Current
Time of the Buffalo – FUNDED by: Human Rights Education and Multiculturalism Fund
The “Time of the Buffalo” Project” is a new Human Rights Project for Aboriginal Youth. Aboriginal youth will be invited to four workshops across Alberta to discuss their responsibility in exercising their rights in a positive manner.
The workshops will be conducted in Fort McMurray, Morley, Red Deer and Slave Lake. The workshops will be facilitated by a youth and adult facilitator with a guest speaker from their community such as the local RCMP officer or school principal who are experienced in addressing discrimination.
The workshops will be held at Morley, Fort McMurray, Slave Lake and Red Deer, Alberta from September to February 2010.
These workshops will familiarize and educate Aboriginal youth on their human rights and allow for open discussion on acts of discrimination and positive ways to address it. There will also be discussion on the difference between racism, discrimination, stereo-typing and prejudice.
The project is to help Aboriginal youth to build their skills in diverse areas which will enhance their ability to participate in society and overcome social, political, economic, and cultural barriers. The youth will also discuss how racism affects their health and well-being.
It is our hope that youth will utilize what they learn by making immediate changes in their lives, in their relationships, in their networks and in their communities. Elders will share stories, provide advice and guidance in the workshop. IAAW will maintain contact with the youth for the purpose of mentoring, sharing of information and if they are interested, to coordinate a Youth Advisory Council for the IAAW.
Pathfinders Project – Funded by: Canadian Heritage Aboriginal Women’s Program, Child & Youth services, alberta gaming – community initiatives program
Project Summary
This Pathfinders project will allow IAAW to develop and expand the knowledge base for Aboriginal women in areas such as housing, safety and health where barriers often exist. The systemic and procedural barriers for Aboriginal women create hardships for them personally, for their family (as they are the heart) and for the community (as they are the most active).
A series of workshops will be held in Edmonton to provide resources, connect them to local experts and culturally relevant support to guide them in the path to health and prosperity. The resource information provided in the gatherings will be documented and delivered to five IAAW Chapters communities.
Our goal is that Aboriginal women have the opportunity to participate in decision-making processes, feel confident enough to bring forward concerns/compliments, and preserve and promote the culturally distinctive role of Aboriginal women through local, community-based action. This will be accomplished through education, self-development and procedural awareness.
IAAW is completing a feasibility study and business plan on a facility – The Esquao Centre for Aboriginal Women – that will provide specialized support, training, child care, transitional housing and business opportunities using a social enterprise model. The first phase will include garnering corporate, government and philanthropic support of the concept, formation of organizational and institutional partnerships, and development of core programs.
Project Objectives
1. To provide workshops and forums for Aboriginal Women to address barriers they experience when accessing services or support systems for themselves or their family.
2. To conduct a feasibility study on the Esquao Centre for Aboriginal Women in Edmonton.
3. To conduct a business plan to generate revenue for on-going programs for Aboriginal Women in Edmonton.
4. To establish partnerships with other organizations, corporations and institutions for the betterment of Aboriginal Women in Edmonton.
