September - 2007
Youth programs receive much needed fundingBy GAURI CHOPRA
Sweetgrass Staff Writer
EDMONTONFive Edmonton based Aboriginal youth initiatives received some much needed grants from the Canadian Heritage department in late July. The overall sum of $851,020 was provided for specific programs that focus on helping Aboriginal youth make positive life choices.
Each organization was allotted different amounts of money depending on the programs they provide. The five organizations to receive money were, Native Counselling Services of Alberta, John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights, Métis Child and Family Services Society, Edmonton Native Healing Centre and the Edmonton Native Basketball Association.
Funding for the groups came from different facets of the Canadian Heritage department. Majority of the money came from the Urban Multi-purpose Aboriginal Youth Centre Initiative of the department. The association provides support to initiatives that work with Aboriginal inner-city youth between the ages of 15 and 24.
The other facet of the Canadian Heritage department that did put forth money was the Exchanges Canada Initiative's Youth Forums component. The Exchanges Canada Initiative, "offers young Canadians the opportunity to learn more about their country, to connect with one another, and to experience the diversity of Canadian communities, languages and cultures," according to a press release.
Native Counselling Services of Alberta received the most money, $379,000. It was put towards four programs; Negan Tapeh (Looking towards the future), the Aboriginal Multi- Media Arts program, gang prevention/intervention program, and the Nikanihew Future Leaders Program.
"This year we were lucky we had the four programs that were funded. I think that particularly with the gang prevention program and intervention program, I think it's very timely at this point, because gangs are becoming an issue of concern in the city of Edmonton. And have been identified by many organizations as being an emerging issue. So if we can get out and talk to service providers and parents and children at risk, then we are starting to do part of our part," said Director of operations Robyn Scott.
The John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights was founded in 2000 as a a non-profit organization. It was given $111,000, for it's annual Global Youth Assembly. The assembly took place August 1-4, in Edmonton. Youth participants spoke about issues of racism, youth violence, and poverty among many things.The Métis Child and Family Services, also based in Edmonton, received $131,020 for its CHOICES program. The program strives to encourage Métis youth to stay in school, using cultural methods. Students are referred to the program by their schools, and get involved in various activities such as Métis outfit making, educational field trips, and cultural teaching sessions taught by Elders. The Edmonton Native Healing Society put in an application to the Department of Canadian Heritage, and received $140,000 for their Striving for Excellence program. The program is youth driven and focuses on teaching participants useful and culturally sensitive life skills. The three 12-week sessions are open to Aboriginal youth ages 15 to 24. Over the 12 weeks, youth have access to language courses, young mothers courses, one on one counselling and suicide prevention and intervention. "We offer youth programming throughout the year, so all of the money we received helps us keep our programs running. We are a community based agency, and we work with urban Aboriginal people," said Michelle Nieviadomy, youth program coordinator.
The final youth initiative to receive funding this year was the Edmonton Native Basketball Association. The association received funds for $90,000.
The two-year old program provides a place for Aboriginal youth to remain active while gaining self-esteem and life-skills, as well as an appreciation for teamwork. The group also encourages participants to stay drug and alcohol free through substance abuse education, and gang awareness training.
