SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2024
A SUPPLEMENT TO
for TRUTH and RECONCILIATION #NDTR #EveryChildMatters NATIONAL DAY
View online at winnipegfreepress.com/fp-features
INQUIRIES: 204-697-7390 | AMY.ANDERS@FREEPRESS.MB.CA
2 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2024
The Jordan’s Principle team takes strides for Brokenhead
T he memory of a young boy from Norway House Cree Nation lives on through a child-first principle named in his honour. Jordan’s Principle aims to ensure all First Nations children have access to the supports they need when they need them. Whether it’s health, education or social services, First Nations children are entitled to consistent and equitable access. Jordan River Anderson was born in 1999 with complex health needs so he remained in the hospital. When he was two years old, Jordan was deemed healthy enough to return to his home community, explained Pamela Kent, director of Jordan’s Principle and prevention for Brokenhead Ojibway Nation. “Because of his complex needs, continuous care was needed and the two sets of government would not decide on who was going to pay for that medical care,” she said. “Unfortunately, that happened for another three years and Jordan River Anderson stayed in hospital until he passed away. He never returned to his community. He never got to spend a day with his family in his own home.” It’s a significant task to end that discrimination, Kent added. “Children are children. All children should matter. And for us to have to fight Canada to support our children is very heartbreaking,” she said. “Our children are going to be our leaders and our future change-makers. To get to that place, they need to be thriving. They need to be supported. They need to feel equal in Canada.”
Pamela Kent, Director of Jordan’s Principle standing with Gordon Bluesky, Chief of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation. PHOTOS BY DARCY FINLEY
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 3
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2024
Our children are going to be our leaders and our future change-makers. To get to that place, they need to be thriving.” Pamela Kent, — Director of Jordan’s Principle
>> CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
Jordan’s Pricipal BON Team stands in front of the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation bus.
FREE MONTHLY BANKING FOR 29 & UNDER, 65 & OVER
HONOURING PROUDLY SERVING INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES ACROSS MANITOBA WITH ACCESSIBLE FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS. TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION JOIN TODAY www.mediancu.mb.ca WITH CANADA’S FIRST INDIGENOUS FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
UNLIMITED $25 MEMBER REFERRAL INCENTIVES
COMPLIMENTARY FINANCIAL LITERACY RESOURCES
TAILORED PRODUCTS & SERVICES TO FIT ALL NEEDS
4 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2024
>> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
Chief Gordon Bluesky of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation also stands behind the work of the Jordan’s Principle team. “Our leadership in Brokenhead supports the work that’s happening within the Jordan’s Principle program because it’s focusing on all the main issues that we have. Our children are being left behind because of colonization, because of the historical trauma, because of the history that’s played out in our territory. Since the signing of our treaties, there have been some critical errors made by the public and in our governments that have allowed our children to live in a substandard situation,” he said. “What we’re trying to do in Brokenhead is set our children’s lives in a new direction, set them on a new path that wasn’t in front of us before. We’re doing things today that we never would have imagined being done in the past because of the systems of discrimination. Our children can be raised right now to understand they can live, they can play and they can achieve.” Like Kent, Chief Bluesky is optimistic about the outcomes of their efforts. “I’m very proud that we now have the resources,” he said. “We’re a part of that process of making things better and hopefully setting our whole community on a new path towards prosperity. That’s got to be the goal across the board,” There should be no jurisdictional gaps when it comes to the well-being of children, he added. “With the program that we have in Brokenhead, the first thing I love is that we’re bringing families back together again to learn. Our young people are playing in the background while mom is learning how to bead or make moccasins or dad is making a drum and being instructed by elders. I’m seeing the impacts and the benefits coming from that,” Bluesky said. We want our children to have the same services and be in the same position as all children in Canada. We don’t want our children starting from a deficit. We want our children to be able to live good lives and bring forward healthy generations.” Pamela Kent, — Director of Jordan’s Principle Kent and the Jordan’s Principle team are taking strides towards that goal in Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, where their youth support team works one-on-one with children to create relationships and mentor them. A land-based team offers opportunities for children to engage with the land and learn about traditional practices. The clinical team focuses on supports like occupational therapy, speech therapy and more. A family advocate acts as a voice for families who feel they’re not being heard — while also building their confidence to advocate for themselves. Brokenhead’s Jordan’s Principle team also provided bikes, helmets and educational technology to children in the community. Some children and youth are pursuing dance and music lessons, and opportunities abound for fun-filled outings and gatherings. Parents are also part of the equation. They can access food hampers, community events, cultural teachings and other education. “Our children need healthy homes, so we have to focus on the entire family. They need our entire community behind them,” Kent said. “We want our children to have the same services and be in the same position as all children in Canada. We don’t want our children starting from a deficit. We want our children to be able to live good lives and bring forward healthy generations.” It’s a big responsibility, but Kent notices their efforts are making a difference. “I could not do this without my staff, who are so committed. They have a huge heart for our children and work endlessly to see our kids be successful,” she added. “We are also a team with our community leadership. They support our program and staff, and we are working to heal our community together. Their support is so important for us to be successful.”
