First Nations Voice

PAGE 12 • JUNE 2014 Easyfinancingavailable, greatselectionofbothnewandused, hugeselectionofparts, yourallpurposedealer. Shane Lachman (204) 895-8882 shane.lachman@canamrv.com www.canamrv.com CONTACT INFO Golfers: $225/golferplusGST Dinneronly: $75/personplusGST TeamRegistration: $895/includingGST AboriginalChamberofCommerce 203-865MainStreet Winnipeg,MB R2W3N9 ph:(204)237-9359 fx:(204)947-0145 email:admin@aboriginalchamber.ca www.aboriginalchamber.ca LartersatSt.AndrewsGolf&CountryClub ANNUAL TUESDAY,JUNE17 TH ,2014 BEASPONSOR! GREATPACKAGES STILLAVAILABLE! PRICES HAPPYNATIONALABORIGINALDAY! JUNE21 We all understand the serious problems and pain that bullying can create in our schools. Thankfully, many are stepping up in one way or another to tackle this problem in their own unique way. I use the word "tackle" because it is quite fitting for a program that is making a lot of headway here in Winnipeg. It's called "Hurt No More" and is coordinated by the WPS, the 4 Life Foundation, and our own Winnipeg Blue Bombers. This program, the first of its kind, was launched right here in Winnipeg this spring by Sergeant Danny Boyko. He had a desire to empower inner city youth of all ages so that they could achieve greater success in all aspects of their lives. He knew he couldn't do it alone so he reached out to 4Life Foundation Executive Director Peter Karl Youngren. Youngren, who was based out of Toronto, was impressed with Danny's drive and together they formed a successful relationship that has grown strong over the last 18 months. Despite Peter and Danny's energy and passion, they realized their impact could be even greater if they were able to attract recognized role models for what they wanted to achieve. They decided to go for the gold, or in this case, the blue and gold. They arranged meetings with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers who were equally excited to take part. In March of this year the Hurt No More program was launched at three inner city schools. I was fortunate to be included in the program from the beginning and got to see first-hand the impact it had in the community. Here's how the program works. The teachings and activities in the schools cover an eight week period. Each week focuses on a different empathy based activity. The children have to make weekly journal entries on the lessons they learn. The children experience many things that are foreign to them, all designed to give them skills and desired qualities in a fun and meaningful way. For example, they have to wear a blindfold for the day, thus experiencing what it would be like to be visually impaired. On another occasion, they have to spend time in a wheel chair and participate in all the same school activities as their classmates. A key that has been identified for the success and prevention of bullying behavior is teaching the children the learned behavior of empathy. By exposing them to these types of experiences, they gain a new appreciation of others' lives and how they can help contribute to our community's spirit. The Hurt No More program has already transformed 3 inner city schools in Winnipeg. The children are treating each other with a kindness not seen prior to implementation of the program. The children are not guarded about their feelings and they express themselves knowing that seeking assistance is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength. There are other benefits to the program we have discovered as well. The children recognize the Blue Bomber mentors as successful people in our community; they appreciate their school teachers and support staff more, and see police officers are not just enforcers of the laws, but helpers and caring individuals. Change is about Vision. Vision is about Courage. The children in our inner city face many challenges on their road to adulthood. With the proper support, encouragement and the implementation of the right programs such as Hurt No More, we offer them hope. For further information on the Hurt No More program, visit: http://4lifefoundation.ca/index.php?p=home PoliCe, BomBers, anD 4 life gang uP on Bullying Constable Dirk Creighton Winnipeg Police Service

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