Help the HLN get to know you better!!

Hey HLN followers!! We are hoping to learn more about you guys, which will help us to serve you better!

We would love it if you could fill out a quick 5 question survey!!!
Thanks!!!

The HLN Team

SURVEY

Contest now closed

The "How do YOU honour life?!" contest is now closed. The HLN would like to thank everyone for the hard work they put into their submissions!! Stay tuned right here to the HLN's BLOG, and our Facebook Group page to see who the winners are!! We are hoping to have all submissions reviewed and winners named by the end of the month! Thanks again, and GOOD LUCK!

Bobby Orr supports program that gives aboriginal youth hockey equipment

“This partnership is all about investing in one of the biggest resources we have, and that’s our young people,” he said. “This is about investing in hope, investing in a better future for our young people, our children."

To read more,CHECK IT OUT

Gather your dreams and let your spirit guide you!

Check out this amazing opportunity for Aboriginal youth in and around the Edmonton area!!
For more information check out THIS LINK, and/or contact:
Roxanne Stonechild
Program Coordinator
Council of The Advancement of Native Development Officers
9635-45 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T6E 5Z8
780-990-0303
Email: Roxanne @edo.ca
Fax:780-429-7487

Only One Week Left!!!

You only have ONE week left to submit your entries to the HLN's How do YOU honour life contest! The deadline is December 10th at 5pm EST.Good luck!! If you have any questions feel free to get in touch with the HLN team by email at info@honouringlife.ca!!

Aboriginal Health and Intergenerational Relationships January 17, 2011 Sudbury, Ontario

Aboriginal Health Care has diverse traditional holistic healing methods, handed down from ancestors that are modeled on balance. However, intergenerational relationships have been disrupted in the past, upsetting the harmony of health care knowledge.

This conference will highlight current community-oriented programs and services working in partnership with the Aboriginal peoples. Learn how health care professionals are honouring Aboriginal values with Western models of care to reconnect that balance of knowledge. The goal is to improve the relationship between health and the Aboriginal people for a stronger tomorrow.

This conference will address a number of generational specific health issues dealing with all four elements; spirit, emotion, body and mind. Sacred knowledge from an Elder will begin the program and explore the latest challenges and developments in Aboriginal health care across the province. We will examine diversity and cultural continuity, the importance of developing healthy mental and physical well-being, the psychology of dependency and the health ramifications, and success stories because of adaptable local
initiatives.



For More Information>>

The Richardson family broke the suicide taboo

A reminder that although uncomfortable at times...it is better to talk about the suicide of loved ones, and the thoughts that some have of taking their own lives...than it is to not talk about them. What a great example this one Canadian family has set.

"Canada is a different country today from what it was two days ago, after a rare public memorial service for a teenage suicide victim – 5,600 people in Ottawa's professional hockey arena. Suicide, particularly the suicide of the young, is no longer the taboo it has been."


Read More>>

End Self Destruction in Nunavut!

A great article I stumbled upon while reading the Globe and Mail.

"It should not be the destiny of the Inuit to suffer the rest of their lives with astronomically high rates of suicide.

Without government intervention, however, this destructive trend cannot be reversed. The government of Nunavut is to be congratulated for its long-awaited suicide prevention strategy, tabled last week in the legislature."


Full Article >>

All I can say is that its about time!!!

OTTAWA – Megan Leslie, New Democrat Critic for Health, announced the introduction of legislation, 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.


READ MORE>>

CHECK IT OUT: Jesse Mike for President of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated!!!

PRESS RELEASE
Jesse Mike for President of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
November 3, 2010. Iqaluit, Nunavut.

