Mino Maadziiying

"Mino Maadziiying" means "Living a Healthy Life" in Anishinaabemowin. Click below to download an audio recording explaining where this name came from and how to pronounce it, or read more about the name below.

About the Name

"Mino Maadziiying" means “Living a Healthy Life” in Anishinaabemowin and is the name of the gymnasium at The Steve & Sally Stavro Family YMCA.

This name is reflective of ancestral Indigenous teachings that are centered on four aspects of health: mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional. Indigenous Peoples have always maintained their well-being with their environments, and this space is intended to support community members in taking steps towards balance, wellness, and Mino Maadziiying.

The name of the gymnasium was suggested by Cynthia Bell, the Director of the ENAGB Indigenous Youth Agency. A relationship between the YMCA of Greater Toronto and the youth agency began after a generous donation from a donor family was put toward the new gymnasium at The Steve and Sally Stavro Family YMCA. Instead of naming the gym with a family name, our donors suggested an Indigenous term embodying community and wellness be used. With the ENAGB Indigenous Youth Agency’s east-end location near this centre of community, the YMCA of Greater Toronto took this great opportunity to reach out and have a conversation with Indigenous community members.