2023 Feb NBIFC Newsletter : simplebooklet.com

TABLE OF CONTENTSFROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - 3SAVE THE DATE POW-WOW POSTER - 4NEW STAFF - 5YOUTH BOOK CLUB POSTER - 6COPING STRATEGIES FOR EVERYONE - 7REDPATH PROGRAM IN PERSON AGAIN - 15LORI'S THAI TOMATO SOUP RECIPE - 8 SNOW SNAKES - 9-10FIREKEEPER TEACHINGS WORKSHOP - 11FREE FITNESS PROGRAMS - 16SEW WHAT SUNDAY - 13MENS GATHERING INFORMATION - 12FASHION SHOW - 14HEALTHY LIVING KIDS CALENDAR - 17DON'T WORRY BEAD HAPPY UPDATE - 18NBIFC Newsletter | Page 2AKWE:GO PROGRAM CALENDAR- 18WHAT'S HAPPENING AT SEVEN STONESLEARNING CENTRE - 20CANADORE INFORMATION SESSIONFREE EDUCATION FOR WOMEN - 21UNDERSTANDING ANXIETY IN CHILDREN -22NBIFC MEMBER IS WALKING TOWARDSBETTER HEALTH - 23MOCCASIN WORKSHOP COLLAB - 26ASK AUNTIE - 26JUSTICE VOLUNTEER COUNCILMEMBER NEEDED - 27IFSP AND PRENATAL CALENDARS - 28DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS - 29PROGRAM EXCHANGE A SUCCESS - 30BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS NEED HELP - 31LIFE LONG CARE FANCY SHOES - 32STAFF DIRECTORY - 33 DO YOU HAVE A STORY? - 34SHAKER WORKSHOP - 5

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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORAniin Boozhoo, Wachay, It seems biboon (winter) is truly upon us now, and Ihope this finds you all well. This time of year, I like to take a little bit of time andplan or reflect on the goals and aspirations of theFriendship Centre and take stock of where we’re at.We’re back from the Christmas holidays, near the endof our fiscal year, and everything is slowed down justenough for us to catch our breath before we startgetting too deep into planning the spring and summeractivities. This year we will be going over the Strategic Plan, andcollectively, as a community, this is our chance todecide on the direction of the NBIFC going forwardfor the next three years. You may remember when LeoDeLoyde helped us with the last one; everyone in thecommunity agreed that addressing the homelessnessof our people was a very high priority. Because youvoiced your opinion, we now have Suswin Village. Thisbeautiful, state-of-the-art building respects humandignity, which will be a significant part of bringing ourpeople well-being and success.We may be urban Indigenous people, but the traditionand importance of working together and listening toeach other with respect, honesty and integrity remain,so we can go forward together in a good way, leavingno one behind. I look forward to working with you on our nextStrategic Plan and seeing you at the many events thatthe future will be bringing us.Regards, Kathy FortinExecutive DirectorNBIFC NEWSLETTER FEB 2023 | Page 3

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Hello, my name is Cheryl Desrochers; I amthe Suswin Village Wiisinadaa Let’s Eatprogram Worker. I have five children and 13grandchildren. I have been in the restaurantbusiness for over 35 years, and I love mywork. Now, I’m on to a new chapter in life,and I look forward to passing on myknowledge of cooking and healthy eating toothers. I am excited about the newadventure the NBIFC is on, and I’m so happyto be a part of it. Miigwetch.Cheryl Desrochers - Wiisinadaa Program WorkerSheshegwan is the Anishinaabemowinword for a shaker or rattle, the intentionof the shaker is for accompanying songsduring ceremony when you would like thespirits to hear you. They love hearing ussing, it's an important part of yourbundle. One teaching is that the sound is said toemulate the first sound ever there everwas, right at the beginning of ourCreation Story. There are many ways ofmaking a sheshegwan, and manyteachings that go with them. Putting together bundle items is a veryspecial time, be sure to ask whoever isteaching you how to take care of yoursacred items in a good way. Sheshegwans Have SpecialMeaningNBIFC Newsletter | Page 5