Voters across Nunavut will be going to the polls
December 13, 2010 to elect a new President for Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. Voters
will also select from among candidates for the two Vice-President positions.
In past NTI elections, voter turnout has typically been low. “I started voting when I was
16”, Jesse Mike says. “...This was as soon as I was able to vote. I grew up hearing a lot
about things that were going on with Inuit organizations and that really helped me want to
contribute.”
Jesse has taken a leave of absence from her job in the Social Development Department
at NTI to pursue the position of President of the Land Claim Organization. “So many
people from across Nunavut were approaching me and encouraging me to run for
President. Our leadership needs to do more to address social issues and I want to bring
back the passion and the approach of putting people and communities first.”
Jesse completed Nunavut Sivuniksavut, where she learned about Inuit History and about
how the young leaders of the day fought to establish Inuit rights and negotiate the
Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
Jesse is no stranger at leadership tables. She has served, alongside Regional Land
Claims Organization Presidents, as a board member for Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. As past
President of the Embrace Life Council, Jesse supported the development of the Nunavut
Suicide Prevention Strategy, while overseeing programs and services which support
Nunavut communities and individuals. Her passion for sports and physical health
prompted her to help establish the Nunavut Star’s Hockey Camp. Speaking of her
leadership ability, Jesse says, “I have experience working with different levels of Boards
as well as grassroots movements and know that I am a capable leader.”
As President of NTI, Ms. Mike plans to bring back and strengthen the cooperative
approach which she feels is necessary to foster healthy relationships with governments,
Inuit organizations and others.
Jesse Mike’s Presidential Campaign priorities and platform are being developed in
partnership with a diverse team of individuals from across the territory. Nunavut
Beneficiaries, as well as others, are welcome and encouraged to contact Jesse and her
team to share their issues, concerns and questions.
For further information, or to share your opinions, please
email votejessemike@gmail.com or call Campaign Manager, Stacey Aglok MacDonald at
867.979.1973.
On December 13, be an instrument for positive change, and GO VOTE!

NEW FLASH!!! HLN CONTEST DATE EXTENDED!!!

The HLN is extending the date for entries into the "How do YOU honour Life?!" contest to December 10th 2010!!
So get your friends together and submit your entry today!!!!
For more information VISIT OUR SITE

NEWS: Nunavut- Everyone in Nunavut should fight suicide!!

New strategy recommends quality mental health services, better knowledge through research:

To reduce the territory’s shocking rates of suicide, Nunavut needs an “urgent, aggressive response” that brings together all levels of government, all organizations and all residents, a special working group recommends in a new suicide prevention strategy released last week.


Read more >>

Suicide prevention strategy tabled in the Legislative Assembly

Check out this exciting and encouraging news!!
If you are interested in obtaining a copy of the strategy feel free to email the HLN at info@honouringlife.ca.

CBC News
October 27, 2010

Nunavut’s long-awaited suicide prevention strategy was tabled yesterday in the Legislative Assembly. It’s the culmination of two years work looking within and around the world at the best way to prevent suicide. And it couldn’t come at a more critical time. Neville Crabbe reports.

In the words of the strategy, few people have experienced the scale of death by suicide that Nunavut Inuit have in the last 40 years, and the problem shows no sign of letting up. Two weeks ago the head of Nunavut RCMP said there’s been 26 suicides so far in 2010.

The Nunavut government is one of four groups involved in developing this strategy, and Tagak Curley is the Minister of Health.

“The thing is at least we now have a strategy. My role as a minister will be ensure that we have enough resources and support for our mental health workers.”

Curley says once an implementation plan is in place, the government could increase funding in that area. Jessie Mikeis with the Embrace Life Council and has been involved from the beginning.

“I’m happy it took the time that it did because it needed to be done well.”

The strategy promises to improve mental health services, equip youth with better coping skills, and support research on suicide. Quttiktuq MLA Ron Elliott says making change will require a commitment from all citizens.

“In terms of dealing with suicide within their family or within close relatives or with loss of friends. How will they be able to implement it?”

Coming up with an implementation plan could take months, but the strategy itself is a milestone on the way to reducing suicide in Nunavut.

Neville Crabbe, CBC News, Iqaluit

First Nations’ students supported by new life skills programs

New programs that teach positive lifestyle choices and build resistance to high-risk behaviours are being delivered to children and youth at Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation and Maskwacis Cree Communities. The programs are supported by $3.96 million in Safe Communities grant funding from the Alberta government over 3 years.

“Regardless of cultural backgrounds, it is important to reinforce healthy choices and self-esteem in early childhood,” said Gene Zwozdesky, Alberta Minister of Health and Wellness.


Read more >>

How do YOU Honour Life?!

