Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Aboriginal Youth Internship Program

About:
The Aboriginal Youth Internship Program is a 12-month, paid internship ($1,564.13 Bi-weekly) for Aboriginal youth residing in BC. The interns are placed in provincial government ministries for nine months and then in Aboriginal organizations for the last three months of their internship. The program is designed to support Aboriginal youth in developing their leadership skills and encourage them to consider the BC Public Service or Aboriginal organizations as a place to pursue a rewarding career.

The program:


  • Mirrors the school year and runs annually from September to the following August

  • Provides professional experience

  • Provides leadership development

  • Provides cultural support

  • Provides a professional, cultural, and social network through the intern cohort
Eligibility:
Applicants must be:


  • Aboriginal (First Nations (status or non-status), Métis, Inuit)

  • Residing in BC

  • Age 29 or under as of September 5, 2011

  • Have a minimum Grade 12 education combined with work and volunteer experience
Deadline:
Applications must be received by Friday May 13th, 2011

For more information, or to apply go to:
http://employment.gov.bc.ca/Aboriginal_Youth_Internship_Program

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Excellent book - Hollow Tree: Fighting addiction with traditional native healing

Hollow Tree: Fighting addiction with traditional native healing
by Herb Nabigon


Hollow Tree tells the story of Herb Nabigon’s personal healing journey. The book begins with his life as a young child growing up in Pic Mobert First Nation and the time he spent attending residential school. His time in residential school left Herb feeling lost and disconnected, feelings that were compounded by the loss of his mother. After a period of time spent drifting from job to job, and numbing his pain under a veil of alcohol abuse, Herb began to be drawn back to his cultural and spiritual traditions. Many years spent exploring these traditions and teachings under the guidance of Elders helped Herb to recover from his alcohol addiction and discover a new way of understanding and valuing life.

This book is an excellent read. Herb discusses various teachings including Circle Teachings, the Sweatlodge, the Hub, the Medicine Wheel, the Pipe and the Medicines. Each teaching is woven so expertly into his story telling that you often don’t even notice the underlying lesson until you’ve finished reading. I sat down to flip through this book as a possible resource for my MA thesis, and ended up reading the entire book in one sitting! The book is an excellent resource on traditional healing practices, and also a poignant and often funny account of a personal healing journey. A truly inspirational story of honouring life - to be enjoyed and shared.

Herb Nabigon is an Elder from Pic River First Nation and is a member of the Loon Clan within the Ojibway Nation. He is also a Professor in the Native Human Services Social Work program at Laurentian University.

Herb's blog can be found at: http://www.eldersteachings.blogspot.com/ where he shares different teachings all aimed to help people know “minobimadiziwin” – the good life.

Child and Youth Mental Health Matters conference

May 6-8th, 2012
Vancouver, BC

This is very advanced notice, but looks like an excellent conference.
The organizers have combined three conferences into one:

The First National Parental Mental Health Conference,
The First International Young Carers Congress and
The Third International World Congress on Children of Parents with Mental Illness

Description:
This conference brings together an interdisciplinary group of professionals working in the field of mental health with young people and parents and other stakeholders to share knowledge and experiences related to child and youth mental health. There are three themes woven through the conferences: Parental Mental Health, Children of Parents with Mental Illness and Young Carers.

This first ever gathering of this nature will provide a forum for focusing on the needs of young people and families as they struggle with issues related to mental health concerns across the generations. The overall goal of the concurrent conferences is help us develop a common language and understanding of the needs of young people and families. By bringing together people from diverse backgrounds we hope to enrich our collecective knowledge of mental health
strategies, best practices and the latest research in order to improve outcomes for young people and families. Our goal is to create at the conference a community of practice that spans the three themes where we can each share our knowledge and support while we discuss areas of mutual interest and concern.

Conference Objectives
• To improve our understanding of mental health needs across the generations
• To examine how to engage professionals, young people and families in the development and implementation of prevention, early intervention and treatment strategies
• To examine what supports, activities and policies are needed to ensure that young people, families and professionals are supported in their struggles and challenges
• To provide a forum for networking and collaborating among mental health, health, criminal justice, education and child welfare practitioners, educators, researchers, policy makers, students, young people, families and other stakeholders with an interest in mental health issues across the generations
• To establish “Canadian communities of practice” for each theme area

For more information, please visit: http://www.interprofessional.ubc.ca/ChildandYouthMentalHealth.htm

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

New Relationship Trust BC First Nation Youth Grant Initiative 2011

The New Relationship Trust and the First Nation communities realize the importance of our youth. Accordingly, the NRT Board of Directors identified youth as a strategic priority. Our youth provide the key to a healthy and vital future. The ongoing support and participation of this group is essential to strong, healthy nations.

