N'Amerind (London) Friendship Centre
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                  Programs

                  Aboriginal Comm. Justice 

                  Aboriginal Community Justice Program

                  Carmen Lewis, Coordinator
                  Jacquie Ninham-Reed, Assistant



                  The N’Amerind Aboriginal Community Justice Program (NACJP) is a post-charge diversion program within the London and area for Aboriginal people (Status, Non-Status, Métis and Inuit) who are in conflict with the law.  This program uses a holistic community based approach to the resolution of conflict and  social order.

                   

                  The NACJP has a complete understanding of the contemporary issues that face Aboriginal people and developed a directive that is grounded in cultural values and beliefs.  This program is designed to suit the needs of the local community and its people.


                  Program Goals:

                  · To encourage the offender to take responsibility for their actions;

                  · To teach offenders how their actions impact people involved;

                  · To administer healing circles for clients with the intention of helping the individual involved;

                  · To allow clients an alternative to permanent criminal record(s) or incarceration;  once a client has completed successfully their charge(s) will be withdrawn (adult and youth)

                  · To help reduce the rate of recidivism;

                  · To administer fair and equitable justice by the Aboriginal community for the accused and the victim;

                  · To acquire a greater responsibility and control over the administration of  justice within our communities;

                  · To better enable and empower the Aboriginal population to progress towards reconciliation and healing;

                  · To reflect and include the values of Aboriginal culture(s) within the Criminal  Justice System


                  How to apply for the NACJP:

                   

                  · Consult a lawyer or duty counsel to see if you qualify with your charge(s);

                  · The individual may fill out an application that is available at the N’Amerind Aboriginal Court Worker’s office located at the London Court House;

                  · Assistance with the application can be provided by NACJP staff, Aboriginal Court Workers and Duty/Defence counsel;

                  · The individual applying for the NACJP must accept responsibility for their actions that lead up to the charge(s);  individuals must agree to deal with the consequences of these events.

                  · If approved the client must attend a healing circle to develop a disposition/healing plan; 

                   

                   

                   



                  A.C.R.C (Windsor) 

                  Aboriginal Culture Resource Centre - Windsor Site

                  Wanda Nahdee, Family Support Coordinator
                  Jo Cross, Prenatal Coordinator (Interim)


                  Located in Windsor, Ontario this program provides support to families with children, ages 0 to 6 years, through provisions of holistic healing and preventive service.  Services are made in a cultural based manner that targets the preconception, prenatal, post-natal, infant, toddler and pre-school years of the child.   

                   



                  Aboriginal Family Support

                  Aboriginal Family Support Program

                  Jamilee Whiteye, Coordinator
                  June Smith, Assistant

                  Program Objective

                  The Family Support Program has been developed to attend to the needs of the parents of the community and their children. To add support and give guidance in the development stage of the children’s growth and stability. To Provide parents with a chance to get out and interact with parents with the same needs as themselves.


                  To share experiences, ideas, meet and give support


                  Family Support Program

                  • Literacy Programs
                  • Regalia Making
                  • Drop In Area
                  • Nobody’s Perfect Parenting
                  • Book Bag Bundles
                  • Arts and Crafts
                  • Cooking and Nutrition Classes
                  • Outreach
                  • Advocacy
                  • Special Outings and Events
                  • Traditional Teachings
                  • Life Skills Programming
                  • Safety Clinics
                  • Dental Workshops
                  • Children’s Pow-Wow

                  Day to Day Operations

                  The day-to-day operation of programs are for parents and their children 6 months to 6 years who are at risk. To ensure that children and family needs are supported through holistic healing, and preventive services. Culturally based programming which is targeted for toddler’s and the early developmental stages of their learning years as children

                   














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                  Apatisiwin

                  Apatisiwin Employment Program

                  Kristen Grosbeck, Coordinator


                  A Network of the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres  a part of the Government of Canada's Aboriginal Human Resources Development Strategy (AHRDS) which is designed to help Aboriginal people prepare for, obtain and keep jobs.

                   


                  Check us out on facebook



                  Aboriginal HB/HC

                  Aboriginal Healthy Babies/Healthy Children Program

                  Dawn Devoy, Coordinator


                  Objective

                  The AHBHC Program was created as a way to support families in celebrating and honouring new and young life in the Aboriginal community.