We are one month into our How do YOU Honour Life suicide prevention and awareness contest and the HLN is still looking for some more awesome entries for all three categories:

1. Multimedia: this includes videos, songs, blogs etc.
2. Written: stories, poems, statements etc.
3. Visual: paintings, photos, sculptures etc.

If you do not know what category your entry belongs in, thats okay, the HLN staff will put it one that makes the most sense.

Your entries will represent creative expressions, experiences, thoughts and initiatives on how YOU honour life and approach suicide prevention and awareness in your communities.


The top five entries from each category will be showcased here on the HLN, while the winner from each will be awarded a Flip video camera!

Aboriginal children to get laptops

The Belinda Stronach Foundation is giving up to 5,000 laptops loaded with specialized software to children in aboriginal communities across Canada!!

The green-coloured XO laptop computers are the same as those built and distributed by One Laptop Per Child, an organization that estimates it has donated more than two million laptops worldwide.



Read more >>

Koostachin set fine example for Aboriginal youth to follow

It is heartening to be able to write about 15-year-old Shannen Koostachin and how she has become an inspiration to other Aboriginal youth who are trying to improve conditions in their communities by becoming politically active.

It's just so sad there is a tragic twist to that story.



Read more >>

HLN Contest 2010: How do YOU Honour Life?!

Thats right HLN's annual suicide prevention and awareness contest is back!! Only this year we are doing things a little differently!

The contest, entitled How do YOU Honour Life? is open to all First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth between the ages of 17 and 30.

The HLN wants to hear how YOU honour life, and is encouraging youth to submit an entry into one of three categories: multimedia, visual or written.

For more information go to the How do YOU Honour Life page

Think you've got what it takes?! Check it out!

Do you live in Edmonton... think you have what it takes to be a youth leader?! Well check it out!!!


Aboriginal youth interested in aquatics and leadership development are encouraged to apply to the Nîkânihew (Neek–An–I–Ew) program starting October 4, 2010.

Nîkânihew means “one who leads the way” in Cree. This Aboriginal Youth Leadership Program combines cultural teachings and guidance from Aboriginal elders with water safety education, first aid, CPR and leadership skills offered through the City of Edmonton.

Selected applicants will receive the following, valued at more than $1200:
•Monthly Edmonton Transit Service pass
•City of Edmonton leisure centre facility pass
•Program supplies and materials
•Light meal provided at each session

To participate in the program, you must be of Aboriginal ancestry, between the ages of 15 and 22, committed to attending the program each week, and have previous swimming experience.

Apply today to become a leader in your community.
Application deadline: Friday October 1, 2010
Program dates: Monday October 4, 2010 – Monday March 28, 2011
Time: 4:30 – 7:30pm
Location: Grand Trunk Fitness and Leisure Centre (13025 112 Street). The program will be moving to O’Leary Fitness & Leisure Center (8804 132 Avenue) in November.


For more information:
Brian Bowers
Telephone 780-886-2992
Fax 780-496-6909
Email brian.bowers@edmonton.ca.

Inaugural suicide walk teaches and soothes

The Honouring Life Network would like to congratulate those who participated in the Medicine Trail Walk for Life in Nova Scotia, mentioned in the below article. Thank you for raising awareness for suicide prevention in your community and also your country.

INDIAN BROOK: On Friday, a group of people began walking together. By Sunday, some of them had walked 250 kilometres, from Indian Brook to Eskasoni First Nation, through wind, rain, and sun.

The first Medicine Trail Walk for Life in Nova Scotia was held to raise awareness for suicide prevention, and to bring healing through 10 First Nations communities along the route. It was a re-creation of the Mi’kmaq ancestors’ ways of receiving medicines by travelling through communities to share knowledge, healing, and remedies.

Read more >>

Discussing suicide to save lives

WINNIPEG - Tim Wall thinks suicide, one of the most taboo subjects, should be everyone’s business. He’s not alone. Dozens of Manitobans gathered Friday, World Suicide Prevention Day, to lift the veil on the topic.


Read more >>

Manitoba's program has life-saving impact Province has 'moral duty' to help

More than two years after a wave of deaths in Shamattawa earned national attention, preliminary figures show the province's $8-million plan to combat aboriginal youth suicide might be having an effect.


Read more >>

World Suicide Prevention Day!

