Urban Aboriginal Strategy Projects (2007-2008 Fiscal Year)

Toronto

Project name
Development of Professional Practices

Project summary
The Centre for Indigenous Theatre (CIT) is seeking support to enhance their current programming available for students. This enhancement will bridge the connection between the performance training and the application of such training to the ‘real world'.

The project contains the following key components:

Resume development
Developing a comprehensive performance biography and comprehensive artistic statement.
Seeking funding sources to assist in furthering education.
Developing a professional funding proposal for an independent artistic project.

UAS funding
$27,821

Project name
Urban Aboriginal Women for Tomorrow

Project summary
The Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO) is seeking support to deliver the Aboriginal Women for Tomorrow Workshop Series in Toronto, Ontario. These workshops are geared to provide aboriginal women with the practical knowledge and skills such as public speaking, governance skills (roles and responsibilities of a Board/Council member), Business operational and financial knowledge, Management/ownership skills and Human resource management planning.

These workshops will offer a holistic and culturally sensitive training on the above geared toward Aboriginal women. The workshops are delivered by women as facilitators. Participants will benefit from three distinct phases of the program: needs assessment, workshops, and mentoring and advisory Services. Participants will have the opportunity to tailor their training opportunity through the needs assessment. The workshops will be made up of the following five areas: building personal skills (2-day workshop), communication (2-day workshop), business readiness (2-day workshop), business/organizational governance (1-day workshop) and financial management (1-day workshop).

At the end of the training series, each participant will be assigned a volunteer advisor (VA) to work with them to further develop their employment readiness skills, leadership skills and/or open their business.

UAS funding
$42,735

Project name
Daughters of the Earth

Project summary
The Elizabeth Fry Society of Toronto is seeking support to provide specific programming for Aboriginal Women in conflict with the law as they are over represented in the criminal justice system. Currently, programming is available for any woman in Toronto who is in conflict with the law. The proposed Daughters of the Earth Project through the Elizabeth Fry Society of Toronto will be a holistic community based drug and alcohol intervention program for Aboriginal Women that will be delivered using Traditional Healing approaches to treat the mind, body and spirit to restore balance and confidence in individuals to improve themselves, the family and the community as a whole.

The project contains the following key components:

Pre-test for as many as 12 Aboriginal women who wish to participate in a drug and alcohol intervention program.
Questions will be asked regarding one's knowledge of self and knowledge of culture. This test will be administered to collect baseline data for comparison and review of the effectiveness of the pilot project.
Pilot the Daughters of the Earth Project.
Elizabeth Fry Society of Toronto currently provides programs for drug and alcohol intervention. However, the program currently does not yield more than approximately 30% participation from Aboriginal Women. It is intended that they participation rate for Aboriginal women in the new program will be 100% and the likelihood of improving the well being of these individuals will increase exponentially as a result.
Using the Medicine Wheel Recovery Model, discussions will centre around the ‘disease' of addiction. The project goal will be to examine the Mental, Emotional, Physical and Spiritual components of the addictive and recovery process.
Post testing of participants in the Daughters of the Earth Project. The same test provided prior to the program will be administered to seek input on the effectiveness of increasing one's knowledge of self through their culture as a means of improving their current situations.

UAS funding
$23,258

Project name
Student Cultural Exchange Program

Project summary
The First Nations School of Toronto is seeking support to provide opportunities for cultural exchange to their students. The project will allow students and staff to share traditions, cultures and language via real time (live) broadcasts around the world with various aboriginal groups. This will allow for increased cultural knowledge and understanding by students through their ability to speak to and see other groups around the world. At the present, the school's language and cultural learning is limited to opportunities within the immediate community. This multimedia opportunity will allow for exchange with the larger population of Aboriginal people.

The project contains the following key components:

Purchasing the equipment
Training on the use of the equipment.
Trial use of the equipment.
Ongoing usage of the equipment in daily learning.

UAS funding
$45,000

Project name
Aboriginal Post-Incarceration Supports Research Project

Project summary
The John Howard Society of Toronto is seeking support to undertake a research study on Aboriginal Post-Incarceration Supports in Toronto. This study will have two Aboriginal John Howard staff members and outside Aboriginal

Consultant undertake the following components:

Literature Review
Research Consolidation
Focus Groups with both incarcerated and post-incarcerated individuals to find out what supports they want or need.
Meetings with Aboriginal and Mainstream Service Providers to identify existing supports
Development of Recommendations for strategies to better support indviduals with existing supports and, if necessary, to develop new supports.
Cost-benefit Analysis on Proposed Recommendations.

UAS funding
$24,149

Project name
Reuniting the Family: Aboriginal Women Reclaiming Sacred Roles

Project summary
The Native Women's Resource Centre of Toronto is seeking support to undertake the development of a Strategy for the Enhancement of programming available to aboriginal women in the City of Toronto.

The project contains the following key components:

Pre-planning of weekly discussion circles to gain input from the community.
The first step of developing a strategy for enhancing programming available to aboriginal women in the City of Toronto is planning the events. An elder and a facilitator must be hired to undertake the delivery of the learning circles and develop the final report which will encompass the feedback from the circles.
Marketing/communicating the planned activities with the community. Notification is given to the community of the intentions of the Native Women's Resource Centre and the calendar of workshops.
Eight weekly workshops Workshops will be provided weekly with a key focus area each week. Four key areas will be discussed: Housing and Homelessness, Health, Arts and Culture and Education. Each area of focus will be discussed over a two-week period with the first week being an exchange of experiences and an opportunity to learn coping and healing strategies for those who are participating. The second week will more centre more around gaining ideas from those individuals with experience on how programs and services can be improved for aboriginal women in the Toronto area on that specific area of focus.
Report drafting and finalization. The report will be developed based on all of the input shared over the eight weeks of workshops. This report is anticipated to provide a strategy for enhancing programming currently available in the Toronto area for aboriginal women.

UAS funding
$26,389

Project name
Elders Gathering

Project summary
The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto (NCCT) is seeking support to host an annual Traditional Awareness Gathering, March 20 – 22, 2008. This conference is geared to elders and allows for the sharing of traditional teachings and increased understanding of the Aboriginal culture. The theme for this year's conference is youth and the coming together of elders and youth to share the knowledge of aboriginal culture through oral teachings. With this event planned, the opportunity is clear for feedback from the elderly community of Toronto to provide some input and feedback on the programs and services available in Toronto to seek advice and recommendations on improvements. This input will be sought during the conference.

The project will be comprised of the following components:

Planning and invitations
Planning of the events for the conference and preparation of an agenda, as well as planning speakers for the conference is currently underway. The events and accommodations for participants will need to be set ahead of time and the evaluation forms will need to be developed to measure the success of this year's conference. This event has developed a great reputation across Ontario and this year's conference will need to be planned well in order to maintain the reputation through to 2009.
Conference – March 20 - 22
The conference itself will comprise of many activities including but not limited to:
- elders welcome dinner
- Sunrise Ceremony at the NCCT
- Opening ceremony and introductions
- Various speakers sharing stories and culturally important messages with attendees

During the conference, workshops will also be provided to discuss the current programs and services available to the older aboriginal population of Toronto to collect feedback from participants on potential improvements.

UAS funding
$12,880

Project name
NDN Uncensored

Project summary
The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto (NCCT) is seeking support to develop a dedicated website to enhance the ‘NDN Uncensored' youth driven magazine. The magazine provides the youth of Toronto a medium for sharing information among their cohort as the magazine is developed and maintained by aboriginal youth. The development of a website would an enhancement to the magazine. The website would allow youth with an ongoing medium between publications to retain their interest in the magazine. Also, allowing for the magazine to evolve in to a website would allow the youth currently involved with the magazine to increase their skills by learning about the natural evolution of media and technology.

The project will be comprised of the following components:

Creating the team of experts: The NCCT will hire an IT professional and two youth staff members to oversee the development of the website. This IT professional will be hired also as a ‘mentor' to share his/her knowledge with the youth overseeing the development of the website.
Workshops for all youth involved with NDN Uncensored: Workshops will be provided by the IT professional for upwards of ten youth volunteers and two staff members who will participate in the development of the website. This will further their knowledge of the technical side of the internet. The youth will also receive training on the maintenance of the website to be able to maintain the website once it is launched.
Launch of the NDN Uncensored Website: The website will be launched in draft form in March 2008 with the complete website being launched post March 2008.

UAS funding
$44,231

Project name
Engaging the Aboriginal Community in Recreation Centre Planning

Project summary
The Parkdale Activity-Recreation Centre (PARC) is seeking support to engage the Aboriginal community in the Parkdale area to become involved with the strategic planning that is already occurring at the Centre. Currently, PARC is undergoing a review and planning process that will improve programs and services provided to the community. At this point, the Aboriginal community has not been engaged in this planning process. The activities below will support PARC in improving the programs and services provided to the Aborginal community in the Parkdale area. The project contains the following key components:

Staffing: Parkdale will hire on aboriginal project coordinator to undertake the activities related to engaging the Aboriginal Community.
Four Community Events: The project coordinator will work to organize and prepare facilitation requirements for the Aboriginal community members in the Parkdale area to come together and discuss the programs and services available at Parkdale Activity-Recreation Centre. These community events will take place to seek advice from the community on how the PARC could improve services to the Aboriginal Community. Five community members will be supported to lead small group discussions during the workshops. These individuals will provide input to the Coordinator for the development of the final document. It is anticipated that approximately 30 to 50 participants will be at each of the sessions.
Final Report - Recommendations: Outcomes from the four information sharing sessions will be rolled up by the project coordinator and will be delivered to the PARC Board for consideration during their Strategic Planning exercise which is currently underway.

UAS funding
$19,033

Project name
Winter Fire

Project summary
The Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFS) is seeking support to host a youth strategic planning conference. The intention is to find the voice of high risk Aboriginal youth in the City of Toronto. Youth will not only be the voice of this document, but also the main driver behind the planning, implementation and development of their own strategic plan.