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It's important tofind ways of stayingbalanced, as aworker.Navigating the court system is a very stressful timefor anyone, and it can be difficult to maneuverthrough. It is an overwhelming process that does notheed common sense ideology and can create moreanxiety and stress, especially for those who do notunderstand the procedural court process. This is where the Indigenous court work programscome into play. As court workers, our job is tosupport and advocate for our clients within the wallsof the court system. As the IndigenousFamily/Youth court worker my focus is family,CYFSA (CAS) and youth court. Family and CYFSAcourt clients deal with high emotions, anxiety, stress,anger, and uncertainty. This coupled with mentalhealth, domestic violence, and addictions create alot of fear and confusion. My role as the Indigenous Family/Youth courtworker is to support and advocate for clientsthrough the court process, assisting with Legal Aidapplications, finding lawyers, attending meetings toensure the client understands next steps and theprocess, attending court dates, referrals and more,depending on the needs of the client. The biggest struggle I find is the emotionalcomponent when dealing with family court orCYFSA court. Much of my role is spent assistingclients in managing their anxiety and stress levels toparticipate in all aspects of the court process. Theyshare their stories of trauma, fears and anxieties forthemselves, their children, and their families. Thesestories at times are weighing, and the emotions aresometimes haunting. It is important to find a balanceto stay healthy as a worker supporting clients withtrauma. It has taken me many years to learn to feedmy spirit so that as a worker I do not carry thesestories as my own; they are not. There has beenmany trials and errors over the years in devisingways to cope with my own emotions. Our grandmothers and aunties are such a blessing, andthey are great listeners and always have a word ofkindness and wisdom. Taking a walk in the bush, or bythe water, listening to the sounds of the forest, andtaking a deep breath of fresh air provides a sense ofgrounding and connection. Taking time to rememberour teachings, meditating on our Grandfatherteachings, Humility, Bravery, Honesty, Truth, Love,Honor and Wisdom teaches us about kindness and theimportance of true caring in our roles as court workers. Iam always open to having productive conversationsover a cup of tea as a way of continuing to learn andgrow in my spirit to create new ways of keepingbalanced in the world of Family and CYFSA court. If allelse fails, a hearty bowl of homemade tomato soup anda grilled cheese sandwich provides all the comfort youneed. This is one of my personal favourite recipes. 😊COPING STRATEGIES FOR EVERYONELori's Thai Soup Recipenext page!By: Lori HatchIndigenous Family/Youth Court Worker NBIFC Newsletter FEB 2023 | Page 7

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Ingredients• 1 tablespoon coconut oil• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped• 3 cloves garlic, chopped• 1 inch knob fresh ginger, peeled and grated• 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (plus more for garnish)• 1 14oz can diced tomatoes• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, plus additional leaves for topping• 2 cups vegetable broth• 1 15oz can coconut milk, shaken• Salt to tasteInstructions:1. Heat coconut oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, untilmelted.2. Cook onion, stirring often, until softened and golden brown, 8–10minutes.3. Add garlic, ginger, red curry paste, and red pepper flakes and cook,stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.4. Add tomatoes, ½ cup cilantro, and vegetable broth.5. Reserve 1/4 cup of coconut milk, then add the rest of the coconutmilk to the pot.6. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.7. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth.Alternatively, let the soup cool slightly and carefully transfer to ablender. Blend until smooth, allowing heat to escape through the vent atthe top of the blender.8. Divide into bowls and top with leftover cilantro, coconut milk, and redpepper flakes.Lori'sThai Tomato SoupNBIFC NEWSLETTER FEB 2023 | Page 8

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SNOW SNAKES HAUDENOSAUNEE STYLE One of our newest staff at the NBIFC is Pamela Lennips the Indigenous Alternative Education Assistant at Niizhwaas Asiinik Skoonweh Kahn Seven Stones Learning Centre She is a Haudenosaunee woman from Six Nations She was happy to share some fascinating stories about Snow Snake competitions when they held tournaments at the Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford ON when she was younger and the work her relatives did to preserve the tradition of Snow Snake Photo Roger Porter circa 1970s demonstrating Snow Snake NBIFC NEWSLETTER FEB 2023 Page 9