                  The AHBHC Program is a prevention and early intervention strategy of services for families with children prenatal to 6 years of age by Identifying the needs and strength of families.

                  The AHBHC Program workers are advocates  to Urban Aboriginal families and communities. They provide various services for example to name a few. Home visiting, transportation to doctors, dental or food bank appointments, connecting parents to valuable supports and resources in the community, providing referrals for various support services.

                   

                  The AHBHC Program is delivered trough the following components;

                  • Home visits
                  • Early identification
                  • Screening and assessments
                  • Family support plans
                  • Service coordination
                  • Referrals
                  • Participant based services
                  • Group activity through workshops and community events
                  • Networking
                  • Traditional programs and workshops
                  • Transportation needs
                  • Collaboration with other programs

                  Program Method

                  Client Based

                   1. Home Visiting:

                  Intake and information gathering; providing family support, information and education to the family; provide post-natal contact within 72 hours of return home; and recording  baby’s weight.

                   

                  2. Family Service Plan:

                  Intended to identify and build program/service  linkages; identify additional support and resources that may be required ; referring the client/family to  other screening services and support services.    Service Plans are reviewed and updated as required.

                   

                  3. Service Coordination:

                  Connect or linking the family to programs and   services to support baby/child healthy development.

                   

                  Participant Based Services

                  Activities are focused on individuals and groups. They are open to the community at large ex; moms, dads, grandparents, aunts and uncles after a intake process to become a participant of the program.

                   

                  Networking

                  These activities involve gathering information about and developing contacts with Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal organization's, services and their representatives to increase the client and family knowledge of support and access to these services.


                  Program Component

                  Preparing for Parenting and Care-giving

                  · Healthy relationship and sexuality

                  · Roles and responsibility

                  · Preparing for healthy pregnancy

                  · Explore options on birth               ex; hospital , home, natural,     birthing centre, etc.

                   

                  Prenatal Support

                  · Traditional teachings

                  · Pregnancy and Birth

                  · Resources and assistance

                  · Peer Support

                  · Building on & Supporting Family Strengths

                   

                  Postpartum Support

                  · Establishing contact/offering     services

                  · Nutrition and healthy eating

                  · Caring for infants and children  including extended family

                  · Emotional support for new Moms

                  · Programs and Services

                  · Referrals as needed

                   

                   

                   

                   

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                  Alcohol & Drug

                  Alcohol & Drug Program

                  Tracey Whiteye, Coordinator


                  Summary

                  The Aboriginal Alcohol & Drug workers programme is designed to offer support to those with alcohol, drug & addiction abuse issues and problems, as well as their families

                  We provide information and education to interested persons and other organizations.


                  The Aboriginal Alcohol & Drug worker  is  a certified red path facilitator, native mental health and addiction certified, plus over 15 years experience working and helping familes, individuals & communities.


                  Red Path Addiction Program

                  ·          Learn through traditional story telling

                  ·          Learn how addictions has affected all of aspects of your life (Mentally, Physically, Emotionally, Spiritually)

                  ·          Increase your awareness of addictive patterns

                  ·          Identify learned behaviors & recognize patterns

                  ·          Learning to build support systems, goal setting and practicing skills learned


                  Services Offered

                  Traditional family & individual counselling

                  One-on-one sessions

                  School information presentations

                  Liaison with other organizations

                  Red path addiction outpatient program

                  Family wellness sessions

                  Drug & alcohol information sessions

                  Gambling addictions counselling

                  Sweat lodge ceremonies, healing circles, sharing/talking circles

                  Aftercare planning

                  Visits on request


                  Objectives

                  • To provide support to clients an their families needs
                  • To make referrals to appropriate treatment centres as requested by the client
                  • To promote healthy alternatives to alcohol, drug, and solvent abuse
                  • To provide support group situations or self help groups to the urban aboriginal population
                  • To increase the sensitivity awareness of non-aboriginal service providers in the addiction field, as well the more generic health, social and correctional service systems to aboriginal culture and issues
                  • To provide aboriginal people with both the opportunity and information required to make healthier choices for both themselves as well as their families


                   

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                  Akwe:Go

                  Akwe:Go Program

                  Robin Miller, Coordinator

                  A recreational, cultural and education al activities for children 6—13 years of age provides van pick-up/take home service.  Parents/guardians are welcome to participate in this program.

