Programs

Aboriginal Community Justice Program

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to permanent criminal record(s) or incarceration;  once a client has completed successfully their charge(s) will be withdrawn (adult and youth)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

Aboriginal Culture Resource Centre - Windsor Site

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 Program

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

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 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

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

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.

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

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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 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

Dorothy Day Learning Centre

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.

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 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

Indigenous Homeward Bound - London Program

Indigenous Families First Program

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 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!

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

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 ….

Mental Health Support Program

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 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 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.