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Snow Snake Cont d Pam s uncle Albert Porter and father Roger Porter were fierce competitors in the Mohawk Snow Snake world and would travel for tournaments all around Lake Erie when she was a young woman she fondly remembers these gatherings Originally used as a means of sending messages between communities snow snakes are carefully crafted and the result of many years of refined and often secretive techniques Her uncle Alberts coveted snakes were always marked with a burned black diamond as his trademark The competition starts at a mound of snow piled about 3 5 feet high with a sloped channel running down it The channel tamped down by dragging a log to create a trough shape to the channel The snow snake itself anywhere from 4 to 6 feet long is made ideally of hickory and is carefully whittled and shaped to its snow snake tapered form with a diameter of 1 inch to inch and fitted with a metal tip and a notch at the far end for throwing The game s object is to throw the snow snake the farthest distance along a smooth but twisting turning trough made in the snow Teams alternate turns throwing snakes The distance each snake travels is added to that team s score and whichever side has the longest total distance after a predetermined number of rounds is the winner Shorter wider snakes are referred to as mudcats and are similarly thrown and would be another competition happening between snow snake competitions like a halftime show Albert Porter trademark black diamond These snow snakes can be extremely dangerous and travel 90 100 kms per hour when thrown by an expert Pamela cautioned that they are fully capable of going through a man s leg if he were standing in the wrong place at the wrong time Albert held the record for the farthest snow snake throw of one mile and a quarter He had the special task of not only making the snow snakes but he was also the Shiner who would be responsible for choosing the oils and waxes used for the type of snow for the days competition Competitions would often go from sunup to sundown and as with any significant gathering of Indigenous people there was a great deal of laughter and delicious food Later in their lives Albert and Roger were passionate about preserving snow snake games and even did a documentary with the National Film Board They often went to communities and winter festivals doing demonstrations and sharing what they knew The Snow Snake game is played in many nations today with different kinds of tracks and differently styled snakes but at the end of the day it is about spending time together and practicing traditions that honour those who passed on the skills NBIFC NEWSLETTER FEB 2023 Page 10

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By: Al Landry – Addictions and Mental Health NavigatorAmhn@nbifc.org (705)472-2811 ext. 213Aaniin, Boozhoo, Wachay and Hello!Did you hear that? Or, better yet, SEE it?Yeah, that was January. Like the student youTHOUGHT was late, or absent, butsurprisingly answers when attendance istaken. Hey, how did you… I coulda sworn I…Never mind. Soon, it'll be Spring…when itsprungs and the grass rises. In March? InNorth Bay? Yeah, nah!Hello February - Home of the Blahs! Daylightkeeps us company a little longer, yet the realbrutality of Winter, in terms of temperature,is yet to rear its head – the -20s and -30s.Yeah, I can wait. The absence of vitamin D,less sunshine, and the lasting icy embrace,all affect us here in the northern hemisphere.But, like almost everything, it'simpermanent. I say almost because at somepoint, everything on this Blue Dot will end,including the Dot. What isn't impermanent?Truth! Truth is the ONLY thing indestructiblein this Universe, let alone on the Blue Dot.So, temps will warm, Grandfather Sun willstay, just a little bit longer, Spring willsprung and the grass will rise! And, to try tokeep our minds off the loneliness of Winter,the Adult Addictions and Mental HealthSystems Navigator and the Indigenous Mental Health andWellness Programs are here to help keep thatmind busy and warm.Brittany and I have brought the RedPathAddictions Treatment Program out from theshadows and are on the 3rd session/week ofwhat is the 21-session Program. A full rosterof this offering is indicative of what someknow about the Program – a holistic,Indigenous-based Program that addresses theneeds of the client, as opposed to the criteriaof a treatment centre. Other than the basicstructure of the Program's schedule, there ISno criteria. We start you off, provide everything youneed, but your answers, and then remove thetraining wheels. We run along side you (forguidance), but essentially, you're on yourown. Complete the Program at your pace, atyour leisure, fitting your schedule. Or, don'tcomplete it. It's your call, because it's yourRecovery. We show you where to look foryour answers, but we don't tell you what tolook for. All we ask is that you make acommitment of 2-3 hours, once a week, hereat the NBIFC. The rest is up to you. Call oremail me to find our more.Reminder – The AMHN Program still offersthe GAIN Q3 MI ONT Assessment. This month's topic – Change. How manyAddictions Counsellors does it take to changea light bulb? One. But that light bulb has towant to change!I could write you a million motivationalquotes. I could show you a thousand beforeand afters. I can quote you as many takes onSpirituality as you want. But, the truth is, youhave to want it bad enough to get off yourrear end and fight for your life while you stillhave one!REDPATH PROGRAM IN PERSON AT NBIFC NBIFC Newsletter | Page 15