The project contains the following key components:

Gathering the team and the youth council: Staff and youth will be hired to undertake the activities outlined within this work plan. Staff will begin planning and the youth council, previously funded by the Urban Aboriginal Strategy, will be reconvened. The conference planning will begin and greater definition of what this strategic plan will contain will emerge.
Planning the Event: The agenda for the conference will be developed. Invitations and marketing of the event will take place. The youth council will be provided with capacity development in public speaking and leadership skills, as well as facilitation and planning skills. While meeting to discuss and plan the agenda, the Council will be provided with training in various capacities to provide them with the means to undertake the full leadership role in the planning and implementation of a conference and the planning and implementation of a strategic plan following the conference.
The Conference: The conference will take place with participation from the Aboriginal youth population of Toronto and key stakeholders including other aboriginal organizations from within Toronto and government representatives. The strategic plan will be discussed and will be the focus of the conference. It is anticipated that at least 200 individuals will participate in the two-day conference.
Developing of the Strategic Plan for Youth: The Aboriginal youth of Toronto will articulate their needs, design recommended programs and will outline next steps for increased youth engagement in the Toronto Aboriginal Community as a whole and for implementing the plan and improving services available to Aboriginal youth in Toronto.

UAS funding
$99,958

Project name
Arts History Access for Aboriginal Learners Project

Project summary
The Association for Native Development in the Performing and Visual Arts (ANDPVA) is seeking support in furthering their efforts to service the City of Toronto. Through previous work supported by the Urban Aboriginal Strategy during its pilot stages, ANDPVA began collecting and organizing many historical art collections with the ultimate plan of housing a comprehensive reference library for aboriginal art work. These efforts are now in their final stages of development.

Similarly and in relation to the work above, ANDPVA is also looking to move forward on some of the outcomes of previous meetings supported by the UAS. Gatherings were held with key aboriginal art stakeholders and one of the recommendations made by this group to increase the profile of aboriginal art was the development of a new aboriginal arts curriculum for elementary schools.

The project contains five key components:

Workshop with key stakeholders regarding education and art history
Logic model for the development of a curriculum
Cataloguing a reference library
Field trip/in-school workshops for Toronto students
In-school workshops for Toronto students

UAS funding
$57,071

Project name
Toronto Urban Aboriginal Capacity Agreement

Project summary
The Toronto Urban Aboriginal Management Committee (TUMC) will collaborate with Native Canadian Centre of Toronto which will act as the administrative vehicle to support TUMC's efforts in the management of the Toronto Urban Aboriginal Strategy. The objective is to move to the next phase of the committee's development which will include an updated terms of reference, development and implementation of a five year community plan, the development and implementation of a community information and consultative process for the plan and a review and potential revision to the committee's framework.

UAS funding
$85,054.95

Project name
Literature Review & Analysis – Toronto UAS Reports

Project summary
A third party consultant will analyze, review, and compare the various documents and reports relating directly or indirectly, to the Urban Aboriginal Strategy in Toronto from 1998 through 2006. This will serve as a basis to determine TUMC's approach to its UAS community plan.

UAS funding
$21,107

Thunder Bay

Project name
Community Capacity Building

Project summary
The Community Capacity Agreement benefits the community by mobilizing stakeholders through its advisory committee to achieve horizontal linkages and build partnerships to continue to move the UAS forward in Thunder Bay. A UAS Planner has been hired to coordinate the activities of the committee, which includes representatives from the Federal government. The committee is the forum for the community to discuss the progress of Thunder Bay's key UAS project – the Neighbourhood Capacity Building Project. Efforts are made to engage partners in the overall local UAS effort, including involvement by other levels of government and the corporate sector.

Through this project, the UAS Planner also develops a workplan for the Thunder Bay Urban Aboriginal Strategy and engages the broader urban Aboriginal community through forums and consultations.

UAS funding
$115,039

Project name
Neighbourhood Capacity Building Project

Project summary
Thunder Bay's UAS community priority is to help eradicate child poverty. The project seeks to accomplish this by increasing life skills of children and their families through strategies for healthy eating, physical activity, cultural awareness and academic improvement. Under the Neighbourhood Capacity Building Project, Aboriginal children aged seven to thirteen (7-13) years and their families are provided with opportunities to participate in programs that contribute to their social, educational, physical, and spiritual well-being. The program hires qualified Youth Outreach Workers to design and deliver after-school programs for Aboriginal children in five Thunder Bay schools selected because of the high concentration of Aboriginal students. Activities include cultural teachings, academic assistance and nutritional as well as healthy teachings and activities, including the provision of nutritional foods and recreational activities. Youth Outreach Workers also act as positive Aboriginal role models.

UAS funding
$425,000

Winnipeg

Project name
The City of Winnipeg – Princess White Dove Library

Project summary
The Princess White Dove Library, a community-based library, is located in the Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre and serves the residents of Lord Selkirk, Dufferin, Point Douglas and William Whyte. These neighbourhoods in Winnipeg have low-incomes, high unemployment, and have a large Aboriginal population. The sponsor purchased Aboriginal books relevant to languages and cultures to support various new culturally-specific initiatives and programs.

UAS funding
$5,000

Project name
Eyaa-Keen Centre Inc. – Information Technology

Project summary
Through this project, the sponsor replaced and upgraded computer technology and enhanced the organization's capacity to serve adult Aboriginal clients in psychological rehabilitation outpatient services. The office technology upgrades provided employees and the organization with overall efficiency and effectiveness and ensured clients received confidential and trusted service delivery.

UAS funding
$12,700

Project name
Helen Betty Osborne Memorial Foundation (HBOMF) – Educational Scholarships

Project summary
The sponsor presented educational financial awards to 38 Aboriginal post-secondary students who are continuing their pursuit of post-secondary education. An adjudication panel selects Aboriginal students based on financial need, personal commitment, and community involvement. Funding provided a 90% increase to the number of Aboriginal post-secondary students receiving an educational financial award at the 2007 Annual Awards Ceremony.

UAS funding
$29,000

Project name
Kani Kanichihk Inc. – Restoring the Sacred

Project summary
This program develops and delivers culturally relevant prevention and intervention programming to Aboriginal youth between the age of 14 - 21, who have relocated from northern and/or rural communities to Winnipeg to attend high school and who are considered vulnerable to gangs, sexual exploitation, prostitution, and the use of drugs and alcohol. The program operates as an after-school and weekend activity-based program that offers an orientation to urban life and resources, cultural events, homework assistance/study groups, recreational opportunities, and opportunities to network with other youth in a healthy environment. A core component of the program is the ability to access trained student buddies or peer mentors who act as "buddy supports". As part of its activities, the project provides a comprehensive training program for youth to equip them with the knowledge and skills to become active peer mentors/buddies.

UAS funding
$17,500

Project name
Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Inc. – Information Technology

Project summary
The sponsor operates seven office locations throughout the City of Winnipeg to serve the needs of the Aboriginal community in Winnipeg. The project supported a major upgrade to the existing network infrastructure and integrated the head and branch offices into the overall network and upgraded computer equipment as well as improved their security of data.

UAS funding
$ 50,000

Project name
Elizabeth Fry Society – Information Technology

Project summary
The sponsor is part of a national network that advocates, promotes human rights and ensures fair treatment for women. They provide alternatives to incarceration and offer supportive community reintegration. The information technology project improved the organization's capacity in administration, service delivery and reporting.

UAS funding
$35,600

Project name
Wahbung Abinoonjiiag – Information Technology Project

Project summary

This project upgraded and improved information technology to support a community-driven, culturally-based, initiative to develop the Aboriginal Child support Helper Training programs. Participants will develop new skills and build community and personal capacity to address the consequences of family violence.

UAS funding
$19,800

Project name
Manitoba Urban Native Housing Association – Information Technology

Project summary
This information technology pilot-initiative allowed the sponsor to upgrade and replace computer equipment at the MUNHA office and eight housing member sites for low-income Aboriginal families to access housing information and make on-line applications to Aboriginal housing service providers in Winnipeg.

UAS funding
$15,000

Project name
Manitoba Urban Native Housing Association – Operational Funding

Project summary
Funding provides operational support and capacity building to allow this Aboriginal housing association to lobby and advocate for more housing for low income Aboriginal families in Winnipeg.

UAS funding
$64,027

Project name
Social Planning Council of Winnipeg – Inuit in Winnipeg

Project summary
The sponsor coordinated research and organized events to engage the Inuit living in Winnipeg in a community consultation process.

UAS funding
$15,000

Project name
Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce – Capacity Building

Project summary
In partnership with the Office of the Federal Interlocutor, the Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce coordinated logistical and administrative support services to help deliver the Urban Aboriginal Strategy in Manitoba Region.

UAS funding
$45,170

Project name
Centre of Aboriginal Human Resources Development – Information Technology

Project summary
The organization is a community-driven, non-profit human resource development organization that serves the Aboriginal community in Winnipeg. The sponsor upgraded their training centre with newer information technology (whiteboards and projectors) to support Aboriginal adult learners and participants in various training programs. Funding provides effective learning tools for Aboriginal training participants to have more interactive, motivational and technology competent learning.

UAS funding
$45,453

Project name
Leskiw and Associates – Needs and Gaps Analysis

Project summary
The sponsor completed a needs and gaps analysis to increase awareness about the supports or lack of supports available for Aboriginal residents of Winnipeg. The analysis enhanced the information presented in the Mapping Project that listed Aboriginal programs and services offered in Winnipeg and provided a detailed picture of the relationships between existing services and community requirements for the urban Aboriginal community within Winnipeg.

UAS funding
$15,120

Project name
Native Women's Transition Centre – Information Technology

Project summary
The project focused on information technology improvements to upgrade the Centre's training lab for Aboriginal women residents and to increase its administrative organizational capacity in the areas of training, reporting and leading various initiatives through community and government program partnerships.

UAS funding
$30,200

Project name
Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad Inc. - 2nd Stage Youth Transitional Housing Furniture

Project summary
This sponsor constructed a youth transitional home that has 12 single units for youth in Winnipeg between the ages of 16 and 18. Second stage housing provides youth with an opportunity to move from a chronic state of crisis to a stable and independent position. Youth in crisis, or who are homeless, and have a past or current relationship with Family Services, will learn to live independently through the services and programs that are offered through this initiative.

UAS funding
$ 40,000

Project name
Oyate Tipi Cumini Yape Inc. – Furniture Warehouse and Household Goods Project

Project summary
This project provides services to Aboriginal families, especially women and children, who need household goods and furniture. Through partnerships and referrals from ten agencies, community residential programs, the sponsor provides hope and helps Aboriginal women to make homes for their families.