The New Relationship Trust allocated $250,000 for 2011 to assist British Columbia First Nation youth in their communities.

Who Can Apply?
The BC First Nations Youth Grant Initiative is available to all First Nation youth groups at the community level.

Maximum Initiative Contributions
The maximum amount available is $2,500 per First Nation/community.

Initiative Objectives
The purpose of this initiative is to provide incentive for First Nation youth groups to implement projects that promote capacity development.

For the purpose of this initiative, capacity building is defined as enhancing knowledge, abilities, skills and processes in such areas as:
􀂃 Leadership;
􀂃 Team building;
􀂃 Mentorship;
􀂃 Language & Culture;

Examples of Ineligible Expenses or Projects
1. Projects currently funded under another NRT initiative
2. Projects that have occurred prior to approval of application
3. Tuition, fees and school related costs
4. Administration costs
5. Honorariums


Deadline Date
Applications containing all required completed documents must be received at the New Relationship Trust office by 4:00 pm on Tuesday May 31, 2011. No exceptions.

Applications and proposals can be delivered by mail, fax, emailed or dropped off in person.
Only one application will be accepted per youth group/community.

Applications mailed to:
New Relationship Trust – BC First Nation Youth Grant Initiative
1008-100 Park Royal South
West Vancouver, BC V7T 1A2

Faxed to: 604-925-3348

or E-mailed to: ARose@nrtf.ca


Application Checklist (Please submit all documentation in application):
- Completed Application Form
- Short Description (attached/typed) how funding will build capacity, leadership and/or mentorship for British Columbia First Nation youth at the community level. Description should be no more than 2 pages.
- Budget breakdown of all expenses
- Provide description of project, information about BC First Nation youth group and how the project will benefit BC First Nations communities
- Letter of support from the local BC First Nation government

Approval / Evaluation Process
Applications will be reviewed by the Selection Committee and must meet all project requirements.

Reporting Requirements
If successful in your application, your youth group will be required to submit a final report with participant and all financial information. The name of a contact person is also required for follow-up at the completion of your funded project.

The narrative report will discuss how the youth built capacity and leadership in your community. Other materials, including pictures, participant and project evaluations are also encouraged, and may be published in the NRT Voices Newsletter.

For more information or to download the application package please go to: http://www.newrelationshiptrust.ca/funding/for-groups-organizations/youth-grants

The Alberta Aboriginal Youth Achievement Awards

The Alberta Aboriginal Youth Achievement Awards is once again looking for the best and brightest Alberta Métis, First Nations and Inuit youth. Nominate an outstanding young achiever in any one of six (6) junior or six (6) senior award categories. Winners will be announced September 23, 2011, at the Francis Winspear Centre in Edmonton.
Nominees must be Alberta Métis, First Nations or Inuit youth from 10 to 30 years of age. Join us in nominating and celebrating important new role models for today’s aboriginal youth. Nomination packages are now being mailed out to select individuals and organizations throughout Alberta.Nomination packages may also be submitted by any family member, organization, school, local official or individual from the nominee’s community. The deadline for submission is May 20, 2011. Download our free nominations package today.For more information, visit the web links posted above or call (780) 423-2237. Thank you!

(re-posted from http://www.nationtalk.ca/modules/news/article.php?storyid=41893)

Youth Employment Centre opens in Whitehorse

// naho // Posted in Aboriginal Health News

Whitehorse—Yukon youth will have a new resource to help them discover their career options, Education Minister Patrick Rouble and Skookum Jim Friendship Centre President Nelson Lepine announced today.

“The Department of Education is proud to partner with Skookum Jim Friendship Centre to help youth across Yukon identify the right career choice, and realize their full potential,” Rouble said. “This three-year pilot program will open doors through education and awareness.”

The Youth Employment Centre, located in the Skookum Jim Friendship Centre, will provide employment services such as career planning, counselling, work placements and mentorships for youth aged 16 to 30. The centre will also co-ordinate with community partners to offer training in life skills, resume writing, job search and interviewing skills.

“Together with our partners, we will offer youth an opportunity to pursue the career of their dreams,” Lepine said. “To our communities, we offer a growing, vibrant and untapped workforce made up of Yukon youth—youth who will have the opportunity to show our communities that they can be successful when provided the tools and support to pursue their dreams.”