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URBAN ABORIGINAL HEALTHY LIVING KIDSPrehistory: Skis preserved in bogs show that huntersand travellers used skis at least 9,000 years ago. Asglaciers retreated after the last ice age, stone agehunters followed reindeer and elk herds, using skiscovered with fur that worked like modern climbingskins. Skis came to be used across the Eurasianarctic and mountain regions. In North America, snowshoes were developed fortravelling over snow. Archaeologists with the a ski datedto approx. 6000 BCE,in 2014.SKIIS AND SNOWSHOESNBIFC Newsletter | Page 17

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The Indigenous Mental Health and Wellnessprogram provides wholistic and culture-based supports to be responsive to theneeds of mental health and addictions forurban Indigenous individuals and families. Inmy role, I implement trauma-informed andstrengths-based cultural approaches toaddress community-based mental health andwell-being concerns. I deliver individual andgroup services including peer counselling,sharing circles and other traditional andland-based activities that support theachievement of a Good Mind.I feel fortunate to work at the NBIFC where Ihave the ability to collaborate with multipleprograms. I have been co-facilitating theAnger Management group with the KizhaayAnishnaabe Niin Program, as well as theRedpath Addictions Treatment Program withour Addictions and Mental Health Navigator.These opportunities have allowed me tohave a greater reach in our community, andto learn skills from experienced andknowledgeable coworkers.In November of last year, I developed the“Don’t Worry Bead Happy” group as a wayfor women to gather in a safe and soberenvironment, and to create connectionsthrough beadwork. Our group is diverse inage, experience, personal challenges, andgoals. I could go on and on about thisgroup’s achievements and growth, but Ithink it is more valuable to hear what theyhave to say. DON'T WORRY BEAD HAPPY IS FULL, SET TO CONTINUE MONDAY NIGHTSComing to beading group hasgiven me a reason to get out of thehouse and it has been awesome tomeet all the ladies. We work on funprojects and tell stories; I lookforward to coming each week!”“For me, it’s more about socializing.When you first get sober you find outyou have a lot of spare time. I know Ican come here and socialize withoutfeeling pressured to go back to oldways.”“I’ve never beaded before so Ididn’t know what to expect. I’velearned a lot in just a few weeksand I am even helping othermembers with projects now. It’spretty rewarding.”By:Brittany ChevrierIndigenous Mental Health and Wellness Program CoordinatorNBIFC Newsletter | Page 18

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Akwe:go - Youth Programming at NBIFC The Akwego program have been providing more activities to the public now that Covid isslowly coming down. In the last month, we’ve been doing the “Lil Chefs” every Tuesdaysso that the kids can make a meal here in the centre and take it home for their families. Wetry to introduce healthy, new and light budgeting recipes every week for the child/ren totake home to show their families. As we all know, inflation has done a great number ofstruggles for most people today. We hope this little lesson every week becomesbeneficial to families in need.The Akwego program tries to implement cultural teachings into the weekly activities, sowith that being said, we’ve got our “Beading/Sewing Nights” at the centre everyThursday. Whether a child wants to learn how to sew from scratch, or learn beading forthe first time; we can provide that. Another thing the Akwego program, along with otherprograms in the building, came up with, was to do a “Dungeons and Dragons” group. Ourlast session had a big group of kids and it was nothing but fun and laughter. We knowCovid has done a number to our youth with the isolations, so it’s a real game changer tosee everyone together again.NBIFC Newsletter | Page 19

