Since October we have had a new Wasa-Nabin worker. Her journey has come full circle, Meagan attended a similar youth program at BNFC when she was a youth. Meagan’s positive experience, learning about herself and her culture led her back here to support the youth on their own journey.
In the first few months the focus was on determining programming needs and requests from the youth. They expressed the need for more cultural teachings, crafts, cooking and sports. They also have asked to attend more ceremonies and events outside of the centre.
We have had a few exciting outtings to an arts gala, tubing, bowling, and a meet and greet with Indigenous semi-pro basketball players, and, to watch a Raptors 905 game. In the future, we are looking to organize Sweat Lodge Ceremonies, Naming Ceremonies and various other ceremonies. Similarly, we are planning on doing some fun outings like paintball and Wonderland.
Currently programming has adapted to include more structured activities like cultural teachings, cooking classes, sports, and crafts while also allowing drop-in days for youth to just hang out and have a warm meal. The youth space is a safe environment for youth to just hang out, play pool or board games, do homework, bead, paint; all while finding themselves and their places in our world.
We have also created Amnesty Days for our youth. So far this creative partnership with Barrie North Collegiate has seen four youth participate. They are given an opportunity to be out of class and work in an alternate space here at BNFC. The youth work on overdue assignments and missed work to boost their grades. The Amnesty Days have been extremely successful allowing students who were failing or at risk of failing to pass their courses; we have seen 100% success so far. This would be an awesome opportunity to expand into other schools in the area.
In the near future we will be doing some training opportunities such as computer training, skilled trades, first aid, baby sitting, self-defense. These opportunities will be through the spring and summer months.
We will be developing an Indigenous Youth Council. There will be an information session Wednesday, March 7, 2018 where we are looking to recruit council members and a youth lead.
Meagan is always interested in new ideas, opportunities and collaborations
“Since starting with the BNFC I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting and working with the youth. They continue to humble me and teach me so much. I am so grateful to be a part of their journey and for them to be a part of mine.” Meagan Lortie
