Forging Ahead Inc.

A BIG THANK YOU FROM FORGING AHEAD INC.! 🔨❤️

Forging Ahead Inc. would like to extend a huge thank you to the Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs and the Assistant Deputy Minister for taking the time to visit our shop on Friday, August 21st.

We are incredibly appreciative of the federal government's personal interest in seeing grassroots organizations like Forging Ahead develop and expand their missions to support veterans and first responders.

During the visit, we were proud to provide a blacksmithing demonstration and, more importantly, an opportunity for the Deputy Minister and Assistant Deputy Minister to speak directly with members of our Board and veterans who have participated in Forging Ahead programs. Hearing directly from those who have experienced the transition after service is an important part of understanding the challenges veterans face and how innovative programs can help.

🇨🇦 Forging Ahead is working toward a bold Canadian-first vision: creating a proactive mental health and skilled-trades campus in Manitoba where veterans and first responders can reconnect with purpose, develop skills, build relationships and continue moving forward.

Forging Ahead in our mission. 🔨

While you may not have been seeing much from us on social media lately, we can assure you that we have been working very hard behind the scenes on some major developments.

There is some exciting news coming that we simply aren't ready to announce publicly yet. 👀

We promise that as soon as all the details are finalized, we will have some BIG news to share.

Thank you again to Veterans Affairs Canada for taking the time to come see what we're building from the ground up.

Helping veterans and first responders — one hammer strike at a time. 🔨🇨🇦

Canadian Veterans Manitoba and Supporters Veteran Farmer Alberta

🔥 A Great Day at the Forge! 🔥

The team at Forging Ahead Inc. would like to extend a huge thank you to the members of the Fire Fighters of Winnipeg who joined us today for a day of blacksmithing, camaraderie, and hands-on learning.

Participants had the opportunity to spend time at the forge, learn new skills, and create some impressive rail spike knives while enjoying good conversation and a few laughs along the way. Days like these remind us of the value of bringing veterans and first responders together in a supportive, non-clinical environment where connection, creativity, and shared experiences can thrive.

We are always happy to host classes and events for veterans, first responders, and the organizations that support them.

A special thank you goes out to Brad and the incredible team at Spectrum Therapeutics for sponsoring this event. Their ongoing support has helped us provide meaningful opportunities for veterans and first responders to come together, learn new skills, and build lasting connections. We are truly grateful for their continued commitment to our mission.

Events like this are only possible because of the support of our partners, sponsors, volunteers, and participants who believe in what we are building together.

Thank you to everyone who attended. We look forward to seeing you back at the forge soon.

⚒️ Helping veterans and first responders — one hammer strike at a time. ⚒️

https://youtu.be/MC6WfvCI0z0?si=wDiFyRBveXyqh7Vh

Episode #362, How to FORGE a new path, Blacksmithing might be for you They discuss their careers, mental health, the importance of commun...

Big things are happening behind the scenes at Forging Ahead Inc.! 🔥🔨

The Board of Forging Ahead Inc. would like to give a huge thank you to the Manitoba Government — especially MLA Loiselle, MLA Corbett, and MLA Pankratz — for taking the time to meet with us and hear our 12-month briefing. 🤝🇨🇦

We’re proud to say… we met every goal we set this year. ✅
And this is just the beginning.

There are some truly exciting things coming down the line for veterans, first responders, and mental health support here in Manitoba — and we can’t wait to share more as things develop. 🚀

It means a lot to see elected officials taking the time to listen to advocates and support initiatives that are making a real difference on the ground. Conversations like these are how change starts. 👥

Even if you don’t always see us posting, just know — we are always working. Building partnerships, growing support, and laying the foundation for something big right here in Manitoba. 🛠️

Thank you to everyone who continues to support us on this journey — it truly means everything.

Every like, share, and follow helps us move this mission forward. 🙏

🔥 HUGE THANK YOU TO VETERANS ALLIANCE! 🔥

We would like to give a massive shoutout to Veterans Alliance for their incredibly generous $5,000 donation.

Because of their support, we’ve been able to:

✅ Attend the CIMVHR 2025 Forum
✅ Host multiple blacksmithing classes for veterans
✅ Keep the lights on and the forge burning in the shop

Their contribution directly impacts the veterans we serve and strengthens our mission every single day.

As we move forward with big plans — including our proposal to the Manitoba government in March 2026 — we never lose sight of the organizations that stand beside us and make this work possible.

To Veterans Alliance: thank you for believing in our mission. We look forward to many years of working together to support those who have served.

CALL FOR SUPPORT FROM OUR COMMUNITY 🇨🇦⚒️

Over the years, Forging Ahead Inc. has hosted many workshops, classes, and private sessions for veterans and first responders. We truly hope your time with us brought connection, purpose, and a sense of peace.

We are now at an important moment.

Forging Ahead Inc. is preparing a major funding proposal to the Government of Manitoba, scheduled to be presented in March. As part of this process, we are strengthening our proposal by securing partner support, private-sector interest, and letters of support that show real impact.

We are respectfully reaching out to our community for help.

👉 If you are a veteran or first responder who has attended any Forging Ahead event, class, or private session, and you had a positive experience, we would be grateful if you would consider providing:

A short impact statement, or

A letter of support describing your experience

These statements help show decision-makers that these programs are used, valued, and making a difference, alongside the organizational and private-sector support we are building.