                   

                  CPNP

                  Canadian Prenatal & Nutrition Program

                  Tanya Antone, Coordinator


                  The purpose of this program is to improved the health of Aboriginal mothers and their babies.  We offer a holistic and culturally sensitive prenatal and nutrition program with per/post natal information, food supplements/vouchers, transportation, support counseling, pre/post natal classes, scheduled drop-in times, special tours and outings, gift bags for newborns.

                  To provide support to clients and their families in need;

                  To provide healthy nutritional snacks and meals during programming;

                  To provide parenting classes;

                  To provide support using a variety of venues including referrals to agencies and home visits

                  To monitor the health and well being of the new born and mom;

                  To provide access to traditional healers, teachings and ceremonies;

                  To provide urban Aboriginal moms with the opportunity to receive accurate information so they may make  healthier choices for both themselves as well as their families.

                  The goal of the program is to improve the health of at risk Urban Aboriginal mothers and their babies up to six months of age. This is done in a holistic and culturally sensitive way.

                    

                  Support

                    - Pre-postnatal care

                    - Hospital visits

                  Referral

                    - Medical

                    - Housing

                    - Legal

                  Counseling

                    - One on one Sessions

                    - Support Group

                    - Information Presentations

                    - Traditional Family Wellness Sessions

                    - Substance Abuse Information Sessions

                    - Budgeting

                    - Life Skills

                    - Parenting Classes

                    - Cooking Classes

                  Recreational Activities

                    - Special Outings

                   


                  Check out our Facebook page for various updates and interesting articles

                   

                  Court Workers

                  Court Worker Program

                  Rachel Read-Baxter, Criminal Court Worker

                  Lloyd "Bucky" Ninham, Family Court Worker

                  Kristi Hendrick, Combined Court Worker

                  Family Court Work Program

                  Mission Statement

                  To assist the client: Families and individuals involved in child protection issues, separating couples, all persons involved in family court matters and Accused Person’s 12-17 years of age on the date of the offence not charged as an Adult under the Criminal Code of Canada


                  Objectives

                  •  To provide consistent and ongoing attendance in Family, Child Protection and Youth Bail Courts 

                  • To ensure that Aboriginal clientele receives unbiased treatment from the legal system 
                  • Ensuring relevant information comes to the attention of the judicial system 
                  • To explain to the client, the nature and meaning of any and all sanctions, conditions, and requirements

                    

                  Services Offered

                  • To assist upon request in the preparation of Plans of Care, Review of Custody, Affidavits, Case Conference, Mediation and Motions
                  • To provide equal services to both separating parties who are in the family court system
                  • To explain their legal rights and responsibilities to the court (i.e. right to obtain lawyer)

                    

                  Summary

                  The Family Court Worker program is designed to assist Aboriginal youth and families in contact with family, child protection and youth court to better understand their options, responsibilities and right when appearing before the courts.

                  As well to visit secure and open custody facilities and/or institutions to see Aboriginal clients in order to provide information and moral support.

                  The Family court worker is knowledgeable of and works with community agencies to make proper referrals to the clients.




                  Courtworkers provide services to all Native people who require them, in strict confidentiality.

                  · Courtworkers assist Native individuals by acting as a liaison between the individual and the court

                  · Courtworkers explain the court process, the reasons for their arrest, their legal rights and responsibilities regarding the charges against them.

                  · Courtworkers can assist with referrals to Lawyers and to Legal Aid if they cannot afford a lawyer

                  · Courtworkers work with officials of the court to ensure that an individual receives fair treatment

                  · Courtworkers can explain to an accused the meaning of decisions that the court may make regarding their detention before trial or release on bail, and explain any conditions imposed.

                   · Courtworkers can help prepare Pre-Sentence Reports to ensure that the background of a convicted Native person is properly presented.

                  · Courtworkers can explain to a person placed on probation what this means and what is expected.

                  · Courtworkers can work with community agencies to help the accused meet their immediate and long term needs and goals.

                  · Courtworkers can make contact with the area Native Inmate Liaison Officer if the accused is sentenced to a provincial institution or federal prison.

                  · Courtworkers can visit Native inmates in the jails in their area to provide information and moral support.

                  · Courtworkers assist victims of crime by explaining  the court process and making them feel less intimidated by the process, giving them moral support and basic counselling.