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Students are back in the swing ofthings for the New Year. Wewelcomed students back on the 9th ofJanuary 2023. This month theactivities will consist of creating visionboards, learning about traditionalmedicines, gaining knowledge onrecycling/taking care of the land aswell as snowshoeing, along with theiracademic studies and assignments. The students watched a movie called“The Secret” to inspire them to workon “vision boards.” It's about goalsetting and positive thinking toachieve success in the future. Onceyou set the goal and create the visionboard, you will attract things into yourlife that help you attain the goal (lawof attraction). The vision board willrepresent these goals. Everyone wasattentive and engaged in listening tothe movie and looking forward toplanning and creating their boards.The first meal of the New Year wasIndigenous tacos. They were a big hitwith the students and will be madeagain. It was Pam Lennips' first timeat making them and they tastedawesome. No leftovers were to behad. We asked a few students theirimpression of the school so far. Onecommented, “Pretty good!” andanother commented, “It's very flexiblefor people like me with a son.” Theyare enjoying being here and are veryfocused on the work they areassigned.Niizhwaas Asiniik Skoonweh Kahn - Seven Stones Learning CentreStudents Learning to Build Vision BoardsBy: Pamela LennipsIndigenous Alternative Education AssistantNBIFC Newsletter | Page 20

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Many people are not aware that children can strugglewith anxiety at a young age. Understanding andrecognizing the signs of anxiety in children is animportant skill to practice for parents and healthprofessionals in order to support youth and theirspecific individual needs. There are various ways a child may display signs ofanxiety through different type of behaviours and habits.For example, a child may ask for the iPad more oftenbecause the child could be struggling and excessivescreen time may help them escape from those difficultemotions. In other cases, signs of anxiety in childrencould be pleasing everyone in their life because theydon’t want to disappoint anyone or suddenly wantingto sleep in the parents bed. UNDERSTANDING ANXIETY INCHILDRENBy: Jacob LavoieChildrens Mental Health and Additions WorkerThat being said, there are techniques that canassist parents with helping their child cope withanxiety. The first step is taking the time to identifythe triggers that causes them to feel anxiety.Helping the child become aware and recognizethe triggers will allow them to form a betterunderstanding about their feelings. As the parentor health professional, validating their feelingsand empathizing them will provide the child witha sense of comfort knowing that what they’refeeling is normal and others struggle with similarissues. Teaching the children coping mechanismssuch as deep breathing techniques, arts andcrafts, physical activity or reading books are allideas that could benefit the child depending ontheir specific needs and interests.If you feel that your child is struggling, don'thesitate to reach out, many of our youthprograms are designed to support you and yourchild. NBIFC Newsletter | Page 22

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NBIFC MEMBER WALKINGTOWARDS BETTER HEALTHNBIFC NEWSLETTER FEB 2023 | Page 23This woman amazed me each weekwith her resiliency and drive tocomplete each week regardless ofthe weather. Somewhere it is said that 10,000 steps a dayshould be our goal, and many of us fall veryshort of that goal. According to statistics,the average Canadian walks 7,819 steps aday. The NBIFC Healthy Living Program workerTrina Rickards is constantly coming up withcreative ways to help people find thatmotivation to start eating better, movingmore than they were and tackling healthchallenges that are especially prevalent inour Indigenous people. In the fall of 2022, Trina organized an 8Week Fall Boots Walking Challenge. Therewere weekly goals, and prizes for the moststeps walked each week, and you didn't haveto be a program registrant to participate. One participant, Judi Thorkelson, an NBIFCMember who lives in Powassan, crushed theweekly challenge with the overall best weekof 150,908 steps – That is more than doublethe weekly ideal and adds up to around 106km of distance. Not using a Fitbit or otherpedometer, she used mapping to calculateher distances and steps in her on-the-roadwalks only; so, from her totals, she didn'tinclude the daily movement inside her homeor while doing errands like grocery shopping.The next closest person in the Fall Boot Walkrecorded 106,199 steps total in a week. Judi has been making her health a priorityfor the past year, and the results areshowing. Before the Boot Walk, she alsoparticipated in the Ma'iingan Walk/Runhosted by the Indigenous Hub and theNBIFC during the Summer of 2022, choosingto do the 10km walk and completing it in lessthan 2 hours. Trina RickardUrban Aboriginal Healty Living WorkerWe sat down for tea with Judi to learn moreabout how this 72-year-old grandmother hasbeen reclaiming her health and proving to usthat aging doesn't necessarily mean you haveto decline. When asked why she joined the 8-week FallBoot Walking challenge, her answer comeseasily “I wanted to do something in a fixed spanof time. Push myself to see what I could do.Winter on our roads in the country can betreacherous, so doing this before the weathergot bad was great.” She also spoke of howbeing a seeker of knowledge; she realized thateach generation within her own family waslosing years of quality life. “The family story goes that my great-grandfather died at over 100 years old, while inhis backyard splitting and piling wood, whichshows how good his health was. From there, mygrandfather died a bit younger than that, myfather didn't get to see 80, and his son (myyoungest brother) didn't get to enjoy being 60.Each generation has lost years, and I felt that Ineeded to explore why.”