What an amazing day here in Ottawa, perfect to honour life and promote suicide prevntion and awareness...which is exactly what the Honouring Life Network did this afternoon while attending a world suicide prevention day event on Parliament Hill!!
Check out the PHOTOS EVEN MORE PHOTOS

World Suicide Prevention Day 2010

Check out this link for more information on tomorrows event hosted on Parliament Hill by National Inuit Youth Council, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, Inuit Tuttarvingat, The National Aboriginal Health Organization,Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and US The Honouring Life Network.

Friday September 10th is Suicide Prevention Day

TORONTO, Sept. 9 /CNW/ - Suicide will touch us all in some way, directly or indirectly, at some point in our lives. With approximately 4,000 Canadians dying by suicide in a one year period, surveys show a significant percentage of Canadians know someone who has attempted or has died by suicide.

Read more >>

World Suicide Prevention Day 2010

In honour of World Suicide Prevention Day tomorrow, September 10th 2010, the Honouring Life Network will be celebrating life together on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. If you happen to be in the area, come say hi and show your support for suicide prevention and awareness in Canada!

High aboriginal suicide rates prompt awareness walk

NDIAN BROOK: It takes around five hours to drive from Indian Brook to Eskasoni First Nation. One group will be embarking on the 250 km journey Sept. 10 – but they will do it on foot.

Chasity Meuse has walked across the country to spread awareness of suicide prevention in First Nations communities. For the past three years, she has served as a keynote speaker for the suicide prevention walk from Red Bank to Eel Ground First Nations in New Brunswick. This year, she felt compelled to start something in her own backyard, and so began the Medicine Trail Walk for Life.


Read more >>

HUGE Youth Job Opportunity!!!

Production Assistant

STATUS: Permanent, Full Time – 8 month contract
LOCATION: Iqaluit,
SUPERVISOR: Kath Clarida, Producer/Director Trainer
DATE: Sept, 2010

Summary of Duties:

Under the supervision of the Trainer and Producer Trainee, the Production Assistant will help research and produce television programs.

The Production Assistant duties are but are not limited to:

- Identify story and program ideas;
- Conduct preliminary research;
- Schedule guests and interviews;
- Act as script assistant on remote and studio shoots;
- Locate or create props, furnishings, and sets;
- Design and produce graphics (including digital);
- Assist in the use of marketing tools including social marketing(Facebook, YouTube, Twitter)
- Conduct interviews;
- Prepare tape transcripts;
- Write scripts;
- Host programs and segments;
- Log tapes;
- Paper-edit programs and segments;
- Edit Segments;
- Translate segments and or voice segments as needed;
- Act as floor director when required;
- Establish and maintain filing and record keeping system for programs.

This is exciting work and could lead to a FULL-TIME position after the 8 months if IBC/APTN likes whats been done!! The Production Assitant would work with the Producer/Director trainer for the project and will be working closely with the crew to have them take over the production.

If you or someone you know is interested contact Kath Clarida at:
kclarida@hotmail.com

We want YOUR stories!!

Hey Everyone!
The HLN is looking to add to our Personal Stories section... if you have a story of how you or your family or your community has been affected by suicide, or perhaps you or your family or your community are doing something to Honour Life ... then send it our way!!

Send your submissions to: eboudreau @ naho.ca

ETFO Pledges $225,000 over 5 Years to Aboriginal Summer Reading Camps

Lieutenant Governor’s initiative now reaching over 5,000 youth in 29 fly-in communities!"These programs are making a profound difference in inspiring and building the confidence of Aboriginal youth who live in Third World conditions.”

Read more >>

Need Help Getting Funding for Your Community Program?!

Well check it out!! Learn effective proposal writing techniques and valuable tips for writing a winning grant proposal!This in-depth, full-day workshop is designed for Aboriginal and not-for-profit professionals new to the grant-writing world as well for professionals looking to expand their grant-writing knowledge.

Read more >>

Youth Grant

For 2010, the National Aboriginal Addictions Awareness Week group has set aside one $2500 grant specifically for YOUTH. If you know any younger leaders that are looking for extra money to help celebrate a week of “LIVING THE GOOD LIFE”, then please do not hesitate to send them to THIS link, enabling them to chance to win $2500 for their community events!