                  Courtworkers promote the Aboriginal Community Justice Program, assess if the client is eligible for the program and make referrals. They work with the program coordinator, lawyers and crown attorneys to better assist the client.

                  Although,  Native Courtworkers know about the law and the justice system, they are NOT lawyers.

                  Courtworkers do NOT supervise bail or probation, but they will make sure the accused understands exactly what the conditions mean.

                  Criminal Courtwork  and the Community

                  The main job of Native Courtworkers is the help Native people in conflict with the law. However, they also play an important and expanding role in their communities.

                   

                  · Courtworkers can explain to the family of an accused person or to the Native community the nature and meaning of the legal steps being taken against an accused person.

                  · Courtworkers can conduct public legal education workshops for the Native community.

                  · Courtworkers can aid in the development of preventative programs, to reduce the rate of crime in their communities.

                  Courtworkers can serve as resource people in training sessions for justice system officials, to help them better understand the culture, needs and aspirations of Native people.


                  Since the first Native Courtworkers began to attend courts in Ontario in the mid-1960’s, the program has developed the respect of law enforcement officials, the courts, and other related agencies. More importantly, however, is the Criminal Courtwork Program has earned the trust and gratitude of the many Native people who have been helped through difficult times by the patient dedication of a Native Courtworker



                  For More Information contact the Court workers at the London Courthouse  519-439-4104





                  Culture Resource

                  Culture Resources Program

                  Ron Hill, Coordinator


                  Program Goal

                   To provide increased access to culture based programs

                  And service delivery to urban Indigenous children, youth and families that fosters a strong sense of well being and positive Indigenous identity.

                   

                  Target

                   Indigenous children, youth & families

                   

                  Program Overview

                  The Cultural Resource Coordinator (CRC) is a single-worker program. The position has responsibility as the point person in the Friendship Centre who provides a consistent cultural framework across the Centre and programs. 

                  The position coordinates and supports all aspects of cultural knowledge transfer and planning within the Friendship Centre.

                   CRC provides or facilitates access to traditional teachings and ceremonies in a safe and acceptable environment and works with Elders and traditional people as needed, and using a prevention lens, to meet the needs of children, youth and families as a priority.

                  The CRC works to promote cultural awareness, safety and competency within the Friendship Centre and Friendship Centre communities. The Cultural Resource Coordinator may also provide language supports and culture based healing, which focuses on children, youth and family well-being, while supporting multi-generational healing and reconciliation. The Cultural Resource Coordinator will also liaise and advocate to/with other service providers and institutions as needed.


                  CRC Program Activities

                  Traditional Counselling, Talking, Teaching and Healing Circles

                  Participation in CAS case conferencing

                  Care for traditional and sacred items

                  Deliver traditional food education

                  Promotion of language restoration

                  Transmission of cultural knowledge

                  Connect with Elders and/or traditional resource people to conduct ceremonies

                  Support the planning of traditional dancing, singing, drumming, community and/or seasonal celebrations/feasts, traditional and social events

                  Coordinate culture/social nights and community feasts, Elder socials and Elder/senior appreciation activities and Elder/youth knowledge exchange /mentorship activities  Coordinate land-based activities, e.g. fishing, trapping etc.

                  Provide space and opportunities for traditional arts & crafting

                  Develop culture-based work plans

                  Work with local stakeholders within non-Indigenous community service organizations and institutions to promote cultural awareness

                  Create and maintain a trusted traditional knowledge/Elder resource/directory

                  Create and/or maintain organizational cultural competency, safety & cultural sustainability

                  One-to-One support and group programs

                  Goal oriented and strengths-based Action Plans

                   Partnership engagement, Referrals, Advocacy

                   

                  Program Objectives

                  To build upon the skills and knowledge within the Friendship Centre and Friendship Centre communities of local and traditional Indigenous ways of life

                  To facilitate increased access to culture and cultural knowledge within the Centre, with children, youth and families as the priority, and from a perspective that promotes healing and wellness

                  To ensure safe transmission of cultural knowledge for Friendship Centre communities

                  To promote a positive sense of Indigenous identity among children, youth and families

                  To foster connections to cultural knowledge and ways of being, both within the Friendship Centre and with the broader community from a perspective that promotes reconciliation

                   




                  Oneida Language Program

                  Ben Elijah, Instructor



                   

                  oneida language flyer

                  DDLC

                  Dorothy Day Learning Centre

                  Adrienna Antone, Coordinator


                  Key Task

                  This program is designed to realize the cross-cultural educational component of N’Amerind Friendship Centre mandate.