UAS funding
$21,920

Project name
Social Planning Council of Winnipeg – CSI Summer Enrichment Learning

Project summary
This project engaged at-risk children, mostly Aboriginal children living in poverty from four Winnipeg inner-city schools from kindergarten to grade six. Throughout the summer, the educational and recreational opportunities provided children with programs to prevent summer learning loss, improve educational outcomes and skills, and provide local high school and university students with employment and leadership experience. Children, parents, teachers, schools, community organizations, ethno-cultural and Aboriginal organizations and local youth are involved in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the project.

UAS funding
$24,500

Project name
University of Winnipeg - Wi Chii Wak Nak Learning Centre – Elders' Teaching Circles

Project The Elders Teaching Circle was offered free of charge for eight weeks and provided the local community with an opportunity to participate and learn Indigenous traditions. The Elders Teaching Circle initiative was designed to connect community with oral traditions and builds meaningful understanding of culture, heritage, and history through the sharing of Elders' knowledge. Participants attending the Teaching Circle learned about Aboriginal spiritual ways and traditions to understand and gain pride in their Aboriginal heritage. Respected local Elders from the Winnipeg community led the Circles. Participants attending the program increased their cultural knowledge to pass on to future generations.

UAS funding
$ 5,500

Project name
Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Association – SMART Program

Project summary
Through the SMART project, 40 Aboriginal children and Aboriginal youth are cross-mentored and are given opportunities to play an active role in creating a foundation for their own growth and development to achieve positive educational outcomes. The three phases of the program (1) Higher Learning After-School Program, (2) Building Leadership and (3) Community Involvement Youth Role Modeling provide participants with opportunities to build self-esteem and self-confidence, necessary tools to pursue their educational pursuits.

UAS funding
$9,270

Project name
Aboriginal Leadership Institute - Accountability and Performance Reporting

Project summary
The sponsor delivered a two-day workshop to educate Aboriginal leaders, community members, and organizations in the local urban Winnipeg community to enhance their organizational capacity on issues that relate to Accountability and Performance Reporting. The course was offered free-of-charge to the Aboriginal community.

UAS funding
$20,000

Project name
University of Winnipeg – Aboriginal Student Housing Initiative Feasibility Study

Project summary

This feasibility study is a central component of the University's commitment to University access for traditionally under-represented populations, particularly Aboriginal students, in post-secondary education. One of the most significant barriers that face Aboriginal students coming to University and succeeding is adequate housing to meet their familial and cultural needs. The feasibility study evaluated options within existing on-campus facilities to create Aboriginal student housing with design parameters to meet the needs of supportive housing for Aboriginal students.

UAS funding
$10,000

Project name
University of Winnipeg – Institute of Urban Studies – Community Engagement Process

Project summary
The sponsor coordinated a Community Engagement and Planning Process to contribute to the development a comprehensive community plan for the Office of the Federal Interlocutor, Manitoba Region, to deliver the Urban Aboriginal Strategy in Winnipeg.

UAS funding
$68,688

Project name
Volunteer Manitoba – Facilitation Skills Workshop

Project summary
The sponsor contracted an Aboriginal facilitator/trainer to develop and deliver a two and one-half (2 ½) day workshop on effective facilitation skills. This workshop was offered to the Aboriginal community free-of-charge.

UAS funding
$4,428

Project name
West Region Child and Family Services – Vision Seekers Initiative - Life Skills Training

Project summary
The sponsor carried out a study to explore the opportunities and barriers, to test the feasibility to replicate a life skills training program known as the Skownan Model in an urban setting. The model is a holistic approach to address underlying personal and community issues and skill development needs that incorporates life skills training, life skills coaching and pre-post secondary education programs. An evaluation of the model has demonstrated significant progress on various individual, family and community indicators and concluded the initiative has built capacity and empowered individuals and the community.

UAS funding
$10,000

Project name
Winnipeg Métis Association – Skill Development for a Return to the Workforce

Project summary
The scope of the project was to set up a computer training centre on-site with a vision to establish a sustainable Adult Learning Centre. The sponsor created a computer technological training centre to support Aboriginal people and other residents in the community and offer opportunities through training to learn basic computer literacy, upgrade computer skills, learn to write a resume and to return to the workforce or search for employment.

UAS funding
$44,000

Project name
Native Women's Transition Centre – CLOUT's Transitional Housing

Project summary
Working together with the Community Led Organizations United Together (CLOUT), the sponsor hired a consultant to develop a proposal for a Transitional Housing Facility for Aboriginal Women Exiting Correctional Services and in Conflict with the Law.

UAS funding
$10,000

Project name
Native Women's Transition Centre – Completing the Circle – Mentoring

Project summary
Completing the Circle is a mentorship-type of initiative that works to support the development of Aboriginal women as leaders and mentors within the community. The program was developed to provide training, capacity development and personal assistance and provides mentors for women who are leaving the safety and support of the Centre. The mentors are recruited from women that have made a commitment to remain on their healing journey. All participating mentors are given training that builds their self-confidence and self-esteem that allows them to improve their chances for employment or educational opportunities.

UAS funding
$43,500

Project name
Native Women's Transition Centre – Completing the Circle – Mentoring Training Manual

Project summary
The sponsor developed a Mentoring Training manual to create a teaching and training tool to promote best practices in working with Aboriginal people. The goal is to share these best practices with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community-based organizations.

UAS funding
$25,000

Thompson

Project name
Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre Inc. – Capacity Building

Project summary
The sponsor coordinated various administrative supports to the Thompson Urban Aboriginal Strategy Steering Committee. Through this project the sponsor coordinated, facilitated and arranged logistical support, planned activities including community meetings and activities to develop a comprehensive community plan.

UAS funding
$53,000

Project name
Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre Inc. – Northern Circle of Youth Program

Project summary
This project focused on engaging more Aboriginal youth and purchased technical and recreational equipment for its youth programs and services. This program offers programs, services, activities and special events to urban Aboriginal youth in Thompson with emphasis on culture, education, recreation, social, health justice, employment, volunteerism and community development. Transportation provided and programs are offered free-of-charge to ensure that all youth have an opportunity to participate.

UAS funding
$35,000

Project name
Mystery Lake School District #2355 – Cree Revitalizing our Language

Project summary
The sponsor purchased technical equipment to develop in-house resource materials for the Cree Bilingual and Cree as a Second Language curriculum. Resource materials are required to help deliver the language program.

UAS funding
$50,000

Project name
Thompson Boys and Girls Club Inc. – Environmental Youth Centre and Youth Build Program

Project summary
These programs provide vocational, nutritional, recreational, and educational capacity for at-risk Thompson youth ages 17-20. Investing in equipment improves the sponsor's operational capacity to deliver programs and provide youth with opportunities to participate in vocational programming..

UAS funding
$20,000

Project name
Mystery Lake School District #2355 – Opportunities for Success Program

Project summary
The focus of this project is aimed at improving English and Cree literacy of Aboriginal children. Literacy improves when children have multiple opportunities to connect to books, listen to language and feel successful. Investments made in learning materials, specialized learning technology and training for trainers.

UAS funding
$50,000

Project name
The Spirit Way Inc. – Feasibility Study

Project summary
The sponsor carried out a feasibility study to develop a Canadian Centre for Aboriginal Fine Art. The objective is to establish a facility in Thompson with programming to teach and support young Aboriginal artists to globally market their artwork and develop entrepreneurial skills to convert a hobby into a self-employed business.

UAS funding
$17,000

Project name
The YWCA Young Women's Christian Association – Employment Links Program

Project Summary
The sponsor will conduct a needs assessment and re-develop the existing curriculum for the Employment Links Program.

UAS funding
$35,000

Project name
The YWCA Young Women's Christian Association – Employment Links Program

Project summary
The sponsor has set up two educational classrooms with information technology equipment for its integrated program that allows participants to progress from life skills, essential workplace skills, pre employment skills and employment placement. The project improves access and training for Aboriginal people to develop essential skills relevant to the workplace, gain sustainable employment and exposure to work environments.

UAS funding
$83,000

Regina

Project name
Sparvier and Associates Consulting - Coordination and Administration Support

Project summary
The project provided coordination and administrative support to the 2007-2008 Interim Committee for the Urban Aboriginal Strategy (UAS) in Regina.

UAS funding
$170,000

Project name
Social Enterprise

Project summary
From December 1, 2008 to March 31, 2008 North Central Community Association requires funding to expand on the model of employment utilized by the social enterprise Go Green Initiative by developing other lines of employment opportunities within the north central neighbourhood of Regina.

UAS funding
$17,812

Project name
Facility Renovations

Project summary
To provide resources to undertake renovations to the Eureka Fellowship Society facilities between December 1, 2007 and March 31, 2008 in order to increase capacity to deliver programming.

UAS funding
$27,433

Project name
Newsletter

Project summary
From December 1, 2008 to March 31, 2008 North Central Community Association requires funding to conduct research in the community to develop a targeted, community based newsletter that is distributed monthly and is financially sustainable. Also, to test readership of Aboriginal language articles.

UAS funding
$13,627

Project name
Resource and Support

Project summary
From December 1, 2008 to March 31, 2008 North Central Community Association requires funding to hire a housing support coordinator. Through a peer support model, the coordinator will inform community members of their rights and responsibilities, and work with families and individuals as they navigate through the various systems.

UAS funding
$12,923

Project name
Labour Ready

Project summary
From December 1, 2008 to March 31, 2008 North Central Community Association requires funding to expand on the ‘Hire a Neighbour' program and link with adult training programs in the community. The ‘Labour Ready' concept once established would pay for staff to be available to provide support of varying degrees to individuals and help to resolve any issues that come up between employer and employee.

UAS funding
$9,039

Project name
AIDS Programs South Saskatchewan - HIV/AIDS Awareness

Project summary
The programs distributed agency-produced materials to Aboriginal community service organizations. The materials helped to hold a one-day workshop for people in Regina that live with HIV/AIDS or are at-risk of contracting the virus as well as agencies serving those individuals. The project also hired an Elder to work with the organization on a regular and consistent basis.

UAS funding
$16,975

Project name
Federation Saskatchewan Indian Nations - Urban Development Committee Pilot

Project summary
This project will test the idea of an urban development committee in Regina to improve discussions and collaboration on programs and services designed to help Aboriginal urban residents. The project will also develop an effective line of communication between the federal, provincial, and municipal government, non-governmental organizations, and First Nation tribal councils.

