{"id":1397,"date":"2017-09-25T16:33:46","date_gmt":"2017-09-25T16:33:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/anfca.com\/?page_id=1397"},"modified":"2017-09-25T16:33:46","modified_gmt":"2017-09-25T16:33:46","slug":"1617-projects-alberta","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/anfca.com\/1617-projects-alberta\/","title":{"rendered":"16\/17 Projects \u2013 Alberta"},"content":{"rendered":"

Edmonton, Alberta, August 25, 2016\u2013 The Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association (ANFCA) has announced the results of the Call for Proposals for the 2016-17 Urban Partnerships Program, established under the Urban Aboriginal Strategy. Please see attached release\u00a0UP Press Release \u2013 UP 2016-17 Results<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

For projects supported by the 2016-17 Urban Partnerships Program funding allocation; projects occurring between August 1, 2016 \u2013 March 31, 2017:<\/em><\/p>\n

1. Athabasca Native Friendship Centre Society \u2013 Athabasca Aboriginal Youth Engagement \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>The Program will consist of engaging under resourced youth in the community of Athabasca by providing complimenting mental and physical health programming. This will be accomplished through our community\u2019s Teen Centre outreach, our Homework Help Club and The Rob Nash Project. All of the programs will address the mental health needs of aboriginal, under resourced youth in the community and will raise their sense of self worth through developing assets and self-esteem.<\/em><\/p>\n

2. Bonnyville Canadian Native Friendship Centre \u2013 <\/strong>Empowering our Youth \u2013<\/strong>\u00a0Empowering Our Youth is an immersive program designed to meet the needs of Aboriginal students by encompassing employable skills, fostering leadership, and promoting education. While working alongside multiple partners and with educational leaders, youth will engage in all aspects of starting your own business and running a social enterprise. With emphasis on mentoring, skill transfer and inclusion of Aboriginal culture, youth will exit the program with a certificate of completion and ready to tackle any challenges to their future success. Guided by the Medicine Wheel teachings, youth will engage in well-rounded activities designed to encourage self-esteem and to provide opportunities for them to make an impact in their community.<\/em><\/p>\n

3. SCyber E-Learning Commnity \u2013\u00a0Literacy and Numeracy E-Learning \u2013<\/strong>\u00a0The SCcyber E-Learning Community is a unique program that utilizes technology in its educational application and delivery to provide educational access for Aboriginal People and those of Aboriginal descent.\u00a0 This collaborative model allows SCcyber to work with Aboriginal, Inuit, Metis and people of Aboriginal descent within Calgary: within the structure of existing services providing educational access and support for students seeking literacy and numeracy programming.\u00a0 SCcyber is seeking an agreement for of these services to Urban Calgary for Numeracy levels 1-3 and Literacy levels 1-3, for students who require increased literacy and numeracy skills.\u00a0 This will allow learners to move towards academic upgrading or employment. Information sessions will be held on a regular basis to ensure those at high risk are being reached out to and engaged.<\/em><\/p>\n

4. Pathways Community Services Association \u2013 Iksokapi (\u201cit\u2019s all good\u201d in Blackfoot) \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>Iksokapi is a community program for comprehensive youth leadership development with urban Aboriginal youth.<\/em>\u00a0Iksokapi engages at-risk youth in wrap-around instruction, cohort support, mentorship, and connection to community in order to foster leadership and skill-building development.\u00a0 Weekly sessions are designed to enhance social competence and leadership skills while building Aboriginal cultural identity through involvement in Social Projects that connect youth with their interests, talents, and community networks.\u00a0 Within and outside of the weekly sessions, cohort members will build strong relationships with a coordinator who will help youth access ceremony and Elder supports, help with community referrals, help youth access recreational, life-skills, and volunteer opportunities, and ensure other needs of the youth are being met.\u00a0 Cohort members will choose an issue (Social Project) and design creative solutions for change through a self- and group-directed process within the overall structure of the program.\u00a0 Iksokapi targets Aboriginal youth (ages 13-20) who are living in the City of Calgary.<\/em><\/p>\n

5. Be Fit For Life (University of Calgary) \u2013 Building Strong Foundations \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>Building Strong Foundations is a project aimed at linking physical literacy and culture for Aboriginal children aged 0 \u2013 5, early childhood educators, childcare providers and parents. The project will involve the creation of a movement based children\u2019s book, lesson plans to support the development of physical literacy in a childcare or program environment, parent and family education around physical literacy, cultural training for BFFL Centre\u2019s and partner organizations and capacity building within the community to leverage partnerships between BFFL Centre\u2019s and the Aboriginal community.<\/em><\/p>\n