                  Role

                  To ensure the cultural component of the Friendship Centre is maintained and the effective dissemination and retrieval of current cultural resource material.

                   

                  Objectives

                   · To assist others with information, referral, research, workshops and/or speakers.

                  · To offer an accessible place to research issues pertaining primarily to Aboriginal People.

                  · Provide materials to help people understand the ways of Native Life.

                  · To assist individuals who desire an understanding of the past present and future of Aboriginal People in Canada.


                  Services

                   Cultural Development and Role Modeling

                   

                  Unique Services

                  · A Place for Socialization

                  · Aboriginal Teachings including Languages

                  · Aboriginal History

                  · Ceremonies

                  · Celebrations

                  · Expression through Arts, Dance, Music

                  · Aboriginal Food

                  · Storytelling

                  · Library with borrowing privileges

                   

                  Outreach Service

                  · Information Sharing

                  · Special Community Events

                  · Attendance at Local Gatherings

                   

                   

                  The Dorothy Day Learning Centre is equipped with desks, audio visual equipment.  Computers are available in the Learning Centre as well as in the Computer Lab.  To ensure equal access we request all material remain in the Learning Centre unless arrangements have been made and borrowed using the Borrowing Card available within the Learning Centre.

                   

                  We have available:

                  · Pamphlet

                  · Research Space

                  · Books (in Library, also book store)

                  · Newsletters



                  Dedication Information

                   

                  In recognition of the significance of volunteerism to N'Amerind's existence; And in memory of the most dedicated and long standing volunteer of N'Amerind's history; We officially commemorate and declare open the Dorothy Day Learning Centre named after the late Dorothy Day.

                   

                   

                   

                   

                  DDLC Window

                  Few of the Items we have for sale here at the Dorothy Day Learning Centre Craft/Supply Store located on the 2nd floor at N'Amerind





                  Below is a few of the items we have for sale


                  Beading Supplies - Beads, Thread, Needles, Sinew, Etc

                  Finished Products - Hoodies, Stained Glass, Music CDs, Necklaces, Scarfs, Leather Work , etc

                  Spirit Earth Holisitics - We carry some products from a local area soap making, lotions, oils, bath salts, thunder heat, etc


                  Come in and check it out or if you have items you wish to sell give us a call to put your stuff on consignment

                  Gladue

                  Gladue Writer Program

                  Denise Greaves, Coordinator

                  Section 718.2 of the Criminal Code of Canada states that:

                  “A court that imposes a sentence shall also take into consideration the following principles:...(e) all available sanctions other than imprisonment that are reasonable in the circumstances should be considered for all offenders, with particular attention to the circumstances of aboriginal offenders.”

                  The purpose of s.718.2(e) is to respond to the problem of over-incarceration in Canadian prisons and, in particular, to the disproportionate incarceration of aboriginal peoples.

                   

                  The goal of the N’Amerind Gladue Writer Programme is to produce reports that address the systemic factors which often play a part in bringing the specific offender before the courts and to highlight the types of sentencing approaches that might be appropriate to the offender because of his or her Aboriginal heritage.

                  However, the Gladue Report is not a means to reduce or lighten a sentence.  An appropriate sentence should reflect, but is not limited to, the gravity of the offence committed, the harm to the victim/community, and the degree of responsibility demonstrated by the offender. 

                  Therefore it must be fully understood that an offender may still receive a sentence of  incarceration if it is appropriate in the circumstances.         

                   

                  REFERRAL GUIDELINES

                   ELIGIBILITY:

                  1. Self-identify as an Aboriginal Person.

                  2. Either: have plead guilty to a criminal  code offence OR have been found to be guilty of committing a criminal code offence AND if incarceration of more than 120 days is expected.

                  PROCESS:

                  1. Either a judge, defence counsel or crown attorney can request the completion of a Gladue Report prior to sentencing.   

                  2. The completed Request form will be submitted to the N’Amerind Courtowrkers.

                  3. If eligible, the report will be completed on a timely basis.

                  4. Only cases that are in the London Courts will be eligible for a Gladue Report.



                   What We Know Gladue Is:

                  Gladue is a sentencing principle that acknowledges Aboriginal People face racism and systemic discrimination within the criminal justice system and in Canadian society in general .

