MIKE FRY:               Aboriginal Education: BANAC (Barrie and Are Native Advisory Circle)

1. Goals of the agency: BANAC's primary objective is to serve as a regional social health and planning organization functioning as an incubator of ideas in areas where a strong regional voice is needed. Their current initiatives include Aboriginal community development in the areas of child care, health planning, social development, and support to families.

2. BANAC has an Aboriginal Capacity Building circle that strives to bring the mainstream and Aboriginal systems together to develop strategies for system improvements. The goal is to identify and establish the conditions for cultural competency and safety within organizations. Also BANAC promotes on-going cooperation and resource development to meet Aboriginal Peoples needs.  They also develop protocols for consultation and issues as they affect Original Peoples and communities

3. TRAINING TO CREATE EQUITY, INCLUSION & AWARENESS: BANAC provides train-the-trainer programs that are designed to increase the learners’ skills, knowledge, attitudes, and values of the history, experiences and events which have influenced the relationship of Aboriginal people within Canadian society. The learner will: -Engage in activities which relate to historical and contemporary life styles of Aboriginal people. -Engage in experiential learning activities to further their understanding of Aboriginal culture and history. -Be provided reading materials and lectures to expand their knowledge base of the Original peoples cultures. -Explore attitudes and values as they relate to the Original Peoples experiences of historical events

4. HOW TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF BANAC'S SERVICES. Appointments can be made to attend in-class training sessions by calling their executive director Brenda Jackson. (Contact info available at www.banac.on.ca)

5. THE BEBMINOT FAMILY WELLNESS PROGRAM is provided by BANOC. This program is committed to developing and delivering programs that will promote healthy children and families in a safe and inclusive environment.