UAS funding
$70,000

Project name
Street Culture KIDZ Project Inc. - Fly High and Proud

Project summary
This project helped Aboriginal youth function in economics and business development. Over five months, the project taught business planning, budget projections, and managing projects.

UAS funding
$12,000

Project name
Prairie Spirit Connections Inc. - Cultural Awareness in Justice

Project summary
This project provided a three-day workshop on cultural awareness to justice officials about the needs of Aboriginal people in Regina. It made officials more aware of the cultural values and teachings that could help justice officials work with Aboriginal people.

UAS funding
$24,250

Project name
Prairie Spirit Connections Inc. - Tending the Fire Healing Project

Project summary
This project provided bridge funding to the project while sustainable funding was put in place. The project fills a distinct need in the community by working directly with violent Aboriginal males, with a focus on life skill develop, coping mechanisms, and traditional healing. It also brought together the Prairie Spirit board of directors for a planning session to develop a five-year strategic plan. The board is made up of Elders, First Nations members, and staff.

UAS funding
$51,500

Project name
Cowessess First Nation Urban Development Office - Healing our Community

Project summary
This project built a winter sweat lodge and created an Elder's advisory committee. This committee helps to ensure that the sponsor tries to use an inclusive Aboriginal community perspective during operations.

UAS funding
$47,700

Project name
Canadian Red Cross Society - Bridging the Gap

Project summary
This project helped more Aboriginal people to take part in programs for preventing injuries. It provided training in standard first aid/CPR and babysitting. The project enabled the RespectED Program to expand and further engage Aboriginal agencies and partners.

UAS funding
$16,640

Saskatoon

Project name
Western Region Métis Women's Association - FASD Justice and Housing Project

Project summary
This project developed procedures, policies, and partnerships to offer support services in the areas of housing and justice to people affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

UAS funding
$42,160

Project name
Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. - Capacity Agreement

Project summary
This project provided administrative and capacity support to the Urban Aboriginal Strategy in Saskatoon and the steering committee for Saskatoon's strategy.

UAS funding
$185,000

Prince Albert

Project name
Women of the Earth - Connecting the Circle

Project Summary
This project addressed transportation issues that create a barrier to clients accessing services. It also upgraded its program facilities.

UAS funding
$55,000

Project name
Prince Albert Metis Nation Local 7 Inc - Administration Support

Project summary
This project provided coordination and administrative support to the steering committee for Prince Albert's Urban Aboriginal Strategy.

UAS funding
$62,500

Project name
Bill's Driving School - Driver Education

Project summary
This project offered drive education training to 20 Aboriginal people to remove it as a barrier to employment and accessing services.

UAS funding
$20,000

Project name
West Flat Citizens Group - Traditional Parenting

Project Summary
This project taught young parents the skills they need to raise happy, healthy children. It helped to promote healthy and nurturing family relationships. It helped young parents begin their healing by teaching traditional healthy practices. The project increased self-esteem in both parents and children. It raised awareness about the intergenerational loss of parenting skills due to residential schools.

UAS funding
$48,520

Project name
North Saskatchewan River Metis Local#269 Inc. - Community Wellness

Project summary
This project provided training in the areas of alternative measures, mediation, and restorative justice for up to 15 people from the Prince Albert urban Aboriginal community. This is the second run of this training. It was offered at the same time last year with great success, leading to demand for the training to happen again.

UAS funding
$90,000

Project name
Prince Albert Metis Nation Local 7 Inc - Eclipse

Project summary
The project bought recreational equipment for families to use. It created a secure storage facility and got families to use the equipment, helping them build skills in sports, culture, and thinking.

UAS funding
$60,000

Project name
Willow Resource Services Inc. - Educational Supports Research

Project summary
The sponsor did research to identify barriers that urban Aboriginal students face when attending urban schools. It raised awareness about the need for more affordable educational resources; gained insights from students and how they think about services and providers; and identified whether parents or guardians would use educational support if available and affordable.

UAS funding
$27,000

Project name
Muskeg Lake Cree Nation - Engaging the Community

Project summary
This project provided administrative support, handled contracts, and managed financial services to deliver events to engage the community in 2007 for Prince Albert's Urban Aboriginal Strategy.

UAS funding
$37,500

Calgary

Project name
Paediatric & Women's Wellness Clinic (Awo Taan Native Women's Shelter)

Project summary
The Paediatric and Women's Health Clinic will provide holistic professional health care to meet the immediate health needs of the women and children who access the services at the Awo Taan Native Women's Shelter. Care will be provided by a nurse and the clinic will focus on three main areas: health measures, risk reduction and collaborative partnerships. Services will include providing health assessments, setting up patient care plans, treatment of minor illnesses and injuries, management of stable chronic illnesses, early intervention, health education aimed at promoting positive health practises and choices and referrals to appropriate community medical resources. Partnerships will also be developed with other community health care providers to improve delivery of programs and services that support the health of Aboriginal clients. An internal written evaluation will be completed at the end of the project.

UAS funding
$46,980

Project name
Jan Pat Management Organization Inc. - Just Say Y.E.S. Youth Employment and Skills Training program

Project summary
The Just Say Y.E.S. Youth Employment and Skills training program will assist youth to develop employability skills, which can be used to target long term sustainability goals in education and employment. The first step of the program is the community outreach component, whereby the worker will be visible in the community interacting with unemployed youth who are seeking a change in their lives. During the length of this project a total of 80 youth will be contacted and have access to outreach services. Another component to this project is ongoing community awareness and building positive relationships/collaborations within the community and resources supporting youth, with potential employers and with educational institutions. At least 60 contacts will be made during the length of the project. A total of ten urban Aboriginal youth between the ages of 17 – 30 years will be selected to participate in the Just Say Y.E.S. Youth Employment and Skills training program. The program consists of a nine week workshop that focuses on career management. The curriculum will consist of team building in the workplace; communication and observation skills; workplace values and ethics; building positive relationships at work, school and home; conflict resolution, negotiation and agreements; personal care (HIV training and birth control); job search skills; the importance of giving back through volunteerism to build resumes; dressing appropriately for interviews and employment; interview skills; dealing with workplace bullying; rights and responsibility of employment; ongoing learning and workplace and career management; and adult literacy and numeracy. A facilitator will be hired to deliver this portion of the program.

UAS funding
$63,098

Project name
Métis Calgary Family Services Society

Project summary
By March 31, 2008, Métis Calgary Family Services Society (MCFSS) will provide supportive transitional housing for homeless families in Calgary through their 32 housing units, their partnership with Aspen Family Services and Inn From the Cold, and their holistic life skills model. MCFSS will continue to provide the opportunity for Rainbow Lodge, Aspen Family Services and Inn From the Cold staff to work with participant families to become self reliant, permanently housed, and will enhance their knowledge and confidence in the following life skills areas: Orientation, Goal setting, Self Esteem, Assertiveness vs. Aggression, Parenting, Behaviour Management, Sexuality, Nutrition, Daily Planning, Budgeting, Tenant's rights, Medicine Wheel Teachings, Aboriginal History & Culture, Rights & Systems, Traditional Medicines, Child Safety, Community Resources, Addictions Awareness, Violence Prevention, Setting Goals, Resume Writing, Career Planning and Job Search Techniques. It is expected that the Rainbow Lodge project will assist an estimated 38 families, of which 70% will be Aboriginal.
MCFSS will also introduce a new component to their supportive transitional housing model that focuses on children aged 0-14 years who will benefit from targeted program supports in the form of organized social activities, with a strong theme towards Arts and Cultural awareness. It is estimated Rainbow Lodge will provide up to 50 children with access to this new component of programming.

UAS funding
$148,590

Project name: Calgary Urban Aboriginal Initiative (CUAI)

Project summary
By March 31, 2012, the City of Calgary, through the Calgary Urban Aboriginal Initiative (CUAI) will, identify and support partnership opportunities within Calgary and its Urban Aboriginal Community, launch and complete cycles 6 through 9, of the CUAI Community Collaborative Granting Process (CGP), and will maintain current and enhance new communication strategies to ensure inclusiveness and transparency within the Calgary community.

The CUAI's Capacity Enhancement project will support and enhance the implementation of three key objectives identified in the CUAI Community Plan.

Identification of partnership opportunities and building community capacity to ensure that the Calgary community process and projects are sustainable; CUAI will identify, support and make available training opportunities that will enable individuals and community organizations to better able to achieve goals in the community plan, improve their ability to represent and advocate on behalf of the community, and develop on-going leadership capacity.
Give community service organizations and other interested stakeholders a framework within which to work together to achieve common goals; CUAI will enhance the framework and structures needed for participation in the Calgary Urban Aboriginal Initiative and the Collaborative Granting Process (CGP) by providing operational support for the CUAI CGP and support the operations and development of the CUAI Domain groups in relation to their participation in the review and further development of the CUAI Community Plan.
Develop communication strategies to ensure inclusiveness and transparency and broaden community interest and involvement; The CUAI communication strategy will include: internet site maintenance for CUAI, direct mail and email to agencies and Domains, advertising, public service announcements, community consultations and community events to review the projects implemented as a result of the CUAI process and to ensure that the community is aware of CUAI and CGP activities.

UAS funding
$925,000

Project name
Tipi of Courage

Project summary
The Canadian Red Cross Society will deliver the Tipi of Courage project. The project is an initiative meant to empower Aboriginal community members to combat the threat of HIV/AIDS and Sexually Tranmitted Infections (STIs). The project has four components.

Aboriginal agency personnel and community members will be trained as Outreach Warriors or Facilitators to deliver HIV/AIDS prevention, universal precautions and HIV information for health professionals.
A mobile HIV/AIDS awareness centre (a tipi) will be brought to a variety of Aboriginal gatherings in order to provide access to pertinent HIV/AIDS information. Elders and volunteer ‘Warriors' will provide outreach and distribute educational and promotional material at these events.
The project coordinator, in collaboration with health professionals and elders, will develop a new workshop to address the issues of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Universal Precautions. This worklshopwill be provided to Aboriginal community members.
The project coordinator will build partnerships with HIV and health professionals to creat a “First ResponderTeam”. The team will provide support to Aboriginal families immediately following ans HIV diagnosis. Aboriginal families and the person affected with HIV will receive accurate HIV information, support and guidance on staying health immedicately following an HIV diagnosis.