                  It is a tool for analysis in implementing the remedy legislated by the Supreme Court of Canada to address the over-representation of Aboriginal people in custody.


                  What We Know Gladue IS NOT:

                  Gladue is not a get out of jail free card, or sentence-discount case!

                  All sentencing princples -denunciation, deterrence, rehabilitation, protection, reparation, and responsibility - still apply to all Aboriginal offenders.

                  The Gladue process does not mean that an Aboriginal offender should received a "race-based discount"   (gladue #9,p.54, lpeelee paras. 71 & 75)

                   



                  Gladue Aftercare Program

                  Sake Antone, Coordinator

                  Mission Statement:

                  The Gladue Aftercare Program will aim to provide supports to Indigenous peoples to create a plan of action following the recommendations as outlined in their Gladue Report. The Gladue Aftercare Program will coordinate and support all junctures of implementation and planning. Taking a holistic approach, the program will provide or facilitate access to services deemed necessary to meet the needs of the individual.


                  Program Objectives:

                  1. To build upon the plan and goals within the Gladue Report, proactively addressing the immediate needs of the individual, in addition to assisting with any underlying issues.

                  2. To facilitate increased access to services, both within the Friendship Centre and with the broader community.

                  3. Ongoing review of progress and support requirements of the Gladue Report action plan, identifying additional supports/resources that may be required.

                  4. To promote a positive sense of identity, in addressing underlying reasons for involvement with the criminal justice system


                  Whos Eligible?

                  Anyone having been the subject of a Gladue Report or the application of Gladue principles

                   


                  Indigenous Homeward Bound - London

                  Indigenous Homeward Bound - London Program

                  Lorie Arias, Coordinator

                  This program offers single mothers a complete college education and a professional internship to seek a career of their choice resulting in self-sufficiency and a chance to be a positive role model for their children and community

                   

                  Indigenous Families First

                  Indigenous Families First Program

                  Previously Community Liaison Program
                  Erica Lascelles, Worker
                  Judith Plain, Worker


                  The Indigenous Families First program - IFFP (formally known as Community Liaison program) was designed to address identified gaps in service for urban Indigenous families involved in the child welfare system. Staff work alongside clients during this time of crisis and psychological/emotional strain to provide assistance to parents/caregivers in promoting the well-being of the family unit. The objective of the program is to foster positive relationships within the family, as well as, work together in reuniting families, and keeping children in the home/family/community and out of foster care.

                   

                  Our staff assist families involved with the child welfare system by providing advocacy, guidance, support, as well as, addressing parenting issues which may result in CAS involvement. The IFFP offers a Traditional Parenting Program which includes cultural teachings in promoting healthy families.  We connect clients with a network of support services including children supports, justice services, shelters, addiction services, school programs, and mental health services.

                   

                  Through this program, we will be able to provide band rep support for urban community members from distant First Nations or First Nations who do not have band reps to service their urban members. Through a Band Council Resolution, we can provide the needed supports for the First Nation and their urban members involved in the child welfare system.

                   

                  The IFFP additionally facilitates a Supervised Access Visit program which provides a safe and supportive setting in a culturally promoting environment, where visits and exchanges between children and their non-custodial parent can take place under the supervision of trained staff.
                  *Please note, priority is given to families involved with CAS and under the discretion of the IFFP Worker. Current waitlist approximately 6-8 weeks.

                   

                  Services Offered:

                  ·         Advocacy and support for parents and families involved with the Children’s Aid Society and the child welfare system

                  ·         Attend CAS Home Visits and Family Court with Clients

                  ·         Supervised Access Visit Program

                  ·         Traditional Parenting Program

                  ·         To act on behalf of the First Nation under a BCR (Band Council Resolution) to provide Band Rep services for distant First Nations or First Nations who do not have band reps to service their urban members

                  ·         Internal and external referrals with community agencies and other N’Amerind programs

                  Indigenous Healing & Wellness

                  Indigenous Healing & Wellness Program

                  Michael Hopkins Sr, Coordinator


                  Ensures the healing and wellness needs of Aboriginal people are met, in order to reduce family violence through promotion of healthy lifestyles.  Culture-based programming and healing methods are provided.