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NBIFC NEWSLETTER FEB 2023 | Page 24The fall walkingchallenge was notregimental...it wasmeditative, aspiritual connectionAt 5 foot 4 inches and nudging at the door of260 lbs, Judy decided to start a different pathin the Spring of 2022. Unlike most thingstoday, where people throw themselves intothings too hard, with too high of expectationsin our fast world, she took steps slowly, givingherself time to adjust to each new way to seeif it worked for her. When asked what advice she'd give tosomeone who faces health challenges andmaybe feels overwhelmed but needs to startsomewhere, she says, “Appreciate how faryour body has gotten you so far. Be kind toyourself. Don't listen to that negative talkinginner voice.” Her self-developed exerciseprogram currently includes planking, yoga,resistance training, and a few creative movesof her own design that take about 15 minutes aday and focus on keeping her range of motion. “The fall walking challenge wasn't regimentalat all; it was a time to enjoy nature, learnabout insects, and observe how theyinteracted with the medicine plants along theway. I learned and observed a lot and tookpictures of things I was drawn to. I am not acompetitive person; it was meditative, aspiritual action.” Her changes included her diet. Listening tomany podcasts and learning as much as shecould, she became a big fan of JosephPitawanikwat, of Wiikwemkoong First Nation.Joe, the owner of Creators Garden, based inPeterborough, has been trying to help peoplereclaim the health and well-being of our pastgenerations and works endlessly to supportreturning to traditional ways and knowledge torestore a healthy balance. Joseph evenspeaks about how Anishinaabemowindescribes the relationship between fat andprotein in our diet and its importance. Whilethis thinking rubs against mainstreaminformation issued by health agencies andgovernments, Judi uses thousands of years ofevidential success in our environment as herguide. Science is only beginning to catch upto what our Ancestors always knew and lived. “I acknowledged and returned to ourancestral diet and learned the importanceof fat. Fat is fuel for our body; all oursystems rely on fat for function. Animalfat and animal protein are my two mainfoods, approximately 75% of my diet.” The retired practical nurse who was avegetarian for over ten years did notjump on as a health fad and does her bestto learn as she goes, the goal is long-termhealth, and the results have beenextraordinary. 2018 2022WALKING CONT'D

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NBIFC NEWSLETTER 2023 | Page 25When starting this kindof change its importantto be kind to yourself. We have been misinformed about oils, they areterrible for us and have never existed in nature,so I don't consume vegetable, canola, or anyother man-made oils. My challenge has been inhaving a partner who makes different foodchoices from me, so having things around wasa little bit hard, but it wasn't so hard really toavoid oils.” She continues, “For most of us, thebigger challenge is removing all carbohydratesfrom our diet. It's one step at a time, and itgets easier.” Since taking up her new ways, Judi has lostover 80 pounds and feels she is at about 70%of her goal but points out the success isn't allseen on the numbers of a scale; she no longersuffers from things like acid reflux, orinflammation pain in her joints, which is usuallyattributed to age. While very shy and humbleabout her achievements, she is an example ofhow our people can regain the health our grandand great-grandparents enjoyed. It is never too late to start your own walk of150, 908 steps. You just have to start with one. To participate in the Healthy Living programchallenges, get in touch with Trina Rickard orfollow the Urban Aboriginal Healthy Livinggroup on Facebook to find out when the nextone is happening. Also, everyone is welcome to join free Zumbaon Mondays at the NBIFC from 7 pm to 8 pm orChair Yoga on Tuesdays in the NBIFC Gymfrom 10 am to 11 am. Trina can be reached atuahlp@nbifc.org or (705)472-2811 One great reason to turn to walking is forthe reduction of cortisol levels. Scientistshave found these stress hormones aregreatly reduced after just a 20 minutewalk, resulting in a better mood andpositive outlook.Ma'iingan Walk/Run hosted by the Indigenous Hub and NBIFCSummer of 2022WALKING CONT'D