UAS funding
$32,000

Project name
Universal Rehabilitation Services Agency - Kootenay Lodge

Project summary
The primary objective of Kootenay Lodge is to provide supportive, specialized and safe housing for up to ten homeless Aboriginal adults with severe disabilities. Universal Rehabilitation Service Agency (URSA) will complete the development of the Kootenay Lodge project. The Recipient will provide residents with 24 hour staff support, medical care and specialized facilities to assist residents in stabilizing their health, emotional healing, personal skills development and meaningful reconnection to their culture, family, community and employment. The recipient will:

Complete renovations and furnish the Kootenay Lodge facility
Hire and train staff to operate the Kootenay Lodge facility
Market and advertise the Kootenay Lodge facility to the general public
Develop a comprehensive intake package
Continue to formalize relationships with other Aboriginal services, resources and organizations in the community
Develop a plan for volunteer recruitment and support
Provide on-going 24 hour care, services and supports for the residents of Kootenay Lodge
Conduct and internal evaluation of the project

UAS funding
$281,650

Project name
Canadian Red Cross Society - Horizon program

Project summary
By March 31, 2008 the Canadian Red Cross Society, through the Horizon program, will provide the following opportunities to promote the limitless potential of all urban Aboriginal youth in Calgary and empower participating urban Aboriginal youth to make positive life choices;

Promote Education / Staying in School
Increase participation of urban Aboriginal youth in skills development and Training
Increase participation of urban Aboriginal youth in Health related endeavours
Increase participation of urban aboriginal youth in local cultural resources
Increase participation of urban Aboriginal youth in recreational opportunities
Improve life skills amongst urban Aboriginal youth (including parenting)
Enhance community outreach and community ties
Increase participation / intervention for urban Aboriginal street youth
Create alternatives to negative environments
Strengthen relationships amongst the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community

UAS funding
$80,775

Project name
Riel Institute for Education & Learning - Aboriginal Family and Youth Suppport Training Program

Project summary
The recipeint will deliver the Aboriginal Family and Youth Suppport Training Program, an accredited 38 week training program that will provide successful students with certification as paraprofessional in the human services field. Students will be provided with a certificate, upon completion of the program, from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.

The training program will be comprised of two components : six months of classroom instruction and a three month practicum experience. In addition to regular cirriculum , the Recipient will also incorporate various workshops, cultural and language training and fieldtrips into the classroom portion of the program.

The recipeint will hire a program manager and a program assistant, retain eight contract instructors to teach the nine classroom modules.; and retain numerous elders to facilitate healing circles and provide counselling.

This program will hold 20 seats for Aboriginals who are 18 years or older, have completed a minimun of grade 10 education, are unemployed and are receiving Government assistance prior to entry into the program.

UAS funding
$88,175

Project name
Aboriginal Resource Centre Association

Project summary
The Recipient, Aboriginal Resource Centre Association (ARCA), will hire a consultant to review the policy and procedures for the Board of Directors and the organization. The Consultant will work with the Board and staff to update the policy and procedures manual and train the Board on areas of governance such as board roles and responsibilities, need for clear mission and goals, bylaws, limitations and liabilities.

UAS funding
$18,050

Project name
SUNRISE Native Addiction Services

Project summary
The Recipient will expand its services and build on its capacity to include Aboriginal youth and family by providing individual and family counselling, parenting skills training for caregivers, educating children and youth about the effects and consequences of drug use, providing Aboriginal based healthy choices, increasing academic achievement through peer and mentor relationships and collaboration.

The Recipient will hire a Youth and Family Coordinator and a full-time youth counsellor to deliver the program and enhance the existing service. The Recipient will increase its case workload to support Aboriginal women, children and their families who are vulnerable to making poor lifestyle choices such as quitting school, gang affiliation and violence, criminal activity, teen pregnancy, drug experimentation or suicide.

UAS funding
$43,118

Project name
Distress Centre Calgary

Project summary
The Recipient, Distress Centre Calgary is the fiscal agent for the project delivered by the Calgary Urban Aboriginal Suicide Prevention Committee (CUASP), now know as Il Paa Taa Pii Committee (the Committee). The Committee will build capacity for suicide prevention in the urban Aboriginal community of Calgary by: 1) developing strong and culturally appropriate organization able to provide services and training in suicide prevention; 2) increase its committee membership; 3) incorporate as a legal entity; and 4) develop or offer training to Aboriginal people in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), Aboriginal Awareness workshops and Aboriginal specific bereavement workshops.

UAS funding
$35,250

Project name
Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth

Project summary
The Recipient will establish an online training website to train Aboriginal Youth designed to assist Aboriginal Youth in career planning. In phase one of two, two private consultants will be contracted to develop and market the program. The first consultant will develop a strategic plan and create the communication materials along with other research to support the initiative. The second consultant will be contracted to work with the proponent to create, design, and implement this website. Funding for 2007-08 will cover twenty percent of the project costs. The Recipient will submit an application for funding in the 2008-09 fiscal year to complete phase two.

UAS funding
$15,030

Project name
Sunchild E-learning Community

Project summary
The Sunchild E-learning Community (The Recipient) will provide Junior and Senior High school level core courses (English, Social Studies, Math and Science) to Aboriginal students. The Recipient will deliver the courses in an online environment whereby the instruction, testing, evaluation, and course inquires are completed in a virtual classroom. The Recipient will provide access to accredited culturally relevant secondary courses, for at least fifty urban Aboriginal people in Calgary. The Recipient will hire a staff person to mentor those in the project, coordinate the establishment of the classroom with community partners, meet with community partners to create awareness for the project, recruit students and support students once they are enrolled. The urban site will provide access to at least 100 secondary course seats for the use of Aboriginal persons over the age of 18 who are not eligible for support by other sources of education funding.

UAS funding
$70,000

Edmonton

Project name
City of Edmonton Community Services: Organizational Capacity Building Coalition (OCBC)

Project summary
The OCBC developed and delivered a comprehensive series of workshops on Project development which include: Clarification on project & rational descriptions, internal assessment, project financial assessment, networking, accessing funders, writing proposals, establishing networks within the City of Edmonton. This project is an extension for the 2006-07 that required additional funding to complete the project.

UAS funding
$4,595

Project name
Native Counselling Services of Alberta (Links)

Project summary
This project is a cultural mentoring/exchange project with university students and homeless (or recently / potentially at risk in the future) Aboriginal youth. The project is an extension of a prior agreement to accommodate the school year (U of A) which ends in April 2007. The amount of the extension is $15,143.

UAS funding
$15,143

Project name
Alberta Native Friendship Centre Association: Guiding Stars and Birchbark Baskets

Project summary
Throught guidance of Aboriginal Elders, young mothers and fathers will receive traditional arts and crafts teachings to help center and artistically express their inherent cultural values, belifes, and custums; and through shared experiences and community support, create confidence in paranting.

UAS funding
$78,850

Project name
Creating Hope Society of Alberta

Project summary
This project will develop and deliver support progams designed to break the inter-generational, familial cycles of welfare involvement that often stems from and includes chronic poverty, family violence, abuse and exploitation that can lead to Aboriginal women, children and families becoming victums of crime and/or entering a life of crime.

UAS funding
$86,090

Project name
Shared Spaces

Project summary
Northern Alberta Alliance on Race Relations Society (NAARR) will work with family members to examine the causes of ineffective communication with school personnel so that Aboriginal children experience more equitable and positive schooling. The staff will work with families, in groups and individually to discuss problems and strategies will be developed for positive communication between the school and the family.

UAS funding
$39,596

Project name
Dreamspeakers on Tour (DOT)

Project summary
DOT was designed as a training program for Aboriginal youth interested in a career in the within the film industry. Aboriginal students receive training in the various operations in the film industry which include operating cameras, film production and communications.

UAS funding
$30,000

Project name
Native Counselling Services of Alberta – Stan Daniels Healing Centre

Project summary
A certified computer technician will teach clients at the Stan Daniels Centre skills to service and maintain Personal Computers, networks and attachments in their homes, communities and local businesses. The CompTIA A+ training project offers clients residing at the Stan Daniels Healing Centre on opportunity for shared learning experience, and acquisition of skills in a meaningful career. Residents at Stan Daniels are either conditionally released offenders (day parole, or full parole/statutory release with residency) or residents with inmate status.

UAS funding
$23,260

Project name
Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women/Esquao Inc.

Project summary
Development and delivery of wellness strategies, training, and support for Aboriginal women to engage in entrepreneurial activities – develop their own business, manage businesses, and develop the philosophies of “Social Entrepreneurship” for Aboriginal women. The Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women will concurrently develop its own businesses that provide training and mentorship in entrepreneurship for Aboriginal women through Esquao Catering, Franchising of the Esquao Awards, and other business to be developed.

UAS funding
$145,675

Project name
Community mentorship & role model program

Project summary
Bent Arrow will hire a web designer- coordinator to design a website that contains a series of interviews conducted on various Elders from the Aboriginal community. The interviews on the Elders contian the stories of their personal challenges, success stories and will be posted on a website that is designed for Aboriginal youth to access when looking for life skills advice and mentorship.

UAS funding
$31,600

Project name
Yellowhead Tribal College: Aboriginal Histories

Project summary
Traditional sessions will be offered to staff and students to participate in cultural activities such as: attending sweat lodges, access to Elders, a round dance, and attending a workshop on cultural values and teachings. The Native studies course curriculum will also undergo a revision including the addition of a university-level Cree language syllabics course that will be developed.

UAS funding
$89,111

Project name
The University of Alberta, Women and Children's Health Department

Project summary
Edmonton Public Schools in collaboration with the University of Alberta is engaging in research to better understand the experiences of Aboriginal students through visual inquiry.

UAS funding
$24,558

Project name
Aboriginal Women's Professional Association

Project summary
This society is proposing to finalize negotiations and the acquisition of the (Fox Farms) land base, build the capacity of the organization by exploring marketing and fundraising options and continue to offer cultural ceremonies on the site.

UAS funding
$85,058

Project name
Aboriginal Services Coordinator

Project summary
The Bissel Centre will hire a liason person to develop partnerships with Aboriginal Elders to ensure Aboriginal Spirituality and cultural components (essential to healing) and included as part of all areas of the programming and service delivery provided by the Bissel Centre.

UAS funding
$19,707

Project name
Journeys Program

Project summary
The project will bring University students and Aboriginal youth together in a program that encourages mutual learning through sessions that include team building, and other workshops such as: Cultural awareness; Addictions; Relationships; Homelessness; Safety and Mental health.