Read more >>

Aboriginal Participation in Sport

Check out this article to learn more about participating in sport, physical activity and cultural activities and the benefits they can have on your acedemics, the way you feel mentally and the relationships you have with friends and family!


Read more >>

A young life, a senseless end

Chris Cobb
The Ottawa Citizen
Date Published: Saturday, July 24, 2010

"Tell an adult. There is such a code of honour about keeping confidences. Young people need to know that you have to break confidences. You have to tell someone who will be able to intervene; We all do the best we can and look back and decide how we could have done things differently, but to tell a parent or someone who can help you."

Read more >>

Anti-suicide program to target northern Sask. youth

SASKATOON — A suicide-prevention program is being developed to try to reduce the number of young native people who are killing themselves in northern Saskatchewan.

Read more >>

Native Youth Speak Out

Tofino-based Jacqueline Windh spoke with 14 First Nations teenagers from various corners of the province, providing an opportunity for them to share their views on school, alcohol and drugs, family, culture and language.

The six-part series was made possible by Tyee readers who gave to the Tyee Fellowship Fund. Windh received a $5,000 Tyee Fellowship for Solutions Reporting enabling her to carry out this project.

Check it out!!
Read more >>

More aboriginal students to succeed with funding support boost

Russell Nahdee vividly recalls getting off the bus as a teenager in London, Ontario, on a cold February day back in the 1970s with all his belongings in two green garbage bags. His father had passed away years before, his mother had moved away and so he left behind what remained of his family on the Walpole Island First Nation reserve with a bold, singular intention. Unlike so many of his peers, Nahdee was going to finish high school.

Read more >>

Computer class aimed at young aboriginals

A $54,000 grant to Camosun College will support a pilot program intended to help aboriginal youth develop computer skills.

Camosun is one of 51 schools and organizations receiving grants from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. The Camosun project, dubbed Aboriginal Youth Awareness of Computer Science or "ANCEStor," will receive $18,000 in each of the next three years.

Read more >>

Chief in plaintive call to stem suicides: Six Nations face crisis over youth

Denise Davy
The Hamilton Spectator
OHSWEKEN (Jul 19, 2010)

Youth have come together with officials at Six Nations to find a solution to the spike in suicides among youth and young adults on the reserve.
Seven young people have ended their lives over the past year. All were between the ages of 16 and 20.

Read more >>

Aboriginal gathering will get city vibrating

Manitoba's aboriginal communities are hosting a national meeting of First Nations leaders next week, and all Winnipeggers are invited to join the party.

Read more >>

Northern science, engineering, and technology skills workshops

Iqaluit, (Nunavut), July 14, 2010 – Youth across the North’s three territories will benefit from science, engineering, and technology skills workshops this summer thanks to an investment from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency. The camps will be delivered by Actua, an organization which provides kids programs designed to inspire young people to pursue careers in the sciences.


Read more >>

Pride program buoys Aboriginal students

"I was going to give up on school. Now I plan to become a psychologist," says Gail Many Shots, who is 17 years old and attends Father Lacombe High School.


Read more >>

RCMP-led Aboriginal youth program to launch in Cadotte Lake

A new community group for Woodland Cree youth may start as early as this summer. The Woodland Cree Youth Corps, the brainchild of local RCMP officers, already has a major corporate sponsor and promising public interest.


Read more >>

ASIST: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training upcoming session

ASIST: A LivingWorks program
LivingWorks has been helping communities become suicide-safer since 1983. Comprehensive, layered, integrated and accessible, there is a program for everyone who wants to help.
Currently there are over 3,500 ASIS trainers around the world. Over 750,000 people have taken ASIST. Visit www.livingworks.net for more information about ASIST or contact your local ASIST traner.

Upcoming Ottawa training session:
Date: July 28&29, 2010
Location: Ottawa (specific location will be shared with you when you register)
Contact to Register: Email Erin at erin@pureshift.ca or call 613 830 3093
Registration Fee: $180 regular or $160 student

SEATING IS LIMITED

Gymnastics club receives provincial grant to offer program on reserve

2010 Legacies Now in partnership with the Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport is investing $2,000 in the Delta Gymnastics Society to deliver a pilot program offering recreational gymnastics to children at the Tsawwassen First Nations reserve.