A land-based team offers opportunities for youth to engage with the land and learn about traditional practices.
Bikes and helmets provided by Jordan’s Principle team.
Community Elders passing on their knowledge to the youth
Cradle Board Workshop
>> CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
Community healing focuses on bringing families together to learn traditional practices like making ribbon skirts. PHOTOS SUPPLIED
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 5
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2024
Honouring residential school survivors. Remembering the children who never made it home. We are committed to disrupting all forms of anti-Indigenous racism in medical care and ensuring accountability of the profession as we collectively move toward a better path. We are grateful for the guidance of the CPSM Indigenous Advisory Circle. We have implemented 7 actions to dismantle systemic structures that have harmed so many for so long.
Allies in reconciliation. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation recognizes the ongoing intergenerational trauma and harm caused by the Indian Residential School system. It’s a day to remember the children from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities who never made it home as well as the survivors whose trauma negatively impacted their lives and the generations that followed. Today, we commemorate the survivors, their families, and communities. We must learn, reflect, continue on the healing journey, and work to restore healthy and respectful relationships between all relations. Join us as we use our voices as allies to advocate ReconciliACTION. Together we can help create lasting solutions to provide healing to our Indigenous communities now and for future generations.
TRUTH THE TURTLE CARRIES TRUTH
Truth is represented by the turtle as she was here during the creation of Earth and carries the teachings of life on her back. Turtle teaches us patience. Truth means to live by
the Sacred Teachings – Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility and Truth. Truth is to live by what is right. Always speak the truth. Show honour and sincerity in all you say and do.
Be true to yourself and all other things.
6 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2024
>> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4
“Jordan’s Principle is just one element of the work that needs to be done, but it’s a chance for us to make a difference. We can support our kids and change our path. I wish other nations all the best because our kids are relying on us to be successful”
Pamela Kent, — Director of Jordan’s Principle
Community healing focuses on the entire family such as a traditional sweat lodge ceremony.
“I also see young mothers and young men dealing with trauma who are now getting the opportunity to sit in ceremony, to sit in a sweat lodge, to learn drums, to learn how to sing songs, to understand the language. That’s part of what we do in Brokenhead Ojibway Nation in regards to the Jordan’s Principle program.” Looking ahead, Kent hopes to also see other First Nations thrive through Jordan’s Principle. “Jordan’s Principle is just one element of the work that needs to be done, but it’s a chance for us to make a difference. We can support our kids and change our path. I wish other nations all the best because our kids are relying on us to be successful,” Kent said. “I feel that for Canada to reconcile with our nation, they need to support Indigenous children without being taken to court. We shouldn’t have to fight for our children to get the support they need. If they want to reconcile, support us.” Similarly, Chief Bluesky is heartened to see his community working hard to heal from the inside — and he encourages the outside world to ponder what their role is in the process. “When people ask what reconciliation means to me, I think that’s a question they need to ask themselves. What do you give? What’s your point of view? What are you thinking about?” he asked. “Those are things that need to be communicated. I don’t think the burden of reconciliation should be on our shoulders.”
Mothers Day Event 2024. Honoring our Mothers. Ballantyne Family. PHOTOS SUPPLIED
STRENGTH IN TRUTH CINUP has been developed over decades of consultation with Indigenous businesses and communities to provide benefits that align with their traditional and modern needs. It is our culture to treat each other and our clients with respect and in collaboration so together, we meet the needs of organizations, plan members and communities. COMMUNITY IN RECONCILIATION The plan is proudly administered by Johnston Group, which is committed to providing a culturally safe work environment. The CINUP team has developed a Truth & Reconciliation - Calls to Action committee to develop a sustainable action plan that supports the TRC- calls to action through inclusion & employment, education, community responsibility, youth empowerment, and business partnerships.
Growing circles, building leadership At the University of Manitoba, Indigenous students are empowered to lead with confidence, culture and community. The Bison Spirit Indigenous Leadership Program introduces new students to leadership through cultural connections, team-building activities and professional development workshops. For those further along in their university journey, the Indigenous Circle of Empowerment (ICE) provides opportunities to learn from respected Indigenous leaders, engage in advanced skill-building and collaborate on community-driven projects. Made possible through the generous support of the Mastercard Foundation’s EleV program, ICE and Bison Spirit take place in Indigenous-centered, identity-affirming environments, where Indigenous ways of knowing and being shape the leaders of tomorrow.