6. Metis Calgary Family Services Society \u2013 Cultural Connections for Aboriginal Youth \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>Urban Aboriginal youth are connected through relevant cultural experiences guiding a path chosen by the youth, in a safe, authentic environment of positive peers and cultural mentors.\u00a0 This opportunity instills real life living skills that are tuned to the dynamic the youth encounter daily in urban Calgary.\u00a0 This process addresses bias and systemic challenges faced by the youth while they embark on an enriched, urban aboriginal cultural path. This project engages youth but also involves families, community, and supported by ceremonial Elders.\u00a0 The project culminates with a showcase of the youths cultural accomplishments, reinforcing reconciliation that is fundamental to participation in the economy while strengthening educational pursuits for urban Aboriginal youth.<\/em><\/p>\n

7. Calgary Alpha House Society \u2013\u00a0Cultural Reconnection, A Year of Reconciliation \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>The purpose of this project is to build on and further develop\/enhance our Aboriginal Cultural program at Alpha House.\u00a0 Findings from our 2012 study (Alpha House and the University of Calgary) Understanding Cultural Safety: Traditional and Client Perspectives, (Thurston, Bird, Turner, Oelke, Ewenin, Fisher and Christiansen) recommended that funding bodies provide motivation and practical financial support for projects that help organizations move along the cultural competencies spectrum. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0We seek to build on these recommendations by expanding our cultural program in partnership with the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary (AFCC) and other community partners through the creation of a series of cultural camps and programs that support ongoing healing, recovery and a sense of community for our clients who struggle with addictions, mental health and homelessness.\u00a0 Fifty percent of the client base at Alpha House is of Aboriginal background. \u00a0The camps and programs would include components that have meaning for our clients; sharing in ceremony, prayers, smudging and sweat lodge practices have been key in supporting recovery and healing.<\/em><\/p>\n

8. John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights \u2013 Advancing Reconciliation in Education \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>Recognizing that Indigenous children continue to be disenfranchised and not effectively supported in the school system, the Advancing Reconciliation in Education Project will spearhead educational efforts towards reconciliation at a school based and catchment level. This will be done through capturing and empowering Indigenous student voice and building a strengthened awareness among teachers and administration of their responsibilities under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the United Nations\u2019 Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples\u2019 and the TRC Final Calls to Action. As a result of this project, teachers and administration will become responsive to the unaddressed needs of Indigenous students; young people will learn about and share their perspectives on the rights gaps that exist in education and identify concrete strategies for schools to shift their approach in working to support the rights of Indigenous students and address disenfranchisment.<\/em><\/p>\n

9. Aboriginal Learning Services\u00a0Edmonton Catholic Schools District No.7 \u2013\u00a0Bridging Futures \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>The Bridging Futures Project will enhance the capacity of urban Indigenous youth to be self-reliant by shifting attitudes and values that promote lifelong labour force attachment; transfer skills related to self-advocacy and navigating systems; healthy living; school attachment and bridging to work and post-secondary. Exposure to post-secondary and work experiences will broaden the horizon of future possibilities for participants while they discover their strengths, establish educational goals, build self-confidence and motivation needed to achieve their goals. Activities will empower youth to become leaders of character, vision and action by providing multi-component culturally based bridging experiences which will build on the award winning Braided Journeys Initiative currently being offered by Edmonton Catholic Schools.<\/em><\/p>\n

10. iHuman Youth Society \u2013\u00a0Authenticity Programming \u2013 Embedded Cultural and Mental Health Activities For Healing \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>The proposed<\/em> Authenticity Programming \u2013 Embedded Cultural and Mental Health Activities For Healing, project will offer urban Indigenous youth the opportunity to access mental health counselling, cultural and healing activities in nature that reconciles a young person to themselves and their community.\u00a0 A Director of Authenticity Programs will oversee the development of the project under our Indigenous Policy Framework.\u00a0 The youth identified that they need purposeful help with their overall well-being, especially their mental health, in order to progress and overcome fear and trauma associated with succeeding or accomplishing goals which put them on a path to participate in the economy.\u00a0 Youth are not as prepared as they hoped \u2013 old and new traumas triggered self-sabotaging behaviours, which hampered progress.\u00a0 Therefore this project will address these needs as identified by the youth during our TRC Recommendations Circle.<\/em><\/p>\n

