Thompson

Community Priorities:

The main priorities are:

• Aboriginal women, youth, and children
• Education and employment
• Housing
• Health, and
• Aboriginal identity and culture.

The community strategy addresses each of these priorities through a variety of activities such as:

• Research and advocacy;
• Program development,
• Support initiatives;
• Community and youth engagement;
and
• Capacity building.

In 2008/2009 the Thompson Urban Aboriginal Strategy (TUAS) steering committee emphasized the area of Aboriginal women, youth, and children with the aim of promoting childcare initiatives in the community. This program is geared to two complementary outcomes: increasing the number of childcare spaces in Thompson by establishing new, home based childcare centres run by urban Aboriginal people, thus increasing their entrepreneurship opportunities.

In 2009/2010, the TUAS steering committee will actively evaluate its 2008/2009 activities and community projects to ensure Thompson's community strategy is relevant to urban Aboriginal needs in Thompson now and in the future.

Community Involvement:

The TUAS steering committee is made up of representatives of the three levels of government along with representatives from local Aboriginal organizations, the business and education communities, and community organizations who together all serve the local Aboriginal community in Thompson.

The Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) provides coordination support to the steering committee and has assisted in developing a strategic plan that will achieve long-term benefits for urban Aboriginal people in Thompson.

The TUAS steering committee participates in an annual community forum for the purpose of providing an overview of UAS priorities and to seek feedback from members of the urban Aboriginal community in Thompson. This forum is also an opportunity for recipients to discuss the outcomes of their projects that received funding support from the TUAS.