UAS funding
$91,266

Lethbridge

Project name
Aboriginal Housing In Action Society - Housing Manager and Research Coordinator

Project summary
The project will hire a Housing Coordinator who will oversee the day to day operations and further development of the Society as directed by their Strategic Plan. A Feasibility Coordinator will also be hired to conduct a study into the liklihood of success of a property maintenance company which will support the 32 unit Koh koonan development funded by Alberta Municipal Affairs and Housing Ministry. (4.3 million). They will also develop a three year plan to ensure the establishment of this support to the affordable housing rental development. A Business plan writer will also be contracted to seek additional funding. The Society provides referral and advocacy services to Aboriginal people in Lethbridge seeking affordable housing.

UAS funding
$47,184

Project name
Opokassin Early Prevention Society - Circles of Support-Traditional Parenting program

Project summary
Opokaa'sin Early Intervention Society Circles of Support-Traditional Parenting program will provide traditional parenting support to aboriginal families in an attempt to give the support that extended family often did in traditional communities. The project will provide weekly parenting classes, weekly parenting support groups, and a parenting resource center. Elders will be utilized as mentors to aboriginal families and as cultural resources to staff. Project funds will be utilized to hire a Program Facilitator who will oversee the program and recruit potential clients as well as be responsible for reporting and portions of the evaluation.

UAS funding
$19,801

Project name
Lethbridge School District No. 51 - First Nation Metis and Innuit Middle School Mentorship Project

Project summary
The First Nation Metis and Innuit Middle School Mentorship Project provides an FNMI mentor in each of the District's 3 middle schools. The FNMI mentors have the primary role of providing intensive culturally-appropriate supports to students both in and out of the classroom seting. The mentor is an advocate for the students and works with the school team to enhance relationships with parents. FNMI Mentors are an integral part of the counselling team at each school.

There are 5 objectives outlined: increase student academic success; improve student attendance at school; increase level of FNMI parent satisfaction; increase the numbers of students moving from middle shool to high school; and increase the number of Aboriginal cultural activities.

The primary objective of the project is to improve the academic success rate of Aboriginal students at the middle school level, with the long-term goal of increasing the number of Aboriginal students who complete high school.

UAS funding
$51,257

Project name
Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Society - Project Horizon

Project summary
Project Horizon is a pre employment program targeting aboriginal adults who have never worked. Funds will be used to hire a Project Manager, Assistant and Human Resource Specialist who will deliver the program. Participants will receive training in the areas of urban living/reserve living; transitional issues, self esteem, skill set assessments, employment issues, employment standards, interview expectations, resume writing, personal development and cultural awareness. Program participants will also be supported after exit from the program and employment is secured. The project will run 6 cyles of an 8 week sessions that can accommodate 50 participants per session.

UAS funding
$50,376

Project name
Lethbridge Aboriginal Career & Employment Centre - Aboriginal Urban Skills Program

Project summary
The purpose of the Aboriginal Urban Skills Program is to determine the individual transition needs of program participants and provide them with basic settlement information about the city, the different human service providers and the services they may be eligible for to assist their settlement. Aboriginal and Government human service providers will be scheduled to make group presentations for the benefit of the program participants so the understand the circles of support that exist in the city.

2 sessions of 15 participants each will receive training. Week one will consist of learning what supports are available for the urban aboriginal resident. Week two focuses on aboriginal culture, and history. Week three comprises training in Career planning and Career needs analysis/orientation followed by week four which consists of training in Job Search skills.

UAS funding
$20,736

Project name
Lethbridge Aboriginal Seniors Society – Lifeskills Project

Project summary
The Lethbridge Aboriginal Seniors Society will provide a seniors program in Lethbridge housed out of the Red Crow Community College Sattelite Campus. The organization will provide social activities, advocacy and referral services for seniors, and classes in life skills, computer literacy, arts and crafts and aboriginal languages and history. The seniors will share valuable cultural knowledge with the Aboriginal and non Aboriginal population of Lethbridge.

UAS funding
$21,103

Project name
Lethbridge Native Women's Transition Home Society – Relocation Project

Project summary
The Relocation Project will provide funds to assist the Native Women's Transition Home with it's relocation plan. Due to unforseeable circumstances, the Tranistion Home has been without it's own facility since August of 2007. The program has continued by renting 3 homes in residential areas of Letthbridge. Funds will be utilized to assist with the unplanned for costs of extra rent and utilites as well as extra staffing. The project will also hire a consultant to do a feasibility study to determine the housing need of the program and seek additional funds to whatever type of permanent residence is deemed most appropriate. They will also provide fund raising options.

UAS funding
$84,000

Project name
University of Lethbridge – Aboriginal Student Support Project

Project summary
The project will provide the funds required to implement an emergency grant exchange program for aboriginal students attending the University of Lethbridge. Emergency Grants will be accessible through the Native Student Advisors office and will be available to qualifying students in the amount of five hundred dollars. Each student will have to repay the grant through volunteer hours at the University of Lethbridge or other community agency serving the aboriginal population. The objectives of the Emergency Grant Exchange are to: provide financial support for aboriginal students in crisis; to provide supplemental funding for critical needs such as housing, utilities, food and family emergency; to increase the retention of Aboriginal students at the University of Lethbridge and to increase student community involvement.

The objective of the Research Project is to determine the scope and need for Aboriginal Student Supports at the University of Lethbridge. For the Research Project three University of Lethbridge students will be employed, a Researcher and two Research Assistants. The Researcher will be a graduate student whose primary responsibilities will be to oversee the project, supervise the Research Assistants, and work closely with and provide regular reports to the university's FNMI support group. The Research Assistants will be fourth year undergraduate students who will conduct field work and compile data.

UAS funding
$26,500

Project name
Kainai Government Agreement - Cultural Awareness & Transitional Support Project

Project summary
This project will develop a means of exchanging information, enhancing relationships and providing cultural awareness training which includes transition and linkages via workshops and intervention for both Aboriginal and non Aboriginal people of Lethbridge.

A Project Coordinator will be hired to oversee the project development and implement the survey of on off reserve transitional issues. This project (phase 1) will involve specific research in the form of a survey of off reserve transitional issues and current initiatives that address such as well as development of information that will create cross cultural awareness and transition training sessions.

In addition to the development of a survey, the project will establish relationships with at least 75 % of the Aboriginal and non Aboriginal agencies in Lethbridge. The Project Coordinator will be required to search for other funding sources which will sustain the project and make implementation of Phase 2 and 3 possible.

UAS funding
$35,666

Project name
Lethbridge Regional Police Services – Health & Wellness Workshop

Project summary
The Two Day Health and Wellness Workshop for youth will target a group of 15 Urban Aboriginal Youth from the City between the ages of 12 to 15 years. The camp will teach the youth the importance of healthy eating, exercize and living a holistic lifestyle. Youth will participate in a variety of activities including swimming, martial arts, rock climbing, floor hockey and canoeing. They will also participate in a tour of the University. Sessions on Drug Awarenss and Bullying will also be provided.

The objective is to enhance the lifestyles and living conditions of Urban Aboriginal Youth. The two day workshop will provide a healthy, self determining youth group who will be able to identify and support their aspirations, needs and goals and to access their community supports for both traditional and western resources.

UAS funding
$1,805

Vancouver

Project name
Skills Link Training Program for Aboriginal Youth

Project summary
The project will consist of one intake of 24 participants for a duration of 8 weeks. The purpose of the project is to enhance employability for Aboriginal youth in the construction trades sector. The project involves: a pre-assessment of an applicant's level of literacy and acknowledgement of Aboriginal learning styles, assessment of a participant's transfereable job/life skills and identification of barriers to employment, instructional methods to assit participants in achieving their learning goals and objectives, employment skills development by the participant, career development, work experience on work sites, moitoring and evaluation on participants progress and program effectiveness.

The Skills and Link Program will consist of four major components:

Week – Recruitment Process
Weeks – Employment Skills Training/Certificates
Week – Job Finding Skills
Weeks – Supported Work Experience

UAS funding
$116,863

Project name
First Nations Early Literacy and Collection Development Project

Project summary
This project, developed by the Surrey Public Library will support the Surrey Aboriginal community through improving access to library resources and services with the goal of improving Aboriginal youth literacy. Due to a shortage of funds, the Surrey Public Library has been unable to provide the Aboriginal community with culture specific resources and library products. GVUAS funding would go towards the purchase of materials needed to provide better service to existing Aboriginal clientele of Surrey Public library, and to try to increase the number of Aboriginal people utilizing the libraries' services. The library materials would be used both to augment the small existing collection, and as part of the library's early literacy program.

UAS funding
$11,000

Project name
Aboriginal BEST Program

Project summary
The Aboriginal Business and Entrepreneurship Skills Training program (Aboriginal BEST) provides youth with skills that help them create their own jobs.

The program offers training that helps participants identify business opportunities and determine their feasibility. Participants conduct market research, write business plans and explore financing options. They learn how to make money through self-employment.

The Metro Vancouver Aboriginal BEST will provide training to a minimum of 20 urban Aboriginal youth between the ages of 18 and 35, who are interested in becoming self-employed or starting their own business. It is for both those who have a solid idea and want to see it happen, and for those who have an interest in business but no specific idea as yet.

UAS funding
$25,000

Project name
Greater Vancouver Urban Aboriginal Strategy (GVUAS) Capacity Funding Agreement

Project summary
Capacity funding is intended to enhance the capacity of the Recipient and their Greater Vancouver Urban Aboriginal Strategy Steering Committee (GVUASSC) representative, to participate fully in the GVUASSC process. Vancouver Native Health Society (VNHS) under the direction of GVUAS Steering Committee member Lou Demerais, will be using a position of the capacity funds to provide training in Aboriginal cultural awareness to the staff of VNHS. In addition, the funds will cover the wages of VNHS employees who supported Lou Demerais' duties at VNHS while he was engaged in GVUAS activities.

UAS funding
$10,000

Project name
Report on Challenges faced by urban Aboriginal Women in Canada

Project summary
The Centre for Native Policy and Research (CNPR) will develop a fifty page report, including a literature review, on Aboriginal women's challenges, views and recommendations. The purpose is to more fully understand the challenges affecting the lives of urban Aboriginal women and their families in Canadian society. The aim is to explore possible new and enhanced approaches to addressing the challenges being faced by Aboriginal women, particularly those that fall within the mandate of urban Aboriginal agencies and/or organizations.

