A brand new program makes use of a wholistic strategy to supporting Indigenous youth in Brantford.
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A brand new program makes use of a wholistic strategy to supporting Indigenous youth in Brantford.
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“They want areas the place they really feel protected, supported and related to their tradition,” mentioned Leigh Staats, director of operations at Hamilton-based Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg, which has partnered with the City of Brantford to open the Indigenous Youth Hub. “We are creating alternatives for younger folks to construct confidence, develop life abilities and strengthen their sense of id.”
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Staats mentioned Indigenous youth dwelling in city areas typically really feel disconnected from their tradition as a result of colonialism, residential colleges and different elements.
The new hub, situated at Brantford Native Housing on Colborne Street, however delivering extra outreach programming to these ages 13 to 17 at numerous places all through the town, focuses on the “4 fires” — thoughts, physique, spirit and emotion.
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It goals to fill gaps recognized in group consultations, together with culturally related after-school packages, tutorial help and alternatives to have interaction Indigenous youth.
Staats mentioned the younger members will assist decide the content material of the programming, which incorporates tutorial help and mentorship; cultural programming; leisure actions and life abilities improvement; security training and consciousness periods on subjects similar to human trafficking; and artwork mural tasks with Indigenous artists.
“We have made lanyards and drugs pouches, had recreation nights and pizza nights,” mentioned Staats. “We get to know their pursuits.”
Statistics Canada 2021 Census knowledge signifies there have been 6,835 Indigenous folks within the broader Brantford census division, which additionally contains Brant County. Staats doesn’t know what number of Indigenous youth dwell within the metropolis however believes the Stats Can numbers are low, as many Indigenous folks don’t report back to the federal government company.
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Amy Brandt, group initiatives coordinator with the City of Brantford, mentioned this system “displays our dedication to constructing an inclusive group by guaranteeing all younger folks have entry to helps that assist them thrive.”
Staats mentioned the 13-to-17-year age group represents a “important milestone for improvement,” when younger persons are “in search of a spot to belong.”
“If we don’t catch them now, we are able to anticipate what would possibly occur down the highway. They want somebody to assist information them.”
The aim, mentioned Staats, is to attach members in want with different service suppliers.
Funding for this system comes from Public Safety Canada’s Building Safer Communities Fund and can run till March. The fund goals to forestall youth ages six to 25 from turning into concerned in gun and gang violence by community-based prevention and intervention methods and initiatives.
For particulars concerning the Indigenous Youth Hub, go to Niwasa’s Facebook web page or e mail youthmanager@niwasa.ca
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