A key component of this project is outreach. Career counsellors will actively seek out youth to talk with them about career plans and life skills training. In addition to providing services in Whitehorse, the centre has a mobile component to serve communities across Yukon. There will also be subsidies available for employers matched with youth who are seeking to gain on-the-job experience.

The Education department is providing $300,000 per year for three years; $100,000 from the Canada-Yukon Labour Market Agreement and $200,000 from the department’s Youth at Risk fund. The Canada-Yukon Labour Market Development Agreement provides funding to support people who are often excluded from the labour force, including First Nation people, older workers, youth, social assistance recipients and people with disabilities.

-30-

Contact:

Emily Younker
Cabinet Communications
867-633-7961
emily.younker@gov.yk.ca.

Michele Royle
Communications, Education
867-393-7102
michele.royle@gov.yk.ca.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

SaskTel Aboriginal Youth Awards of Excellence

The SaskTel Aboriginal Youth Awards of Excellence are a celebration of achievement by Saskatchewan Aboriginalyouth in ten categories:

1. Outstanding Achievement
2. Leadership
3. Education
4. Enterprise
5. Community Service
6. Culture
7. Sports and Recreation
8. Fine Art/Performing Arts
9. Technology/Science
10. Spirit



For more information on what is required in each of the categories, please see the website here.

Nominations for these awards are open to any youth who...

  • is of Aboriginal ancestry;
  • is between 13 and 19 years of age as of May 27, 2011;
  • is a resident of Saskatchewan; and
  • has demonstrated outstanding commitment and or ability in one of the nine award categories.

or any group that...

  • meets the above criteria.

Anyone can nominate a youth (except parents). But, each nomination must be supported by two references: community leader, educator or elder, not related to the youth. Also, youths can only be nominated in one category.

To nominate someone you must send in:

  • A completed nomination form.
  • Reasons for nominating this youth.
  • His or Her (or Group) accomplishments, in point form.
  • Two (2) letters of reference from, an elder, community leader, educator, coach (can not be related to the youth).
  • Nomination form filled in completely.
  • Nominee must complete and submit a 200 word autobiography explaining how he/she or group fit criteria of the particular award category. Also include goals, objectives, and beliefs, and reasons why you feel you deserve this award.
  • A 5x7 picture.

Note: All documents or pictures submitted will become property of the Wicihitowin Foundation and will not be returned. All documents or pictures must be submitted together at one time.

Mail, fax, or e-mail everything to:

SaskTel Aboriginal Youth Awards of Excellence
Attention:

Terry Bird
11th flr. 410 22nd Street East
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
S7K 1W8
Toll Free: 1-866-931-6205
Fax: (306) 931-5950
e-mail: aboriginal.youthawards@sasktel.sk.ca

Deadline for application is Midnight, April 8, 2011

Some helpful tips!
  • A youth can only be nominated in one category.
  • Give complete answers to all of the questions asked.
  • Provide lots of detail about the nominee and accomplishments.
  • Remember, the judges do not know the nominee yet.
  • The judges are most interested in personal sacrifice, determination, effort, commitment, attitude, demonstrations of leadership, sense of Aboriginal culture and language.
  • Past award winners are not eligible to be nominated.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Roots & Shoot for Aboriginal Youth Project Development Grants


Roots & Shoot for Aboriginal Youth Project

Development Grants

The Roots & Shoots team has witnessed the dedication and teamwork of groups who give back to their communities and has recently decided to assist groups in their achieving their objectives.

Roots & Shoots is pleased to announce that we will be offering small grants of up to $2000 for projects to be developed by First Nations, Inuit and Métis groups/communities who are part of the Roots & Shoots for Aboriginal Youth Program.

Made possible with the generous support of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, grants will be provided to groups who demonstrate an existing commitment to Roots & Shoots for Aboriginal Youth and express a clear plan for executing community action projects.

Criteria for consideration:

  • You are an existing Roots & Shoots member (If you are not a member please visit www.RootsandShoots.ca to join). Please note: applications will not be considered unless you are a member group.

  • You belong to a First Nations, Inuit or Métis group or organization (grants will not be provided to individuals).

  • Your projects will have a positive impact on a community issue related to people, animals or the environment. Preference will be given to projects that address more than one area of interest.

  • You have submitted a fully completed application form.

Deadline for submission:

Wednesday, March 23rd by 5 pm (Eastern Standard Time)

Reporting:

All grant recipients will be expected to submit a final report within 6 months and 10% of the grant will be withheld until the final report is received.