                   

                  Kizhaay Anishnaabe Niin

                  Kizhaay Anishnaabe Niin Program

                  Jason George, Coordinator


                  At a time when violence is invading whole communities, Kizhaay Anishinaabe Niin reminds us that violence has never been an acceptable part of Indigenous culture.

                  The overall purpose of the Kizhaay Anishinaabe Niin program is to end all forms of violence.

                  Is a culturally relevant program that supports healthy relationships and promotes Indigenous identity. This is accomplished through one-on-one supports, group based services, participation activities, networking and partnership building!

                   

                  Program Objectives

                  1.  Improved self-esteem and sense of identity amongst Urban Indigenous men within the program!
                  2. Reduced instances of violence from men who have received program supports including those who were reintegrated into the community!
                  3. Reduced stigma around conversation on violence!
                  4. Increased collaboration between Friendship Centres and Delivery Sites, levels of government and other organizations to support efforts to reduce instances of violence!

                  Provides and/or Establishes

                  • One-to-One Peer Counselling to build and practice alternatives to violence!
                  • Peer leadership that establishes a network of support for participants

                  • Community engagement to end the silence and stigma surrounding violence!

                  • Community re-integration for individuals involved with the justice system!


                   

                   

                   Workers and facilitators embrace the “Seven Grandfathers’ Teachings” Wisdom; Love; Respect; Bravery; Honesty; Humility and Truth to work toward ending violence!  

                   

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                  Life Long Care

                  ife Long Care Program

                  Laurel Day, Coordinator

                  Joanne Doxtator, Care Support Worker


                  To provide culturally appropriate long term care needs to the Aboriginal people in the London Area

                  To assist aboriginal frail, vulnerable and at risk elderly, chronically ill or disabled people of any age to live independently and reach their highest potential for well being.

                  To ensure N’Amerind Life Long care Program is holistic in scope addressing the physical, mental,  emotional and spiritual needs of individuals, families and caregivers

                   

                  Life Long Care Program Overview

                   

                  Aboriginal Support Service:

                  Support is given to clients through information referrals, advocacy and assistance to access health care services within the local urban area and Aboriginal Community.

                   

                  Transportation:

                  Assistance is given to a client to attend medical appointments and N’Amerind life Long Care Friendship Centre Programs

                   

                  Congregate Dining:

                  A Support service that provides transportation , nutritious meals and social activity for clients

                   

                  Security Checks:

                  A Support Service which provides isolated clients with regular contact to check the health and safety of the client

                   

                  Friendly Visiting:

                  Visitations with isolated persons are provided in home, hospital  or nursing home

                   

                  Caregiver Support Services:

                  Counselling, Training Information, and Education is provided to assist and support the mental, emotional, spiritual and physical needs of the caregiver and client.

                   

                  Volunteer Hospice Visiting:

                  This support service is for individuals at the end stage of life or illness. The hospice visitor will provide support to the client and their caregivers, which includes bereavement support


                  Your Help Is Needed Be A Volunteer


                  The Life Long Care Program is always looking for volunteers. Do you Have:

                  * Excellent communication Skills?

                  * Are you a good listener?

                  * Knowledge of Traditional Teachings?

                  * Willing to share your native crafts ideas?


                  Volunteers are our most valuable resource. Please call and become a volunteer. Your assistance is needed to provide services to Life Long Care Clients in the following areas:

                  -Attendant to medical appointments

                  -Assist with meal preparations

                  -Cutting grass of shoveling snow

                  -Assisting with crafts

                  -Minor house repairs/renovations

                  And Much More ….

                   

                   

                   

                  Life Long Care Program
                  Life Long Care Program
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                  Life Long Care Program
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                  Mental Health Support

                  Mental Health Support Program

                  Ken Oliver, Coordinator

                  PROGRAM OVERVIEW & BACKGROUND

                   

                  The Mental Health Support Program was developed by the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, as a part of the Open Minds, Healthy Minds Strategy to improve Indigenous mental health and well-being. It is funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. The Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres designed Mental Health Support Program promotes a Good Mind through cultural-based mental health and supports. The program merges the existing Aboriginal Community and Mental Health and Aboriginal Alcohol and Drug Worker Program expanding the service of providing wholistic support.


