and cross-country running, proving there’s no sport he won’t try! His positive attitude and love for movement make him an inspiration to his classmates.
Liz Enns
14 years old- St.Ignatius High School
Liz is a talented singer, actor, and pianist who brings a sparkle and empathy wherever she goes. She’s played lead roles in theatre productions like High School Musical JR and volunteers with the United Way and RFDA. Liz loves helping people, whether it’s chopping veggies and organizing food in the RFDA kitchen or standing up for those who can’t. Raised by a strong mom and inspired by her grandmother, Liz is learning early what independence and compassion truly mean.
Karter Robinson-Sagutcheway
7 years old- St. James School
Karter might be young, but his heart is huge! He’s the first to help out, take out the garbage on garbage day, and keep the house tidy without being asked. From recycling to cleaning up outside, Karter proves that leadership starts at home, with simple acts of care and responsibility that make a big difference.
Davina Johnson-Bouchard (DJ)
16 years old- Geraldton Composite High School
Davina, known to her friends as DJ, is all about lifting others up. She’s been a student ambassador at GCHS for four years, leading tours, mentoring new students, and even hosting panel discussions to help others feel welcome. Younger students often seek her out for advice, knowing she’s someone who listens. Her dream is to become an Ojibwe Language Teacher, and she’s already getting hands-on experience through her Coop as an Education Assistant in the Grade 9 Ojibwe class.
Trighten Wanakamik
St. Patrick’s High School
“Hello, beautiful people!” is the first thing you hear when Trighten walks into a room. Suddenly, it’s a little brighter; a little friendlier. His energy is nothing short of contagious. He is the thread that pulls loose
strings together by engaging anyone and everyone around him. It’s easy to see the leadership qualities he possesses by just observing his interactions with peers and staff. Despite the medical challenges Trighten has faced, his optimism is unbeatable. Trighten brings joy and enthusiasm to everything he takes part in, and helps others to do the same.
If you have concerns about a child, please call:
Dilico Anishinabek Family Care
Toll Free: 1-855-623-8511
(807) 623-8511
Emergency service 24 hours a day