11. West 6 Schools \u2013\u00a0West 6 Schools First Nations, M\u00e9tis and Inuit\u00a0Academic Achievement \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>First Nations, M\u00e9tis and Inuit kindergarten to grade 6 students attending the West 6 schools will be supported through the work of the Cultural Team, towards students\u2019 academic, familial, cultural and community needs. The program will link Indigenous youth, parents, and school administration with various school programs and community programs that provide solutions to barriers affecting participation in education and the economy, such as skills development and literacy. FNMI Liaisons, working with Elders, increase the level of awareness and appreciation of FNMI education and cultures within the school environment, providing assistance to children, families, teachers, and school administration, to better meet the social and cultural needs of the whole school community. Mentors and group programs through the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society provide students with community cultural supports that foster resilience through inclusive community activities based in First Nations, M\u00e9tis and Inuit cultural traditions, values and spirituality. The FNMI Liaisons, Bent Arrow Program Facilitators and Elders will work together in a collaborative community process, to develop supports that are better able to engage students and families in the West 6 schools\u2019 environments, working to close achievement gaps in the Edmonton Public School District between FNMI and non-FNMI students in Prince Charles School, Inglewood School, Belmead School, Brightview School, Athlone School and Sherwood School.<\/em><\/p>\n

12. Alberta Teachers\u2019 Association, Everactive Schools \u2013 Miyomahchihowin; In Good Health \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>To provide pathways for Edmonton Aboriginal Youth to skills and employment in good health.\u00a0<\/em>With a foundation of Dr Brokenleg\u2019s Circle of Courage and the 4 R\u2019s by Kirkness (Respect, Relevance, Responsibility and Reciprocity), Miyomahchihowin aims to listen to youth and develop skills and job creation in areas of sport, recreation, health and physical fitness, and will overcome barriers and challenges in seeking education, training and jobs.\u00a0\u00a0 Working with partners and future employers through social innovation labs, common issues will be addressed and will set a pathway for well-being and employment.<\/em><\/p>\n

13. InMotion Network \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>Find Your Passion, Fuel Your Passion, Teach Your Passion \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>The primary focus of this initiative is to increase the participation of Indigenous girls and women as participants, athletes, coaches, officials and leaders \u2013 raising the concept that lifelong participation may result not only in improved mental and physical health but sport can and does become a viable employment opportunity.\u00a0 The secondary focus of the initiative is to increase the interaction between mainstream sport participants and Indigenous girls and women, leading to a greater level of respect, acceptance, and inclusion thus offering a reduction to racism.\u00a0 Families of participants would have opportunities for increased interaction focusing on similarities rather than differences. Phase one consists of a 2 day sport weekend where all participants will be exposed to four \u00bd day sport specific workshops.\u00a0 Phase two is a 20-24 week sport specific training program chosen by the participants at the end of phase 1.\u00a0 Phase three is the identification and mentoring as apprentice coaches through to development as NCCP Community level coaches.<\/em><\/p>\n

14. Inuit Edmontonmiut Society \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>Ilinniaapa<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 To strive to learn it \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>Ilinniaapa \u2013 The Inuktitut language demonstrates the word, <\/em>ilinniaapa as meaning, \u201cto strive to learn it\u201d indicating a positive approach to education, and the determination to succeed and complete a task. <\/em>Illnniaapa is an Inuit-specific post-secondary progressive educational mentorship program dedicated to Inuit students attending university or technical institutions within the Edmonton Capital Region. This program is a multi-layered support system, whereby academic and culturally appropriate practices will be provided. The goal of this program is to maintain and increase Inuit student success rates and capacity building for their futures. Through the membership of <\/em>Inuit Edmontonmiut educational support will be provided to Inuk post-secondary students by offering to each student one-on-one tutoring, mentorship, Inuktitut language, culturally specific gatherings, food, and celebration as they transition into living within an urban context.<\/em><\/p>\n

15. Edson Friendship Centre \u2013 Supportive Pathways, Housing Plus Second Phase \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>This is the second phase of the Housing Plus+ program. The first successful phase centered on community engagement and establishing collaborative partnerships with other service providers\/programs in the area of service (Town of Edson and Yellowhead County area).<\/em>The second phase will focus on client services: case management via collaborative practice, finding and maintaining stable housing, education and connections to needed support services with emphasis on harm reduction and promoting healthy lifestyles.<\/em><\/p>\n

16. Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre \u2013\u00a0Fostering the Aboriginal Child and Youth Experience \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>This project will focus on the creation of a strengths-based approach to ensure aboriginal children and youth living in our community will have the support to reach their full life potential when they experience life circumstances that seriously challenge their social and emotional well-being.<\/em>It is well known that aboriginal children and youth have higher rates of substance abuse, teen pregnancy, suicide and health-related issues than mainstream children and youth.\u00a0 This initiative will provide safe, consistent and culturally tailored programming which will help aboriginal children and youth make connections at school, at home and in their community while engaging aboriginal and mainstream support and resource organizations in the community to work together to address the needs of our children and youth.<\/em><\/p>\n