For more information and a copy of the application form, please contact the Aboriginal Project Coordinator, Tanya Muthusamipillai at: aboriginal@janegoodall.ca.

Aboriginal Youth Diversion Program Coordinator

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Aboriginal Youth Diversion Program Coordinator (full-time)

Are you a team player with a passion for working with Aboriginal youth? Do you thrive in a team environment where you are valued, challenged and supported? Are you ready for a role that will allow you to connect youth with culture and help them uphold the Seven Grandfather Teachings? Do you have experience working with youth who have been in conflict with the law? If so, then this opportunity is for you!

The Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health is an award-winning Health Access Centre that provides holistic primary health care to First Nation, Métis and Inuit people living in Ottawa - one of the fastest growing and diverse urban Aboriginal communities in Canada. Wabano is a fast-paced, client-oriented organization that models the Aboriginal values of balance, respect and community interdependence.

As an Aboriginal Frontline Worker with a post-secondary diploma or degree in a human services curriculum, combined with four years of social services experience with at-risk youth, we encourage you to consider this exceptional opportunity.

Purpose of Position
To assume a hands-on role in the development and implementation of a culturally-appropriate diversion and early intervention program for urban Aboriginal youth (aged 13-18), as well as assist in the diversion of youth and their families from the statutory child protection and youth justice systems.

For more information CLICK HERE!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Call for submissions to Young Aboriginal Women's Creative Essay contest! DEADLINE March 25, 2011

The Aboriginal Women's Leadership Circle for Women's Worlds 2011
invites young Aboriginal across Canada to submit their written,
artistic, or otherwise creative submissions to attend Women's Worlds
2011. We greatly value the participation of young Aboriginal women and
would like to hear directly from YOU about why you want to be there!

For contest guidelines and how to submit or contact: aboriginalyouth@womensworlds.ca

Deadline to submit: Friday March 25th, 2011

3 grand winners to be awarded an honorarium of $1,5000 (one young First Nation woman, one young Inuit woman and one young Métis woman) plus the
opportunity to present their essay at Women's Worlds 2011.

7 winners to be awarded an honorarium of $1000

This contest is in partnership with the Native Youth Sexual Health
Network to ensure direct Aboriginal youth leadership and engagement.

Monday, February 21, 2011

NWT Suicide Prevention Training Program in Inuvik

YELLOWKNIFE (February 18, 2011) - The recently revised NWT Suicide Prevention Training Program is being offered to residents in the Beaufort Delta who are interested in learning suicide prevention and intervention skills to help others.

The Department of Health and Social Services, in partnership with the NWT Suicide Prevention Steering Committee, will be offering the training program at the Gwich'in Wellness Camp outside of Inuvik from March 19 to 28, 2011.

The revised one-week curriculum will use Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, and will consist of three phases that are culturally-relevant and community-based. The first phase will be grieving and healing work, the second phase will be community asset mapping, and the third phase will be planning to help communities address the issue of suicide.

"Anyone with intervention skills can intervene and save a life, which is why the program is open to all residents - and not just mental health professionals," said Minister of Health and Social Services, Sandy Lee. "With this new training program, community members will have the skills to help fellow community members."

Through the NWT Suicide Prevention Training Program, healthy living and wellness is being promoted which is a key priority in the Department of Health and Social Services' A Foundation for Change and the Government of the Northwest Territories' goal of healthy, educated residents.

For more information, contact:

Damien Healy
Manager, Communications
Health and Social Services
Tel: (867) 920-8927

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Life or Death: Teen Suicide on American Indian Reservations


Posted: February 12, 2011 01:41 PM

Teen suicide is beyond what most of us can fathom. No parent should have to bury their children. I have done it in my films and even that much was emotionally uncomfortable and draining.

American Indian teens take their own lives at more than two times the rate of any other teen demographic in the USA, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of course, these numbers are just averages, so on certain reservations the suicide rate is exponentially higher. But calculating the numbers is easy. It's the reasons that are harder to fathom.

Read More

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Choose Life

Michael Short- February 14, 2011
The pain caused by the suicide of a young person is almost too terrible to imagine, certainly too terrible to be adequately described. Words so often elude us here. But we need to talk about youth suicide, not avoid it in the misguided belief that keeping it taboo somehow shelters people in difficulty from dangerous thoughts. Only through appropriate discussion can we cement the crucial concept that young people have many options - and suicide is not one of them.