Read more >>

Prevention & Intervention Program Aims to Bring Issue of Suicide Out of the Shadows

100 Mile –This fall Interior Health will be partnering with the South Cariboo Suicide Prevention Advisory Committee in order to build a suicide safer community. The partnership project is to provide the internationally recognized ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) Program in September this year, which will increase the community’s capacity to respond actively to persons at risk for suicide.


Read more >>

FNUniv to host Health and Science Summer Camp, and Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship Camp

REGINA — High school students from across the province will have a couple of opportunities to check out the First Nations University of Canada this summer.

Read more >>

Safe Communities initiatives aim to steer at-risk youths away from crime

Calgary... Building hope and confidence among at-risk Aboriginal youth is the focus of three new Safe Communities Innovation Fund pilot projects.

“Strong, confident young people help build strong, safe Aboriginal communities,” said Aboriginal Relations Minister Len Webber. “Thanks to the commitment of entire communities, at-risk Aboriginal youths will get the support they need to feel good about themselves and to make positive choices.”


Read more >>

The Hurting

Award-winning novelist Joseph Boyden on the link between residential schools and the devastation of native suicide.

Read more >>

Congratulations!!

SMITHERS – The inaugural session of the Aboriginal Community Mental Health Worker (ACMHW) program at Northwest Community College’s (NWCC) Smithers Campus will see a happy ending for students from Moricetown and Smithers who graduate this Friday.


Read more >>

Create national plan to help aboriginal children, urge advocates

OTTAWA — Child advocates are calling on the federal government to create a national plan to improve the dire future facing aboriginal children and youth in Canada — a situation they call the most "important and neglected human-rights issue in this country."


Read more >>

Canada must act now to save aboriginal kids, advocates say

First nations, Metis and Inuit children and youth are the fastest-growing group in Canada. And if we don't pay attention now, if we continue to fail these children, we as a country and as a society must hang our heads in disgrace.

Read more >>

Addressing depression and suicide among aboriginal Ontario youth

What do you think the leading cause of death is in Northwestern Ontario? Vehicle-related accidents? Cancer? Gang Violence? The reality is that suicide, a preventable but deadly community issue, takes the most lives. Due to isolation, there is a lack of trained mental health workers. Other factors include lack of inclusion, lack of confidence, lack of discussions about the topic, and lack of strength to overcome the dangers among youth.

Read more >>

Kaiser Foundation Presents Ilisaqsivik Society with a National Mental Health and Addictions Award

As part of the Kaiser Foundation’s fifth annual National Awards for Excellence Program, the Premier of Nunavut, Honorable Eva Aariak, today presented the award for Excellence in Community Programming to Jake Gearheard, Executive Director of Ilisaqsivik Society based in Clyde River, Nunavut.

Read more >>

2010-2011 National Aboriginal Role Models Announced!!!

OTTAWA, ON — The National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) is proud to celebrate the announcement of 12 new national Aboriginal Role Models for 2010-2011 with a morning filled with cultural sights and sounds on Saturday June 19, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. – noon. (9:30 a.m. doors open) at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.


Read More>>

Aboriginal youth sets sights on World Youth Cup

n Aboriginal soccer team in Saskatoon is doing everything they can to scrape together almost $100,000 in order to attend an international soccer tournament in Europe.

Read More>>

Aboriginal Youth receive Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award

It was history in the making for Aboriginal Youth and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Programme as, for the first time in PEI, thirteen Aboriginal Youth from across the Island received the Bronze Award.
Read More>>

Opportunities in the forces

Interested in a challenge? The Canadian Forces offers three programs for Aboriginal youth that are intended to encourage consideration of the forces as a part-time or full-time career option.
Read More>>

Improving self-esteem among Aboriginal youth through music and mentorship!

Supported by the Alberta government and involving a variety of community partners, the Cold Lake Music Factory pilot project is designed to help at-risk Aboriginal youth experience success, improve self-esteem, build confidence, and develop team work and other job-related skills.

Read More>>

Not Just Another Pretty Face...