17. Grande Prairie Friendship Centre<\/strong> \u2013\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>GPFC Youth Community Supports \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>Grande Prairie Friendship Centre Youth Community Supports will provide a circle of inclusive programming for Urban Indigenous young people, specifically supporting children and youth who are statistically shown to be at-risk. Youth will be contributors of the economy through leadership development, knowledge of community resources, increase awareness of cultural identity, connection to land, skill development, self-sufficiency through entrepreneurship, health knowledge and personal development and goal setting.The path of moving forward has been set as a result of the TRC and Calls for Actions. This project will create a circle of supports to wrap around our young people; helping them to understand their role in our future\u2019s history of healing, growth and health. \u00a0When appropriate, family activities will be planned, to allow for holistic programming that supports the family and community as a whole, while allowing for facilitation of individual growth and participation in the economy.<\/em><\/p>\n

Intergenerational mentorship will be available, also allowing for Elders to take their place across the fire from young people once again.\u00a0 This program will include Elders\u2019 teachings, healing art projects, cultural projects, life skills, and traditional teaching methods.<\/em><\/p>\n

18. High Level Native Friendship Centre Society \u2013 High Level Youth Reconciliation Project \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>Our project will be a collaborative, integrated project for Youth Reconciliation in the Town of High Level, Alberta. We will establish ourselves in positions that will be guided by the TRC 94 Recommendations with respect to reconciliation targeting the youth population. We have secured a major partner; The Town of High Level to integrate our existing programming and work as a collective with all youth in the community to share, educate, inspire, and bring awareness, education and provide opportunities so youth can benefit through growth and change as we walk together and focus on areas of cultural sensitivity to break the barriers that cause systemic racism, suicide, bullying and other factors that lead to truancy, attendance issues, and reduce high school drop-out rates for Aboriginal youth, we aspire to shift attitudes, behaviors, and values, so that youth are provided with opportunities to participate as equals in the economy.<\/em><\/p>\n

19. High Prairie Native Friendship Centre Society \u2013\u00a0Women\u2019s Healing Program\u00a0 (Victim to Survivor) \u2013 Paving the Road to Recovery \u2013\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>In partnership with local organizations and an Elder, we will provide a community-based project to assist both victimized women, and women living with low incomes, to rebuild and\/or improve their lives.Using a holistic approach and an Elder\u2019s teachings, the women will participate in a 6 week program to connect with their culture & heal using the \u201cSpirit of Seven Sacred Teachings\u201d, gain basic living skills, and have the opportunity to participate in numerous employment training activities and courses.\u00a0 The project will be available four times a year (4 Sessions), starting September 2016.\u00a0 The program will continue in November 2016, January 2017, and March 2017.<\/em><\/p>\n

20. Hinton Friendship Centre \u2013 Full Circle Transition \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>The philosophy of this project is to teach today for a healthy tomorrow. We will encompass the families of the community to make them stronger in mind, body, emotion, and spirit. We will assist them in preparing to work and provide balance in their medicine wheels in their family lives. The long term goal is to have these values passed on to their children so they can be balanced in their medicine wheel.<\/em><\/p>\n

21. Lac La Biche Canadian Native Friendship Centre Association \u2013\u00a0Indigenous Spirit Creations \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>The Lac La Biche Canadian Native Friendship Centre Association will develop Indigenous Spirit Creations, a for profit venture that will employ Indigenous people, strengthen partnerships within the community, support and promote local Indigenous artisans and revitalize traditional teachings and practices.\u00a0 A Project Developer will be employed on a full time basis to design, develop and implement a marketable cultural experience business plan creating potential opportunities for the organization within the hospitality and tourism industry.<\/em><\/p>\n

22. Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre \u2013 Stepping Forward \u2013 Employment Transitons \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>We will establish the Stepping Forward \u2013 Employment Transitions program which will provide an accessible urban Aboriginal employment services centre resulting in improved Aboriginal employment and retention rates.\u00a0 The Program will be reflective of individual needs and stages in job search process. Participants will experience a supportive, culturally appropriate environment in which to develop employability skills and establish community networks while transitioning into employment.\u00a0 We will provide work placement assistance and maintain follow-up coaching to increase participant success.<\/em><\/p>\n

23. Northwest Development Society \u2013 True North Youth Environmental Opportunity \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>Our proposal is geared towards assisting youth to gain skills that will benefit throughout their lives. Youth will have the ability to learn by field experience how to identify plants, trees, water and fish health, knowledge of flora and fauna in the Northwest Region of Alberta.\u00a0 Identify threats and changes to our way of life.\u00a0Northwest Development Society will provide knowledge and skills in environmental & Traditional Land Use by partnering with TransCanada, ACME, and Elders.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

24. Napi Friendship Association \u2013 Napi Youth Empowerment Group \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>The Napi Youth Empowerment Group (NYEG) will develop and implement programs that youth will have the necessary tools and skills to strive in the economy. These programs in the Empowerment Group are:<\/em><\/p>\n