Read More

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister announces new International Aboriginal Youth Internships (IAYI) initiative!!!

Ottawa, Ontario —Today, as part of CIDA’s International Development Week, the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, introduced a new opportunity for Aboriginal youth from across Canada to participate in international development through the new International Aboriginal Youth Internships (IAYI) initiative.

“The new International Aboriginal Youth Internships initiative is an exciting, new initiative that will bring a new experience to Canada’s Aboriginal youth,” said Minister Oda. “Their unique perspective and heritage will enhance our work in developing countries and enrich their opportunities to contribute to Canada’s efforts to bring a better life to those living in poverty around the world. I firmly believe that our government’s outreach to the Aboriginal youth in Canada in this way will open new doors in their futures.”

Through the IAYI initiative, each year 140 Canadian Aboriginal youth will have the opportunity to work in developing countries on Canadian-supported development projects with recognized organizations. This initiative will be supported with $10.5 million over five years.

In developing the initiative, CIDA consulted with national aboriginal organizations, including the Assembly of First Nations, the Native Women’s Association of Canada, and the Métis National Council, as well as with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Canadian Heritage.

The internships will be implemented by qualified Canadian organizations selected under CIDA’s new Global Citizens Program. Canadian organizations are invited to apply by submitting a proposal before April 7, 2011.

Office of the Minister of International Cooperation
Justin Broekema
Press Secretary
819-953-6238
or
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Media Relations Office
819-953-6534
media@acdi-cida.gc.ca

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Bill C-593, An Act respecting a National Strategy for Suicide Prevention

Megan Leslie, MP Halifax NS:

Each year over 3,500 Canadians die by suicide. That means 10 people die by suicide every day. No community goes untouched by suicide.

On the 5th of November I was honoured to introduce my Private Member's Bill C-593, An Act respecting a National Strategy for Suicide Prevention that will direct the Federal government to establish a national suicide prevention strategy, in consultation with the provincial, territorial and First Nations Governments.

Since that time this Bill has gained considerable momentum, and we have gained the support of many community allies, and with their help we have begun to bring more awareness to this issue that affects the lives of so many Canadians.

I am so proud of the progress this bill has made in such a short time but more needs to be done.

For your information below are links to the work that has been done on this bill to date, and should you wish to receive more information about this bill or would like to share any information please do not hesitate to be in touch with my office.

Check out the website!

Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health's new website

Check out the new Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health. There are lots of personal stories to help inspire hope across our country. There is also an opportunity to submit a video to end the stigma associated with mental health, with a chance to win $2500!!!!
Check it out!

Monday, February 7, 2011

Do It For Daron (D.I.F.D) Youth Mental Health Awareness Night

OTTAWA - Luke Richardson, the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health, the Sens Foundation and the Ottawa Senators announced today the creation of awareness and fundraising initiatives designed to inspire conversations about youth mental health.

In November 2010, Richardson’s daughter, Daron, 14, took her own life.

“We lost a beautiful daughter and sister,” said Luke Richardson, on behalf of his wife, Stephanie and 16-year-old daughter Morgan. “Daron was also a dear friend and teammate to many. She is sorely missed by all of us.”

“At that very tragic time in November we made the decision to speak publicly about suicide because we wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. We wanted to do what was best for Morgan, for the three of us to understand, to remember Daron and move forward.” added Richardson.
Read More

Health Minister Aglukkaq announces $2.4 million for Nunavut's troubled youth

By Jim Bell, Nunatsiaq News
QALUIT — Before an audience of about two dozen Iqaluit teenagers gathered inside a local youth centre, Leona Aglukkaq, the national health minister, on Friday announced a $2.4-million boost to a regional research program aimed at improving the mental health of Nunavut youth.

"As a northerner I have seen how difficult it can be for small or remote communities to deal with mental health issues affecting our young people," she said. "And it also pains me to say the suicide rate in Nunavut is highest among young people, and this has to change."


Read More

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Aboriginal Summer Student Program

Aboriginal Summer Student Program

Junior Research /Policy/ or Program Officer Positions

The First Nations and Inuit Health Branch of Health Canada (FNIHB), in partnership with several Aboriginal Organizations located in the National Capital Region (Ottawa, Gatineau and surrounding area), is seeking Aboriginal post-secondary students interested in program and policy related summer positions. This is a Aboriginal culture-based program. Successful applicants will participate in an orientation day and bi-weekly activities in an Aboriginal cultural setting.


Where?
Students will be placed at Health Canada in Ottawa or with participating National Aboriginal Organization in a substantive (non-clerical) position.