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In February, the FASD/ChildNutrition Program will becollaborating with 3 other programs,Healthy Babies, Youth LifePromotion, and Family Support, tohost a moccasin workshop onFebruary 16 & 23. The emphasis willbe on creating baby moccasins butthe patterns can also be adapted toadult size. If you are interested anda registered client, please contactyour program worker. Also, kits for a Valentine project willbe delivered in early February toregistered clients with FASD/CN. February is a great time to getoutdoors and take a walk , orparticipate in mid-winterceremonies. Try out a new recipeand cook a pot of warm soup forcold days. Stay warm!MOCCASIN MAKING COLLABORATION AFOOTDon't be shy, send the Aunties the questions you're afraidto ask anyone else~ !By: Marilyn JohnsonFASD/Family NutritionNBIFC Newsletter | Page 26

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Be of Indigenous decent First Nation (Status, Non-Status), Inuit or Métis Excellent personal skills Excellent communication skills Knowledge of Indigenous culture Knowledge of the issues affecting Indigenous persons Knowledge of community resources Ability to commit to participating in Support Circles at least once per month Provide a current Police Records and Vulnerable Sector Check (CPIC) Experience related to Criminal Justice is an assetThe North Bay Community Justice Program (NBICJP) is now accepting applications and resumesfor the Volunteer Council Member positions under the direction of the North Bay IndigenousCommunity Justice Program Coordinator and the NBICJP Advisory Committee.The person(s) selected for this position, under the direction and supervision of the NBICJPcoordinator, will be responsible, along with other Council Members, for participation in SupportCircles and the development of Healing Plans for Community Justice clients. All CouncilMembers will meet at the Friendship Centre monthly in the evenings to discuss client progress.Time commitment is estimated at an hour biweekly, not including the Council Members' monthlyevening meeting.The selected Council Member(s)will uphold the beliefs and values of the Ontario Federation ofIndigenous Friendship Centres, the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre, and the North BayIndigenous Community Justice Program. This includes adhering to all said policies andprocedures and will also serve as positive role models to the community. Qualifications: Please request an Application Form and Submit Resume to:Pearl SandyCommunity Justice CoordinatorNorth Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre(705) 472-2811 ext. 207CJW@NBIFC.org Volunteer Council Members Needed - Apply Today! NBIFC Newsletter | Page 27

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January 9 – 13/2023Pearl Sandy (Indigenous Community JusticeProgram) I, Daniel Desrochers (KizhaayAnishinaabe Niin) attended a site visit toNiagara Regional Native Centre in St.Catharines, ON for a program exchange. Thepurpose of this visit was to exchangeinformation on the Indigenous Specific –Intimate Partner Violence Prevention Programframework, partnership building, shadow anIS-IPVPP circle, and attend IndigenousPeople's Court.A protocol agreement was developed betweenthe ICJP and the Crown Attorney's office foreligible summary conviction offences andsome hybrid offences to be diverted from thecourt process back to the community. TheProtocol Agreement sets out specifically howdiversions will be identified, screened,approved, and resolved. As a result of thisagreement, the Kizhaay program receivesdirect referrals from the ICJP, as the Ministryof Attorney Generals (MAG) recognizes theKizhaay program as an alternative to the PARSprogram.PROGRAM EXCHANGE A POSITIVE EXPERIENCEBy: Dan DesrocherKiizhay Anishinaabe NiinAttending the Indigenous People's Courtwas an honour as the Crown Attorneyacknowledged Pearl and I to the court asvisitors from North Bay who were here toobserve. Once court was adjourned for theday, we had an opportunity for a Q & Awith Crown Attorneys Stacey Sheehan andGraeme Leach along with Justice Wolfewho graciously answered our questions aswell as provided information on thecreation and purpose of the IndigenousPeople's Court including the positiveeffects on the Indigenous People in theNiagara Region.Overall, it was a very positive experience &I would recommend that Friendship Centreprograms throughout Ontario take the timeto participate in a site visit & programexchange with other Friendship Centres inwhich valuable information can be sharedand ultimately benefitting Indigenouspersons who utilize our services.Valuable information can beshared...ultimately benefittingIndigenous persons...Google Map Photo of Niagara Regional Native CentreNBIFC Newsletter | Page 30

2023 Feb NBIFC Newsletter

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