CINUP proudly partners with over 350 First Nations and Inuit communities and organizations across Canada to provide health, dental, and mental health benefits.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 7
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2024
Listening is the first step on the road to reconciliation
proud supporter of Indigenous voices.
8 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2024
Ensuring First Nations children get the services they need, when they need them COORDINATION AND DELIVERY OF SERVICES FOR EACH CHILD: • Initial assessment by social work J ordan’s Principle Program is an opportunity for every child to receive the resources and supports they need to help them thrive and flourish in their home and community. This
CHILD & YOUTH ADVOCATE • Intense support and coordination for complex family situations • Program development and consultation/advisory role with other organizations YOUTH SUPPORT • Individual and group recreation/social opportunities for youth to provide respite, social skill development and recreational activities • Mentorship and monitoring for youth requiring emotional support and guidance
• Resource development, coordination and delivery • On-going evaluation of effectiveness of services CHILD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES • Provision of clinical services including mental health, behavioral, speech language, occupational therapy, music therapy and physiotherapy • Screening clinics • Drop ins • In home respite coordination
is accomplished by coordinating local resources, accessing provincial resources and creating and developing new and unique resources to meet the individual needs of each child. Based upon feedback from the community, the following services have been developed to respond to the needs of BON’s youth:
COMMEMORATING NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
JIM MALOWAY MLA for Elmwood 204-415-1122
JENNIFER CHEN MLA for Fort Richmond 431-294-9854
WAB KINEW MLA for Fort Rouge 204-615-1922
IAN BUSHIE MLA for Keewatinook 204-792-8740
NELLIE KENNEDY MLA for Assiniboia 204-888-3188
DILJEET BRAR MLA for Burrows 204-415-7621
MATT WIEBE MLA for Concordia 204-654-1857
MALAYA MARCELINO MLA for Notre Dame 204-788-0800
BERNADETTE SMITH MLA for Point Douglas 204-414-1477
JELYNN DELA CRUZ MLA for Radisson 204-599-2080
MIKE MOYES MLA for Riel 204-421-4666
LOGAN OXENHAM MLA for Kirkfield Park 204-831-6689
TYLER BLASHKO MLA for Lagimodière 204-583-7423
JD DEVGAN MLA for McPhillips 431-323-6014
RENÉE CABLE MLA for Southdale 204-222-9038
ROBERT LOISELLE MLA for St. Boniface 204-505-2800
ADRIEN SALA MLA for St. James 204-792-8779
NAHANNI FONTAINE MLA for St. Johns 204-582-1550
MIKE MOROZ MLA for River Heights 204-774-3669
TRACY SCHMIDT MLA for Rossmere 204- 661-1377
BILLIE CROSS MLA for Seine River 431-323-6026
NELLO ALTOMARE MLA for Transcona 204-594-2025
DAVID PANKRATZ MLA for Waverley 204- 804-2875
LISA NAYLOR MLA for Wolseley 204-792-2773
JAMIE MOSES MLA for St. Vital 204-219-5407
MINTU SANDHU MLA for The Maples 204-417-3486
ERIC REDHEAD MLA for Thompson 204-677-4789
CARLA COMPTON MLA for Tuxedo 204-945-3710
UZOMA ASAGWARA MLA for Union Station 204-306-8581
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 9
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2024
SUPPLIED
YOUTH RECREATION SERVICES • Leadership training • Recreational programming seven days per week
FOOD SUSTAINABILITY • Food available to youth through recreation programs • Hampers available to families on request • Breakfast program through Alternative Ed TRANSPORTATION • Transportation provided to youth in order to ensure easy access to services within BON COVID COMMUNITY SUPPORTS • Daily monitoring of all isolators • Provision of supplies including cell phones
DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY RESOURCES • Playground was created • Skating rink in process • Development of local trails for teachings and preservation of historical data INDIVIDUALIZED SPECIAL REQUESTS • Five properties so far approved for fencing to provide safety for youth with diagnosed special needs • Adaptive equipment such as bikes • Educational Assistants, Support Workers for ELCC Programs, etc. COMMUNITY EVENTS AND TRAINING
• Youth employment opportunities LAND-BASED EDUCATION
• Opportunities for youth and students to learn traditional, land based activities such as medicine picking, harvesting, hunting, etc. CULTURAL SERVICES • Spiritual supports and ceremonies • Cultural teachings and activities such as drumming, tipi teachings, art and sewing
• Family Fun Days & Winter Festivals • Anishinaabe Language Workshops • Lateral Violence Workshops, etc.
WCB honours National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
We remember the children who never returned home, and acknowledge the trauma of the survivors, their families and their communities. We must all work together in creating a better way forward.