The key objectives of the Aboriginal women's challenges, views and recommendations report are as follows:

To determine what Aboriginal women have identified as issues, needs and concerns and the priorities, key messages and recommendations they have made in relation to the solutions they see to addressing these issues, needs and concerns in both our conducted research and at large;
To determine what research and other written evidence is available regarding the following:
1. Socio-economic circumstances and trends of Aboriginal women;
2. Unique issues, needs and concerns related to Aboriginal women as a whole or for particular segments of the Aboriginal women population;
3. Emerging issues, concerns and needs; and
4. Recommended approaches to solutions, including any best practices and models.
To determine what common positions exist in relation to policies, key messages and recommendations on Aboriginal women's issues, needs, and concerns, within other key Aboriginal representative and service organizations.

UAS funding
$36,933

Project name
Fraser River Journey

Project summary
Langara College conducted a youth leadership development project that provided Metro Vancouver urban Aboriginal youth with significant life skills training through participating in a ten day rafting expedition from Quesnel to Yale, British Columbia. This project brought Aboriginal (both Urban and Rural) youth into the environments of the Fraser River for the delivery of an environmentally based leadership program. The Journey of Rediscovery represents a community-based program delivered through a blend of traditional and contemporary Aboriginal knowledge with a training curriculum focused on three main areas: Self-Discovery, Skill Development and Team Building. A strong second component of this program is the introduction of participants to the diversity of Aboriginal culture found along the Fraser River. Cultural presentations and activities are planned at a number of Aboriginal communities the Journey of Rediscovery will visit during a rafting expedition.

UAS funding
$28,000

Project name
Greater Vancouver Urban Aboriginal Strategy (GVUAS) Capacity Funding Agreement

Project summary
This project will enhance the capacity of the proponent and their Greater Vancouver Urban Aboriginal Strategy Committee (GVUASSC) representative to particiopate fully in the GVUASSC process. Participation by the proponent will include an opportunity to provide input and recommendations concerning the Greater Vancouver Urban Aboriginal Strategy Initiative. The United Native Nations (UNN) will aslo be using a portion of the capacity funds to provide training in working effectively with government to the staff of UNN. In addtion, the funds will cover the wages of UNN employees who supported Sean Green's duties at UNN while he was engaged in GVUAS activities.

UAS funding
$20,000

Project name
Youth Life Skills and Leadership Project

Project summary
This project, delivered by the Richmond Youth Services Agency (RYSA), will provide life skills and leadership training to twenty Richmond Aboriginal youth through involvement in: 1) Outdoor activities, featuring practical life-skills focused workshops 2) Weekly workshops on topics related to Aboriginal heritage and traditions 3) A traditional carving project and 4) Participation in an Aboriginal youth focused conference.

The project will include two weekend-based retreats for youth participants. Each weekend retreat will involve workshops that cover topics like time management, goal setting, problem solving, team work, communication, and conflict resolution. Each weekend retreat will also include: ecological and environmental training, an introduction to wilderness preparation, safety and survival training and understanding traditional herbs and plants.
The project will include ongoing, weekly workshops that discuss a history of Aboriginal people, a tour of traditional locations within the Richmond community and their significance; and several traditional athletic and recreational activities which will be taught to youth through the involvement of elders. The weekly workshops will also involve youth in traditional foods through the support of Wet'suwet'en Chef, Marlene “Maluh” Hale and provide them with their Foodsafe.
The project will also include an ongoing carving component. With the assistance of local carvers and artisans, youth participants will be able to experience first hand the skill and art of carving. During the project, youth will work with traditional carvers, in both an indoor and outdoor setting, on a group and individual carving project.
Youth participants will also be supported to attend the March 2008 Gathering Our Voices Aboriginal Youth Conference in Victoria. This year's conference carries an appropriate theme of “sports, recreation, and wellness”. This is a very unique opportunity for Richmond Aboriginal youth as they are frequently sheltered from interactions with other Aboriginal youth. Attendance at this conference will increase the participant's self confidence, self awareness, and self esteem. It will also foster opportunities for Richmond participants to come together as a group and represent the community, demonstrating social responsibility and leadership.

UAS funding
$55,000

Project name
Greater Vancouver Urban Aboriginal Strategy (GVUAS) Capacity Funding Project

Project summary
This project involves two components, both of which will be carried out by the Metis Provincial Council of British Columbia (MNBC). Capacity Funds will be used by MNBC for two separate schedules of activities: development and engagement activities for the greater Vancovuer Urban Aboriginal Strategy and training activities for the MNBC membership. Disbursement of the GVUAS 2007/2008 Community Capacity Fund will be carried out under the direction of the GVUAS Steering Committee. These funds will be used for:

GVUAS strategic planning retreat and public membership selection event. All events will be capacity building acitivites aimed at improving the responsiveness of the Urban Aboriginal Strategy in Metro Vancovuer and further defining the governenace and membership structure of the existing Steering Committee.
Travel cost and reimbursement of expenses for community members to the National Urban Aborignal Strategy Conference in Saskatoon on February 21 and 22, 2008.

UAS funding
$57,732

Project name
Carpentry Interprovincial Refresher Course

Project summary
This project will prepare participants – through a ninety hour instruction course – for their Red Seal Trades Certification examinations. Red Seal certification allows tradespersons to practice their trade in any province or territory the trade is practiced without the need to write further qualifying exams. Apprentices will need to have three to four years of experience in carpentry, be currently employed and registered as an apprentice with the Industry Training Authority. Participants will be recruited and referred from all local Aboriginal Human Resources Development Agreement Holders (AHRDAs) – under the Human Resources and Social Development Canada's Aboriginal Human Resources Development Strategy – and urban Aboriginal organizations in Metro Vancouver. Counselling services will be provided by ACCESS apprenticeship counsellors, Employment Assistance workers and other urban Aboriginal service delivery organizations as required. The range of services and assistance offered will consist of information on the apprenticeship process, tracking of work based hours, training requirements, Federal Apprenticeship grant information, support for job searches and liaising with potential employers for future opportunities. Additional math tutoring will be offered to participants and will be carried out by Skill Plan BC, an organization originally established to work with union apprentices and possessing the requisite tutoring experience.

UAS funding
$14,963

Project name
Level 1 Carpentry

Project summary
The Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society, (ACCESS) will partner with the Native Education College to deliver a Level I carpentry training course – certified by the Industry Training Authority (ITA) – to sixteen Aboriginal students over a two month period of time.
Participants will receive a small stipend, bus tickets and equipment through the program funding. This project will reduce training waiting times for urban Aboriginals to attend technical training and ensure that participants have the certified qualifications to compete for apprenticeship opportunities.

UAS funding
$68,776

Project name
Greater Vancouver Urban Aboriginal Strategy (GVUAS) Capacity Funding Project

Project summary
Spirit of the Children Society (SOCS) will be carrying out a variety of support and administrative services for the Greater Vancouver Urban Aboriginal Strategy, Community Consultation Session on Saturday, Deember 8th 2007. SOCS will provide the following services:

Arranging for daycare and transportation for particpants with mobility issues;
Providing a suitable meeting venue and catering for participants;
Liasing with the facilitators and elders for this event for the purposes of providing payments and preparing for the days activities;
Placing advertising for this evetn in local media outlets; and
Administering all general logistics arising from the Community Consultation Session.

UAS funding
$4,428

Project name
Bladerunners Program

Project summary
The Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society, (ACCESS) will train twenty-four urban Aboriginal youth through the BladeRunners training program in Metro Vancouver. Participants will be offered construction trades training and a variety of support services in preparation and during various work placement opportunities. The two-week orientation will consist of life skills, employment readiness and certified health and safety training. Participants will receive hot meals while in training in addition being provided rain gear, work clothing and basic safety equipment. A basic living allowance and bus tickets will be provided in order to ensure retention of the participants and an easier transition into a workplace.

UAS funding
$143,997

Project name
Welding Level C Theory

Project summary
The Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society, (ACCESS) will offer a welding training and certification program to urban Aboriginal students in Metro Vancouver. This project will be carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Advanced Education, the British Columbia Institute of Technology, (BCIT) and the Native Education College. This project will allow sixteen urban Aboriginals the opportunity to streamline into a full welding training course with BCIT. Instruction will be carried out at the Native Education College by an accredited BCIT instructor. Participants will go through a six week training course consisting of trades mathematics, health and safety instruction and welding theory in a classroom setting. The project managers and instructor will identify any learning challenges faced by students and provide tutoring through Skill Plan BC as required.

UAS funding
$36,324

Project name
Greater Vancouver Urban Aboriginal Strategy (GVUAS) Capacity Funding Project

Project summary
The Community Capacity Fund is intended to be used by organizations involved in the delivery of the Urban Aboriginal Strategy for capacity building activities. The Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society (ACCESS) will offer a three-day strategic planning seminar to 35 staff members. ACCESS' activities – through this capacity development project – will consist of a facilitated, stratgic planning retreat for 35 staff members of the organization. This planning retreat will assist ACCESS staff members in improving the delivery of their services and programs to urban Aboriginals residing in the Metro Vancouver Area.

UAS funding
$20,000

Project name
Mobile Access Project

Project summary
The objectives of Mobile Access Project (MAP) are to increase the number of safe places for sex workers in Vancouver, increase access to violence prevention services and information on health and addiction treatment services and decrease preventable deaths, injuries and illness. In addition, MAP is intended to provide employment opportunities for women who have exited the sex trade and who are building their skills to create alternatives to sex work. MAP is on the road from 10:30 pm to 5:30 am, seven nights a week, driving to current and emerging strolls to provide women with supplies and resources to keep themselves safe. Included in this is needle exchange as well as the distribution of condoms. MAP Staff are able to contact emergency responders on request, arrange to have women transported out of dangerous situations, seek shelter beds and make referrals to other organizations that can benefit women in sex work.

UAS funding
$20,000

Project name
Greater Vancouver Urban Aboriginal Strategy (GVUAS) Capacity Funding Project

Project summary
Kla-how-eya Aboriginal Centre of Surrey Aboriginal Cultural Soceity will be carrying out a variety of support and administrative servcies for the Greater Vancovuer Urban Aboriginal Strategy, Community Consultation Session on Staruday, December 1st 2007. Kla-how-eya will provide the following services:

Arranging for day care and transportation for particpants with mobility issues;
Providing a suitable meeting venue and catering for participants;
Liasing with the faciliator and elders for this event for the purposes of providing payments and preparing fo the day's activities;
Placing advertising for this event inlocal media outlets as deemed appropriate; and,
Adminstering all general logistics arising form the Community Consultation Session.

