4 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2024
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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
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Community healing focuses on bringing families together to learn traditional practices like making ribbon skirts. PHOTOS SUPPLIED
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