The Fort Learning Community Opens This September

Courtenay, BC — For Brooke Young, founder of The Fort Learning Community, discovering her Métis heritage gave her a new sense of purpose and belonging. Raised in Courtenay, Brooke did not learn about her family's Indigenous roots until her grandfather began researching their family history during her teen years.

Learning about her heritage deepened Brooke's understanding of who she was and strengthened the values that had always guided her, including respect, reciprocity, connection to nature, and community. She immersed herself in Indigenous history and culture, found belonging in her school's Indigenous student space, and later focused her university studies on Education, First Nations Studies, and Psychology. Learning from the Pentlatch, E'iksan, Sahtloot, and Sasitla Peoples, the traditional keepers of the territory where The Fort operates, along with mentors at her local Friendship Centre and throughout her career as an Indigenous educator, has shaped her approach to teaching and community.

The inspiration for The Fort Learning Community grew from Brooke's experiences as both a teacher and her lived experience with neurodivergence. While navigating assessments and searching for meaningful supports for her own family, she realized many others were facing the same challenges.

"As both a parent and an educator, I saw how many families were struggling to find the right supports. I knew there had to be a better way."

Brooke envisioned a learning environment where relationships come before expectations and every child feels safe, understood, and valued.

"I created The Fort because I've seen what happens when children feel truly understood and families feel connected. My hope is to create a place where relationships come first, children grow with confidence, and everyone feels they belong."

Opening this September in Courtenay, The Fort Learning Community will offer supplemental programming for children with additional or alternative needs, ages five to twelve. Programs include daytime learning for homeschooling families, after-school social groups, caregiver circles and education, family events, and evening programs that provide meaningful social opportunities for children while giving parents time to recharge.

The business name was inspired by Brooke's son, who imagined a fort as a place of safety, connection, belonging, and fun. Guided by the First Peoples Principles of Learning, every program focuses on relationships, regulation, and felt safety before academic outcomes.

Bringing this vision to life required more than passion. With support from NEDC, Brooke developed a business plan, secured financing, and gained the confidence to launch her business.

"Starting a business can feel overwhelming, but NEDC helped me turn an idea into a plan. Their guidance, encouragement, and support gave me the confidence to move forward and create a space I know our community needs."

Today, Brooke is creating more than a learning centre. She is building a welcoming community where children are celebrated for who they are, families feel supported, and meaningful relationships come first.

Registration opens in August, with programs beginning in September.

In the meantime, follow The Fort Learning Community on Instagram for updates, behind-the-scenes progress, and registration announcements as Brooke prepares to welcome her first families this fall.