UAS funding
$9,028

Project name
Greater Vancouver Urban Aboriginal Strategy (GVUAS) Capacity Funding Project

Project summary
The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) will be carrying out a variety of support and administrative services for the Greater Vancouver Urban Aboriginal Strategy, (PGUAS) Community Consultation Session on Saturday, November 17, 2007. The VAFCS will provide the following services:

Arranging for daycare and transportation for participants with mobility issues;
Providing a suitable meeting venue and catering for participants;
Liaising with Mr. Roq Gareau, the facilitator for this event for the purposes of providing payments and preparing for the day's activities;
Placing advertising for this event in local media outlets as deemed appropriate; and,
Administering all general logistics arising for the Community Consultation Session.

UAS funding
$7,842

Project name
Greater Vancouver Urban Aboriginal Strategy (GVUAS) Capacity Funding Project

Project summary
With support from the GVUAS Capacity Funds, Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) will be undertaking:

Two days of Board training – Board training will be on governance, affirming UNYA's Vision/Mission Statement, and an overview of legal issues and liabilities. This training will increase the Board's capacity to provide direction, set policy, and support for the overall work of the organization.
Updating the UNYA Website – Resources will be used to retain a professional website developer/designer to re-design/re-develop the UNYA website to make it as dynamic, engaging and user-friendly as possible.

UAS funding
$10,000

Project name
Youth Life Skills and Leadership

Project summary
The Kla-how-eya Aboriginal Centre of Surrey Aboriginal Cultural Society will deliver an Aboriginal youth life skills and leadership project with three major components:

Skills development workshops: Weekly workshops on a range of topics will give at risk-youth a solid foundation of skills to effectively and confidently improve their quality of life. Youth will become aware of the resources and services available to support their active and sustained independent living.
Cultural Activities: Weeklyactivities will connect at-risk youth to their Aboriginal Culture and Heritage which will result in youth fostering a positive Aboriginal Identity with dignity, pride and a heightened self-esteem. Through utilizing Aboriginal Elders to deliver Cultural Activities, youth will gain a positive relationship with Elders and an increased respect for the Elders and their roles in the Aboriginal community.
Outdoor Component: Ten Metro Vancouver Aboriginal at-risk youth will participate in a five-day camping excursion. Recreational Activities will result in youth having fun while bonding and building relationships with peers. Participants will learn the skills needed to lead a group, including: leadership responsibilities, group equipment, weather interpretation, menu planning, cooking for a group, and survival skills.

UAS funding
$51,304

Project name
Media Relations and Training Project

Project summary
Numa Communications Ltd will deliver media relations and training activities for Aboriginal organizations and interested individuals from the urban Aboriginal community in the Greater Vancouver Regional District. The proponent will assist urban Aboriginal organizations through two components: media relations services which will spread awareness of urban Aboriginal issues in the GVRD and a series of media relations training workshops which will develop the capacity of participating individuals.

UAS funding
$87,810

Prince George

Project name
Fire Pit – Cultural Aids Prevention Program

Project summary
The project will provide support for an Elder, Cook and Support Staff to deliver services at the Fire Pit Cultural Drop in Centre which provides HIV/AIDS/HCV prevention services within a culturally healing framework. Clients receive support, resource and referral, education and connection to related services within the community.

UAS funding
$ 23,048.82

Project name
Residential School Survivors Advocate

Project summary
The project will provide advocacy, support and services to Aboriginal Elders (Residential School Survivors) in the City Prince George. The Coordinator will provide Elders with assistance in the application procedures and processes compile current information on Residential School Issues and will be able to liaise with other community resource agencies to share information.

UAS funding
$15,467.84

Project name
Advancing Women In Technology

Project summary
The Advancing Women in Technology project is an Aboriginal specific entry level computer fundamentals training program including IC3 Certification and Employability Life Skills training. In this introductory program; participants will receive in depth training in all up to date computer software, practical training, and personal management skills. The training will include both self-paced and mandatory participation. The on-line group sessions will be delivered via Adobe Connect, an on-line training web application which allows for real time interaction between participant and instructor, and the in-class component will be delivered by a fully qualified instructor.

UAS funding
$ 37,041.03

Project name
Community Linkages Program

Project summary
The Community Linkages Soup Bus Program provides meals to the Aboriginal Homeless and those at risk of being Homeless. The Soup Bus provides meals from Monday to Thursday at two separate locations in Prince George (Carney Hill Neighbourhood Centre and Active Support Against Poverty Shelter). In addition to providing food, the program also distributes free clothing, educational materials and provides referrals to other programs for additional resources that help address the barriers and needs of the Aboriginal homeless and at risk individuals.

UAS funding
$ 57,375.73

Project name
Family Cultural Camps

Project summary
The Family Cultural Camps Project will host four – three day winter and spring cultural camps in the therapeutic setting of Camp Friendship. The project will provide an opportunity for Aboriginal people to come together in a cultural way that promotes wellness of individuals and celebrates the strength and resilience of our families. The cultural camps will embrace cultural diversity and be open to all aboriginal families regardless of socio-economic background.

UAS funding
$30,658.19

Project name
Walk Tall Youth Conference

Project summary
The “Walk Tall” Youth Conference is intended to build the self esteem of our youth through a connectedness with tradition and culture. Workshops will be with a focus on increasing and enhancing social justice, education, political and health issues. The conference will be hosted over a three day period and is anticipated to draw participation of approximately 300 – 400 youth.

UAS funding
$23,921.89

Project name
Asset Building & Rent Bank Initiative

Project summary
The project will implement the Rent Bank and Asset Building program to provide emergency funding to prevent residential evictions or terminations of residential utility services and provide financial assistance and planning to clients to make the transition from emergency shelters to affordable rental housing.

UAS funding
$18,910.82

Project name
Highway of Tears

Project summary
The project supports the victims' families and communities and continues to work towards prevention of victimization against women. Three Community Forums will be hosted to address “Community Response to Violence”, safety signage will be prepared and incorporated along the Highway 97 and the development and implementation of a website will be completed.

UAS funding
$7,870.50

Project name
Dakelh Language

Project summary
The Aboriginal community recognizes the need to ensure that the Carrier language is preserved. In order to assist with this, the project will host a two (2) day forum that will allow the community and stakeholders an opportunity to come together and provide their recommendations towards the development of a three (3) year language plan to ensure that the Carrier language is sustained.

UAS funding
$13,794.00

Project name
Working with Elders for Cultural Integration

Project summary
The project will secure the services of an Aboriginal Elder to assist with ensuring that Aboriginal culture and values are incorporated into the daily and annual planning of the Central Interior Native Health Society.

UAS funding
$17,200

Project name
Train the Trainer – Parent & Home Management Program

Project summary
The project will provide three one week sessions to ten (10) participants that will utilize the Aboriginal perspectives of holistic, interconnected and collective learning approaches. Participants will learn, practice and be able to role model and demonstrate a variety of hands-on positive parenting techniques used for problem solving, redirecting negative behaviour and establishing consistency in daily routines and discipline.

UAS funding
$2,561.67

Project name
Celebration of Our Culture

Project summary
The project will provide a five (5) day train the trainer session to twelve (10) Prince George Urban Elders. Upon completion of the training sessions, Elders will provide workshops/presentations within the local schools to celebrate and promote Aboriginal culture in a positive light to the Aboriginal Youth within the community.

UAS funding
$27,665.00

Project name
Elders/Youth Reconnecting to Our Culture

Project summary
The project Elders/Youth Reconnecting to Our Culture will provide an opportunity for Elders and Youth to re-connect learn and share through a variety of activities delivered by the Elders. The Elders will develop a storybook/activity book targeted children 10 years and younger that teaches children values through the personal stories from the Elders once complete it will be distributed amongst the childcare facilities and schools in the area. A training session on making Capote Coats and Hudson Bay Bags will be hosted for the Elders. The Elders will host a weekly after school homework program for all Youth and visit local schools and classrooms to share the Métis Culture and Traditions and make crafts with the children.

UAS funding
$24,259.84

Project name
Aboriginal Construction Program

Project summary
The project will prepare Aboriginal people for the general labour positions as well apprenticeship opportunities. The “Aboriginal Construction Program” (ACP) is an innovative approach to assist individuals to prepare for a future in the construction trades. Participants will have the opportunity to prepare themselves for their identified trades goal by participating in a comprehensive assessment, as well as receiving industry required soft skills, construction site safety and certification and employment opportunities via a job coach.

UAS funding
$70,850.50

Project name
Prince George Community Consultation (Capacity Contract)

Project summary
The Prince George Native Friendship Centre, (PGNFC) will be carrying out a variety of support and administrative services for the Prince George Urban Aboriginal Strategy, (PGUAS) Community Consultation Session on Saturday, September 29, 2007. The PGNFC will provide the following services:

Arranging for daycare and transportation for participants with mobility issues;
Providing a suitable meeting venue and catering for participants;
Liaising with Mr. Dan McFaull, the facilitator for this event for the purposes of providing payments and preparing for the day's activities;
Placing advertising for this event in local media outlets as deemed appropriate; and,
Administering all general logistics arising from the Community Consultation Session.

UAS funding
$16,449

Project name
Prince George UAS Capacity Funding

Project summary
This year the Prince George Urban Aboriginal Strategy Management Committee utilized their capacity development funds for the following:

10 Individuals from amongst UAS Management Committee Members, Alternates and Support staff attending the National UAS Conference in Saskatoon, Saskachewan in mid February.
In mid March the UAS Management Committee secured the services of a Consultant for the purposes of facilitating a planning session.
The PGUAS felt it is important that information and input is shared and received by the community, therefore it was the decision of the Management Committee that the remainder of the Capacity development be utilized to host a Celebration/Engagement Session with the community to share what it is the UAS does and through a survey obtained community focused priorities for the upcoming year.
Based on the recommendation of the Community, Prince George opted to incorporate the “Community Entity Model” as the delivery mechanism in which a portion of funds goes towards the support of a Project Officer.

UAS funding
$83,551.00

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