Miss Blackfoot Canada 2010, Simone Smith, is not just another pretty face. The 19-year-old Fort Macleod resident can’t wait to add more pageants to her resume with the hopes of being a role model of overcoming issues that are heavily affecting the First Nations population, including herself.
Read More>>

In need of some funds to help you through school?? Check it out!

Everybody could use a little help right! Check out the following link and see if you are eligible for the First Citizens Fund Student Bursary Program!!


Read More>>

Hope thrives in the youth of the Okanagan Nation

The new generation of Aboriginal youth shows bold initiative by unburdening themselves from centuries-long grievous statistics.
It has been a painfully well-known fact that the rate of youth suicide in Aboriginal communities exceeds that of the non-Aboriginal population.
According to Statistics Canada, suicide is the major killer of young Aboriginal people after accidents. As far as many youth are concerned, the time has come for positive change.

Read More>>
http://www.ammsa.com/node/29970

CompuCorps.org Announces Microsoft Donation for Aboriginal Youth Computer Program

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 9, 2010) - The high tech charity CompuCorps.org (CompuCorps Mentoring/ Les Mentors de CompuCorps) is pleased to announce a software donation from Microsoft Canada for 1,000 computer systems and 25 servers to support its national program - TechFeather. Read More>>

Youth Summer Camp: Lil’wat

The Mount Currie Vancouver Community College Aboriginal Culinary Arts is offering a Youth Summer Camp: Lil’wat at the Ullus Community Centre, 87A, #10, Mount Currie from July 5th to 9th; 9 am to 4 pm. Read More>>

Contest Closed

The Honouring Life Network would like to thank all of you who gave us your feedback on the new interactive tool that is currently being developed by NAHO and mindyourmind. Your feedback was EXACTLY what we needed and is going to help us to ensure we offer the very best product to the Aboriginal youth of our country!
Velma Calder Clifton is the proud new owner of a Flip video camera, Congratulations!!
Don't forget to check our our Facebook page and join in on our disscussions!

WANT TO WIN A FLIP VIDEO CAMERA???!!!

NAHO and mindyourmind have partnered together to create an interactive web based tool and we need your feedback to make sure we get this right!

The Tree Of Life is a goal setting and personal development tool designed to help individuals, groups and communities.

We really need your feedback on everything from look and feel to content. Please let us know your thoughts via Facebook or Email!

We also need a volunteer who can provide the French and Inuktitut audio translations. Please let us know if you or someone you know is interested in providing that for us.

For those who submit feedback by FRIDAY MAY 7th, your name will be entered into a draw to win a wicked flip video camera!

Nunavut to launch anti-suicide campaign

Plagued with a suicide epidemic, Nunavut is embarking on an “ambitious” plan to bring its suicide rate in line with – or lower than – the national average through a prevention strategy that is expected to be rolled out in June.
Read More>>

Northern youth suicide prevention project receives funds

Saskatchewan plans to hire health promotion co-ordinators with funding from the federal government. This comes after $300,000 was given from Health Canada’s Aboriginal Health Transition Fund to a joint youth suicide prevention project between the Ministry of Health and the Métis Nation was announced Wednesday.
Read More>>

Trip to the Nation's Capital for HLN's Video Contest Winners

Monday March 8th 2010, six excited students, made the journey from Cranberry Portage Manitoba to Ottawa Ontario, to be honoured as the winning video makers for the HLN’s youth suicide prevention video contest. With part of the costs being covered by NAHO, a flight donation from their own MP Niki Ashton, who represents the Churchill riding, and a huge fundraising initiative by the youth themselves, the group was able to experience a few educationally relevant (and fun filled) days in the Nation’s Capital.
While in Ottawa the youth participated in a tour of Parliament and met with their MP Niki Ashton who made them feel at home on the hill during a very heated question period. They saw the sights of the popular Byward market in downtown Ottawa, met with National Aboriginal Role Model Charlotte Qamaniq who shared her story and connection with aboriginal youth suicide prevention and awareness. They enjoyed learning the art of Lino Print from NAHO's own Simon Brascoupé, found themselves captivated at the Museum of Civilization, and spent their final evening with their more than generous and accommodating MP Niki Ashton for an experience of a lifetime: dinner at the Parliamentary Restaurant!

A big congratulations goes out again to the winning students from Frontier Collegiate in Cranberry Portage for their winning video entry entitled, “Choose Life”, keep up the great work!