10 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2024
Top right, Splash pad ribbon cutting ceremony. Buttom, Children enjoying new splash pad. PHOTOS SUPPLIED
A LOOK AT THE FUTURE Education is the key to a great future. Knowing this, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation has finalized their school renovation project. The goal is to create a more cohesive space to assist Jordan’s Principle. Having resources within one setting is just one part of Jordan’s Principle’s plan to achieve success with their child first programs.
Discover IndigiPURE’s Furniture Collection Furniture that brings Comfort, Style and Quality HONOURING TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
The University of Winnipeg acknowledges that reconciliation is an ongoing effort not limited to one day.
851 Dufferin Ave. Unit B, Winnipeg, MB Hours: 8 a.m. - 5p.m. Monday - Friday Phone: (204) 228-8842 or 204-510-6687 www.indigipure.com
ABOUT MURAL – THE SEVEN SACRED TEACHINGS COVER The cover of this year’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an impressive mural that you’ll see as you walk into the urban office of Jordan’s Principle. It highlights the Seven Sacred Teachings that guide the community in all that they do. Each sprit animal represents a specific lesson. BAASKAANDIBEWIZIIBING is the community name in Annishinabe for Brokenhead Ojibway Nation.
We continue to learn and work toward reconciliation.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 11
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2024
LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS AT UM FOSTER INDIGENOUS WAYS OF KNOWING AND BEING
I ndigenous students at the University of Manitoba are embracing leadership with confidence, strengthened by their culture and community, thanks to programs like the Indigenous Circle of Empowerment (ICE) and the brand-new Bison Spirit Indigenous Leadership Program. Established in 2009, ICE is designed for Indigenous students with some university experience who are ready to take their leadership skills to the next level. The program provides opportunities to connect with respected Indigenous leaders, engage in professional development and contribute to community-driven projects. Rooted in Indigenous values, ICE creates a welcoming space for students to grow personally and professionally.
connections, guiding them toward academic success. Launched this year, Bison Spirit offers students the chance to learn from Indigenous leaders, participate in team-building activities and develop leadership skills through workshops and one-on-one check-ins. Bison Spirit gathers twice a month, creating a supportive environment for new students to expand their networks and discover leadership opportunities on campus. ICE and Bison Spirit reflect the University of Manitoba’s commitment to Reconciliation by creating spaces where Indigenous ways of knowing and being are at the forefront. Made possible through the generous support of the Mastercard Foundation’s EleV program, ICE and Bison Spirit provide Indigenous students with a sense of belonging, where they can grow their leadership skills in a safe space. In this culturally enriching, identity-affirming environment, Indigenous students are empowered to pursue their academic goals and grow as community leaders.
“ICE has significantly increased my confidence in all aspects of life. It has allowed me to strengthen both my personal identity and my Indigenous identity, and now I have a greater understanding of my purpose in life,” said Dr. Gabrielle Wilson, a past ICE participant. “ICE has given me the opportunity to meet life-long friends, connect with inspirational leaders in the community, increase my communication skills, and to travel.” Beyond regular gatherings, ICE encourages students to engage with the broader community, both within and beyond the university. From public speaking training to meaningful cultural experiences, ICE equips Indigenous students with the skills and confidence to lead in all aspects of life. For students new to university, UM introduced the Bison Spirit Indigenous Leadership Program, an exciting opportunity for those in the early stages of their academic journey. Bison Spirit helps new Indigenous students explore their leadership potential through cultural
CANADA’S ROYAL WINNIPEG BALLET ACKNOWLEDGES THE NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Artwork by: Jordan Stranger
Walking together with community, we share the goals of Truth and Reconciliation and will continue to be guided by the 94 Calls to Action .
Travelling the Land, Honoring it’s Stories.
As we traverse this land on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, NCN THOMPSON Bus Lines remembers the Indigenous peoples who have cared for it for generations. We recognize the past and strive for a better future together.
In May, Cameron sink w Fraser-Monroe choreographed a ballet based on a story from the Tla’amin First Nation titled T’ l: The Wild Man of the Woods. Today, on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the fictional storyline of children reunited with their loved ones, has a different meaning as we remember the children and honour the survivors.
A Division of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation
Thompson: 204-939-3991 Winnipeg: 204-294-3782 EMAIL info@thompsonbus.com WEBSITE www.thompsonbus.com
12 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2024
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a time for reflection, education, and remembrance of the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools on our Indigenous communities in Canada. Let us take a moment to honour our survivors, their families, and the children who never returned home. We acknowledge their resilience, strength and legacy, as we continue to build a brighter future. Chief and Council & Jordan’s Principle Child First Initiative
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12Powered by FlippingBook