Sarnia-Lambton Native Friendship Centre: is a progressive Urban Native Centre dedicated to offer...
Sarnia-Lambton Native Friendship Centre: is a progressive Urban Native Centre dedicated to offering programs and services to enhance the quality of life for Native people
by Sara Finley
1. Vision/Goals
1.1. "The Creator has given Native people the gift to reach out to others and to value relationships. We will support all people to reach their potential."
1.2. "As the original people of Turtle Island (North America) we are naturally obligated to preserve and sustain or culture and heritage as passed down to us by the Creator, our ancestors and elders."
2. Equity, Inclusion, and Cultural Awareness
2.1. SLNFC works together with the community to make many resources, programs, and services available to urban aboriginal at-risk youth. This organization recognizes the need in our community to help these at risk youth and be the catalyst for change in their lives.
2.2. -"...will be a gathering place to socialize and access services that improve an individual's quality of life." -"..will create networks and develop partnerships to ensure urban Native issues are addressed in a sensitive and equitable manner." "Guiding Principles: Directors, Staff and volunteers of the Centre will be guided by the Seven Grandfather Teachings to fulfil its vision and mission through various services, programming and activities. The Seven Teachings Wisdom - To Cherish knowledge is to know Wisdom; Love - To Love is to know Peace; Respect - To Honour, all of creation is to have Respect; Bravery - Is to face the foe with Integrity; Honesty - Honesty in facing a situation to be Brave; Humility - Is to know yourself as aThe the sacred part of Creation; Truth - Is to Know all of these Things;"SLNFC believes... In the inherent values that form the foundation of the Friendship Centre: sharing, caring, kindness, and strength; That each individual is unique with individual strengths to build on; The family is the centre of the community; In working to create harmonious relations and partnerships with the non-Aboriginal community; In being accountable to the members and for effective programs and services; In providing a holistic and empowering environment guided by the Medicine Wheel Teaching.
3. Other Resources and Relevant Information
3.1. Native Youth Council: is a group of aboriginal youth that come together to develop leadership skills, create better programs and services for their peers, advocacy, explore and be a part of cultural gatherings, ceremonies, and training opportunities. Another great way for Urban youth to get involved in our community.
3.2. An urban native is a person who identifies having Native Ancestry (Status, Non status, Inuit or Metis) and does NOT reside on a First Nation.
4. Programs and Services
4.1. RED PATH- Child and Youth Life Skills Program (June 2016): The Akwe:go and Wasa-Nabin Coordinators are now trained to facilitate Red Path's Child and Youth Life Skills Program for our Urban Aboriginal Children and Youth.
4.1.1. Healthy Eating Active Living. The H.E.A.L program aims to enhance knowledge, skills and attitudes as youth work towards improving their health and reaching goals.
4.2. Wasa-Nabin is a self-development program for Urban Aboriginal. This program focuses on youth ages 13-18 who are at-risk for specific negative behaviours and outcomes as a result of their circumstances. The program will encompass traditional cultural teachings and values to encourage healthy lifestyle choices, foster responsible decision making and influence critical thinking.
4.2.1. Cultural Resource Program: is to help urban children, youth and families toconnect with their culture.
4.2.2. Akwe:go Student Nutrition Program is funded by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services. The program provides healthy snacks and meals during programming are possible with this additional support.