RCMP build rink in troubled northern reserve

RCMP officers in an isolated northern Manitoba reserve, haunted in recent years by suicide and substance abuse, are offering some hope through a Canadian pastime.


Read More>>

Arctic Voices Fellowship

Are you a young woman or young man between 25 and 35 years of age? Well, here is a program you might be interested in: A new program called “Arctic Voices Fellowship” is expected to start up in June of 2010.
Read More>>

Governor General Hosts High Energy Youth Gathering:

Vancouver, BC: To the thumping rhythms of Aboriginal drumming and hip hop, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, hosted a spirited celebration today of Canada’s multicultural identity and the ability of sport to inspire peace. Read More>>

Suicide Affects Us All

Check out the stories of hope!

See More>>

Canoe Lake Cree Nation to produce a Youth created and written, Suicide Awareness Public Service Announcement.

The Canoe Lake Challenge started in October of 2009 and required the youth to meet targeted improvements in 3 core academic areas, reading, math and attendance. Having met the agreed goals Going Miles and company have been working with the youth in Canoe Lake to create a PSA, and put on a community hypnotist show.

Read More>>

Governor General to Host Youth Dialogue in Celebration of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games

On the eve of the official opening ceremony of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Jean-Daniel Lafond will meet with over 500 young leaders to mark the Olympic Winter Games through a high-energy discussion, entitled the GG's 2010 Olympic Truce Youth Dialogue: Promoting Mutual Understanding.
Read More>>

One Laptop Per Child- The Belinda Stronach Foundation

Together with members of the Aboriginal community, corporate Canada and various governments, TBSF will bring the internationally-successful program, One Laptop Per Child, to First Nation, Métis and Inuit children, ages 6-12. Read More>>

Youth hockey group aims to help First Nations fight teen suicide

The hockey group Right to Play is best known for its work in war zones, where it tries to help young people build self-esteem and leadership skills. Now it’s headed to the Moose Cree First Nation on the James Bay coast in northern Ontario, where 13 teenagers hanged themselves last year and another 80 tried to kill themselves, the Toronto Star’s Tanya Talaga reports. Read More>>

8th Annual National Aboriginal Youth, Violence & Changing Times Training

“Building Strength and Leadership” Conference; March 10-12, 2010: Registration Package. Read More>>

Aboriginal youth from across Canada gather in British Columbia to celebrate, take part in Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games

To help celebrate the world's biggest potlatch - the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games - up-and-coming young Aboriginal leaders from across Canada are gathering today in British Columbia's Sea to Sky region as part of an ambitious forum to explore and share their cultures through the Olympic Movement. Read More>>

Prince Albert Grand Council is proud to host "The Power of Youth: Suicide Prevention Training Event

The Power of Youth” will be a dynamic training opportunity for youth,frontline
workers, Elders, mentors and parents,which will include topics addressing
suicide prevention through new knowledge, honing leadership skills and learning to express ourselves through music and drama. Read More>>

New Partnership Promotes Life Skills for Aboriginal Youth

A new partnership between the Government of Ontario and Right To Play will promote a healthy and active lifestyle for Aboriginal youth through sport and recreation.
Read More>>

Right to Play takes hockey north

A sports organization known for its mission to build self-esteem in children from impoverished and war-torn nations is coming to a northern Ontario aboriginal community struggling with a teen suicide crisis.
Read More>>

Help on way for natives coping with teen suicide

The Ontario government is freeing up $470,000 in emergency funds to bring four trained suicide prevention workers to the remote James Bay area as aboriginal communities there struggle to cope under a wave of teen suicides.
Read More>>

First Nations youth suicide study supported by RBC Foundation

Youth suicide and suicide attempts have become a major problem among First Nations communities living on reserves. In order to counteract this troubling trend, the Swampy Cree Suicide Prevention Team at the University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Health Sciences has worked with the Swampy Cree Tribal Council to improve the understanding of the risk factors for suicide among Aboriginal populations and to determine individual, community and school –based interventions to reduce suicidal behavior. Now the Swampy Cree Suicide Prevention Team is ready to push their efforts further with a research study that aims to identify youth at risk for suicide.

Click here to read more>>