Qualifications for these positions include an interest in Aboriginal health issues, enrolment in policy related studies such as social work, nursing, political science, Aboriginal (Native *) affairs, law, ethics, economics, environment and other related faculties. Résumés or curriculum vitae should clearly show the applicant’s interest and aptitude in policy, research or program areas.

To be considered for these positions, students must self-identify as Aboriginal and must register with Public Service Commission - Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP). Qualified applicants will be placed on a list according to position criteria.


If you are interested in participating in the Aboriginal Summer Student Program, please register through the Public Service Commission at: http://jobs-emplois.gc.ca/fswep-pfete/index-eng.htm. Recommended deadline is February 15, 2011

For further information about ASSP, you may contact:
Louise Garrow
Phone: 613-946-0679
e-mail: Louise_Garrow@hc-sc.gc.ca

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Check out the new videos produced by the HLN this summer!!!

Take a look at the two documentaries the HLN was hard at work on over the last few months!!!

Thanks to a Healthy and Vibrant Communities grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, which was awarded to the Honouring Life Network in November of 2009 we were able to bring you these two amazing short documentaries focusing on some of the positive Aboriginal youth programming that is being offered across our country. We hope that by highlighting the efforts of these two different Ontario communities, that the feeling of hope for the future will spread through our youth and across our great nation.



Bimaadiziwin which can be translated from Ojibway to mean “Living in a Good Way”, highlights the efforts of Walpole Island First Nation and the Bkejwanong Youth Facility, and shows the positive changes community members have seen in the youth, and the community as a whole, since its establishment.

Songedamowin which is an Algonquin word meaning “Trust” or “To Trust”, focuses on the Wabano Health Centre, located in the urban centre of our nation's capital, Ottawa. The centre serves First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth in addition to children, families, elders and the community as a whole.








Tuesday, January 11, 2011

HLN How do YOU honour life?! Contest Winners

The votes have been tabulated... and the winners of this years suicide prevention contest, How do YOU honour life?!, have now been announced!!!

Multimedia:
1. First Place:
"Self Image” submitted by Melissa Ziehlike and Sandra Kritzer- Flin Flon MB

2.First Runner-up: “How I Honour Life” submitted by Brad Fyfe, Anthony Morrisseau, Dan Isham and Jessica Desrosiers- Fort Frances, ON

3. Second Runner-up: “Alice” submitted by Catherine Coe, Shawnna Goulet, Caitlyn Goulet, Mandy Goulet, Lavina Black, Chavannah Kochon, Kaiya Delorme, Kevin Betsina, Johnny Martin, and Tyanna Gofard- Yellowknives Dene First Nation (N'Dilo), NWT

Written:
1. First Place: “Honouring Life- Suicide Prevention” submitted by Krista Alec- Prince George, BC

2. First Runner-up:
What Does Honouring Life Mean to Me: “Voices” submitted by Robert Animikii Horton, Rainy River First Nations, ON


CHECK OUT THE WINNING SUBMISSIONS

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Aboriginal Peoples’ Program (APP) now accepting applications for the Cultural Connections for Aboriginal Youth (CCAY)

Aboriginal Peoples’ Program (APP) is now accepting applications for the Cultural Connections for Aboriginal Youth (CCAY) for specific projects for the 2011-2012 fiscal year. The CCAY supports culturally-focused, community-based, youth-led activities that connect Aboriginal youth aged 10-24 with their culture, build self-confidence and self-esteem, motivate them to make positive life choices, and to participate in Canadian society.


APPLICATION

Applications to the Cultural Connections for Aboriginal Youth must be postmarked no later than Monday, January 31, 2011 and sent to:

Department of Canadian Heritage
Aboriginal Peoples’ Program
Attn: Chantelle Favell-Rubenstahl
Suite 1630, 9700 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
T5J 4C3

Canadian Rangers Tackle Native Youth Suicide

(GLOBE AND MAIL, CHRISTIE BLATCHFORD )
"When one grows up in an institution," he told The Globe, "you don't learn about normal interactions and human relationships." He said that among survivors, "you never hear about affection, you never see them showing affection, and you probably know that children need constant reminders that they're important, that someone cares. I never hear that from residential school survivors." The publicizing of the suicide statistics, which NAN helped Statistics Canada gather, is part of what Grand Chief Beardy calls the organization's move toward greater transparency, as well as to create more awareness of how serious a problem suicide is for his people.

Article in its Entirety