                  PROGRAM GOAL  

                   
                  To strengthen a Good Mind and promote mental health and well-being for Urban Indigenous people.
                   
                  PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
                   
                  > To improve physical well-being for individuals and families through the promotion of lifestyles and activities.
                  >  To improve mental well-being using strengths-based approaches to achieve and maintain a good mind.
                  >  To support and improve individual and family emotional well-being and the ability to recognize and maintain healthy relationships, and ….
                  >  To improve access to cultural knowledge and activities that foster self-respect and identity.
                   
                  GENERAL DESCRIPTION
                   
                  The Mental Health Support Program provides wholistic and culture-based supports to be responsive to the needs of mental health and addictions for Urban Indigenous individuals and families.
                  The program implements trauma-informed and strengths-based cultural approaches to address community-based mental health and well-being concerns.
                  The Mental Health Support Program Coordinator delivers individual and group services including peer-counselling, sharing circles and other traditional and land-based activities that support the achievement of a Healthy Mind.


                  TARGET POPULATION

                  ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

                   

                  Indigenous people that self-identify as First Nations, Inuit or Metis seeking to recover from or affect a change in alcohol and drug use, mental health and/or gambling abuse lifestyle.

                   

                  One-on-one supports are intended for adults. Activities that promote a Good Mind and provide substance-free opportunities for community members and families to extend to all ages across the life cycle.

                   

                  Kanikuhliyo Support - COVID

                  Ka nikuhli yo (Good Mind) Support Covid Flyer.docx

                  Kanikuhliyo Support - Covid

                  Urban Aboriginal Healthy Living

                  Urban Aboriginal Healthy Living Program

                  Sandra Albert, Coordinator


                  About U.A.H.L. program

                  This program is to help support community members increase their physical activity levels and their over all healthy choices towards a well balanced life style.   The 4 target groups are children, youth, women, and seniors.

                  Are you interested in …….

                  ¨ Gaining more knowledge of healthy eating, traditional foods/diet, and healthy weight management.

                  ¨ Participating in organized sports activities, physical fitness and recreational activities.

                  ¨ Developing leadership skills through youth leadership programming and positive community activities or collecting community volunteer hours.  

                   

                  Although the U.A.H.L program has targeted programs there is also  a wide range of activities/event for the whole  community where you can participate in. 

                  Healthy eating and weight management is always available with information and referrals to help support your efforts and lifestyle changes.

                  Smoke Free support is also available to community members that are ready to seek out quitting options and find support people to help you make the right choice for you.

                  Annual events happen all throughout the year for the whole family such as Annual Community Picnic, Beach Day, Back to School BBQ, Halloween Costume Swap, Family Halloween Dance, and craft nights etc.

                  Keep an eye out for event flyers and posters.  There is always something fun happening!!!

                   

                  Target Groups

                  Children—Encourage daily physical activity and  healthy lifestyle habits early on is  important for childhood development. 

                  Youth— Discover their leadership skills and increase their physical activity levels.  Stimulate the body and mind that can help develop life skills and support them as our future leaders.

                  Women— Provide opportunity to connect with other women and to engage in some “stress-free” self care time an to encourage and support exercise as a healthy lifestyle habit.

                  Seniors—Regular activity can help maintain health and independence and prevent many health issues.

                   

                   

                   Empowering individuals to live a healthy active lifestyle one step at a time  

                   

                  Wasa Nabin Youth

                  Wasa Nabin Youth Program

                  Rochelle Cornelius, Coordinator


                  Specifically designed to provide culturally appropriate services and programs for at risk Aboriginal Youth aged 13-18.

                   

                  Wiingashk Alternative Secondary School

                  Wiingashk Alternative Secondary School Program

                  Joel Kennedy, Alternative Secondary School Program Coordinator

                  Matt Brown, TVDSB Alternative Education Teacher

                  Ingrid Barnes, TVDSB Alternative Educational Assistant


                  An alternative program offering Secondary School curriculum, also including Life Skills and Native cultural teachings  was designed to help encourage Native youth to continue with their education.  The Native counselor helps with their education, assists the native students attain their personal and educational goals. 

                   

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                  WORKING HOURS


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                  CONTACT US


                  tel: 519-672-0131


                  address: 260 Colborne St, London, ON N6B 2S6

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