Support can be brief and informal, and shared only with your permission. Every message helps.

📧 If you’re willing to contribute, please email:
[email protected]

Thank you to everyone who has supported, attended, and believed in Forging Ahead over the years. We are working hard to build something sustainable, veteran-driven, and rooted right here in Manitoba.
l Winnipeg Jets Winnipeg Blue Bombers The Veteran Farmer Alberta

Happy New Year and welcome to 2026!

Greetings to all veterans, first responders, blacksmiths, supporters, and everyone who follows our journey or is simply curious about what we do.

As we step into a new year, Forging Ahead Inc. is proud to reflect on a strong and meaningful 2025 — and we’re just getting started.

A few highlights from 2025:

We proudly awarded our first grant directly to a veteran, supporting healing and purpose through artistic blacksmithing

Hosted impactful forums and conversations focused on preventative mental health and community

Continued building strong connections across Canada, including collaboration with veteran-serving organizations

Deepened engagement and working relationships with members of the Manitoba Government, helping lay the groundwork for long-term growth and sustainability

While our philosophy has always been to move slow and steady with strong foundations, much of our work happens quietly behind the scenes — strengthening relationships, refining plans, and ensuring we’re building something that lasts.

As our first post of 2026, we’re excited to share that we recently met with MLA David Pankratz, MLA Shannon Corbett, and MLA Robert Loiselle, where we had the opportunity to provide an update on our 12-month path projection and discuss our bold vision for the future.
We are grateful for the warm welcome, open dialogue, and genuine interest in the work we are doing to support veterans and first responders living with PTSD and OSI.

This meeting is an important step in our 2026 and beyond strategy.

You may notice fewer public posts since our successful forum in Ottawa — rest assured, that’s because we are focused on developing a comprehensive information package for 2026, which we expect to complete and release in the first quarter of this year.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support, believe in, and stand beside Forging Ahead Inc.
We’re moving forward — together.

✨ CIMVHR 2025 — What an Experience! ✨

We would first like to thank our sponsors for helping us with this trip. Veteran Farm and Veterans Alliance, this trip would not have happened without you.

CIMVHR 2025 in Ottawa has officially wrapped up, and what an incredible four days it’s been. From presentations and networking to heartfelt conversations and shared stories — it was an experience that left us inspired, humbled, and deeply grateful.

Forging Ahead Inc. was proud to share our mission and connect with so many amazing people who are helping shape the future of veteran and first responder health. 💪

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Linna Tam-Seto, Dr. Stefan Schilling, and Dr. Henry Bowen for the incredible conversations and shared vision of connecting veterans and blacksmithing initiatives across the Commonwealth. Your passion for research and understanding the power of creation, community, and purpose is truly inspiring. 🔨🌍

We also want to thank the representatives from Edgewood Health Network, Homewood Health, True Patriot Love Foundation, Wounded Warriors Canada, and so many others who took the time to listen, share ideas, and show genuine interest in what we’re building here in Manitoba. Your support and encouragement mean the world to us. ❤️

As one researcher perfectly put it:

“We get into our heads and books too much — sometimes it’s needed for us to hear what’s happening at ground level to open our eyes.”

That’s exactly what Forging Ahead is about — real experiences, real people, real growth.
We’re beyond thankful to have been part of such an important gathering and can’t wait to see how these new partnerships and research collaborations evolve.

🔥 Big things are coming — and this is only the beginning.

Together, we’re forging something truly powerful. ⚒️

🚨 Big News from Forging Ahead Inc.! 🚨

We’re beyond grateful to announce that The Veteran Farmer is officially sponsoring our lodging for the 2025 CIMVHR Forum in Ottawa! 🙌🇨🇦

This incredible support means our founder can proudly represent Forging Ahead Inc. at CIMVHR, where groundbreaking mental health research for veterans & first responders will be shared. 💡🪖🚒

The Veteran Farmer is an amazing organization dedicated to supporting veterans & military personnel with wellness services, mental health resources, and community care—all at no cost. 🌱💚

This partnership helps us move one step closer to pioneering new treatments and healing opportunities through artistic blacksmithing and craftwork. 🔨🔥

A massive THANK YOU to The Veteran Farmer team for believing in our mission and investing in the future of veteran & first responder wellness. 🙏✨

True Patriot Love Foundation Wounded Warriors Canada Manitoba Government Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of TorontoSoldier On / Sans Limitescanada Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Manitoba The Winnipeg Foundation Winnipeg Police Service Winnipeg Military Family Resource Centre Veterans Affairs Canada Maritime Knife Supply Les Forges de Montreal Ryan Reynolds Terry Crews

🔥 What an incredible summer! 🔥

Forging Ahead Inc. was proud to partner with Soldier On to host four unforgettable Intro to Blacksmithing workshops right here in St. Adolphe, MB.

Over four 2-day sessions, veterans and CAF members stepped up to the forge, learned the fundamentals of blacksmithing, and transformed raw steel into meaningful works of art. 🔨⚒️

The energy, determination, and creativity in the shop was inspiring—and the feedback we received was outstanding. 💪

This was the first-ever Prairie Region Soldier On blacksmithing event, and we couldn’t be happier with its success. We look forward to bringing more opportunities like this to veterans and first responders in the future. 🙏