Become a Partner of the
Thompson Aboriginal Accord
Thompson Aboriginal Accord
As a partner of the Thompson Aboriginal Accord, your organization or business will recognize the role of Aboriginal people in our region and pledge its commitment to strengthening relationships with Aboriginal governments and people. By reporting on successes and establishing goals annually, in alignment with the Accord, your organization will become part of a movement to enhance our community as well as our collective social, spiritual, economic and physical well-being. Upon committing to the Accord your organization or business will be acknowledged as a Partner, and your successes annually reported to the community. For more information please contact: Thompson Urban Aboriginal Strategy Phone: 204-677-1600 Email: klynxleg@mkonorth.com
Progress Report June 21, 2012
The Legacy
The Partners SUCCESS
The City of Thompson, and other signatories, signed the Aboriginal Accord on June 21, 2009. As a City, the Aboriginal Accord forms a part of our operations and planning. The City of Thompson worked in collaboration with the Thompson Urban Aboriginal Strategy to create the Thompson Aboriginal Accord through community involvement and consultation. This collaboration continues through ongoing support and engagement of partners. The Accord is a ground-breaking document that recognizes the role of Aboriginal people in our history and affirms our commitment to strengthening relationships with Aboriginal governments and peoples. The Thompson Aboriginal Accord is one of just two of its kind in Canada today. As a living document the Accord is not a single one-time event, but an ongoing responsibility adopted by signatories and partners who report the successes of their commitment and future goals annually. Since its inception, several partners have joined forces with the signatories to push the Accords’ commitments and objectives forward for the betterment of all residents. The City of Thompson, signatories and partners are proud to present this year’s achievements.
Thompson Urban Aboriginal Strategy TUAS is expressly committed to the health and wellness of urban Aboriginal people in Thompson. The TUAS continues to invest in local organizations’ community-based projects with a focus on Housing, Education and Training, Women, Children and Youth and Cultural identity. Many signatories and partners of the AboriginalAccord also collaborate on the TUAS committee with representation from local organizations, such as:
Aboriginal Affairs Northern Development Canada; Aboriginal Northern Affairs Manitoba; Keewatin Tribal Council; Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre; Manitoba Housing; Manitoba Hydro; Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak; Manitoba Métis Federation; School District of Mystery Lake; Shirley Lafreniere - Independent; The City of Thompson; Thompson Chamber of Commerce; Thompson Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation; University College of the North; Vale; YWCA Thompson
GOAL
Thompson Chamber of Commerce* The Chamber has had presentations from UCN regarding the retail survey and most recently, endowment and sponsorship opportunities. The Chamber has invited representatives from MKO and KTC to make a presentation on the history and significance of National Aboriginal Day at a Chamber luncheon meeting.
The Chamber of Commerce will continue to request presentations to our members that support the Aboriginal Accord’s mission. It will also continue to serve the TUAS steering committee and support strategies that increase opportunities for Aboriginal people.
Thompson Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation* The TNRC works with local community groups/organizations and different levels of government to support projects/initiatives that enhance the quality of life for Aboriginal people, specifically in the areas of housing, safety and cultural acceptance.
The TNRC will continue to build relationships and deepen partnerships with Aboriginal peoples, organizations, governments through its involvement with the Thompson Urban Aboriginal Strategy, Thompson Housing Authority, National Aboriginal Day Planning Committee and the Our Home Kikinaw Project.
Thompson Unlimited* As the City’s Economic Development Corporation, Thompson Unlimited was pleased to have partnered with Keewatin Tribal Council to advance developing a credit union model to address the issues regional residents encounter in accessing essential financial services.
Thompson Unlimited will continue to remain a resource to assist as needed in enhancing the level of banking services in Thompson and the surrounding region.
University College of the North This year we continued construction of the new UCN campus, 24 student-family housing units and revitalization of our Regional Centre’s. UCN also acquired 38 apartment units for future student housing. A ceremonial sweat lodge was added to the Thompson campus for student and stakeholder use.
UCN will continue construction of the new campus, complete construction of the student family housing units and development of a childcare facility.
Vale Vale successfully developed and implemented a Northern Employment Strategy for the region that has, and will continue to, increase our Aboriginal workforce and raise awareness of Vale as a premier employer in Manitoba.
To continue to “grow our own” in the north especially in the technical and trades-related careers, in order to provide a predictable, sustainable workforce supply that is even more representative of the northern population.
*New Partner in 2012
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Progress Report June 21, 2012
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The Signatories
The Partners SUCCESS
GOAL
Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre* Completed construction of a new 20,422 sq. ft. Friendship Centre facility making us the first Friendship Centre in Canada to build a new Friendship Centre facility from the ground up allowing us to offer a “one stop shop” of programs and services in the City of Thompson & surrounding communities.
To convert the property located at 23 Beaver Crescent into a licensed daycare centre with 53 spaces to help address the need for additional childcare spaces within the City of Thompson. Anticipated opening is the fall of 2012.
To provide an environment where learning and innovation are continually encouraged and valued. Some initiatives include several Aboriginal pre-placement training programs and the Hydro Northern Training and Employment Initiative (HNTEI).
Northern Regional Health Authority The Northern Regional Health Authority (formerly Burntwood Regional Health Authority) offers the cultural awareness program Kistenimitowin. This program shares the Aboriginal experience to create awareness of the many issues that impact the Aboriginal population. The aim is to promote trusting and respectful relationships with all individuals who receive services in communities and hospitals.
The Primary Care Pathway is a project funded by Manitoba Health to create partnerships with health service providers and communities to ensure that each individual has a physician or nurse practitioner by 2015 in a Primary Care Home. They will be supported to reach their optimum level of health through contact with the right health provider and through self-management.
School District of Mystery Lake At the School District we improved our capacity to engage in culturally proficient practices and incorporate Aboriginal Perspectives in the classroom through professional development training. We also ensured all students had the opportunity to participate in meaningful and authentic activities, courses and programs with an Aboriginal and Northern perspective.
GOAL The City of Thompson
The City promoted the Aboriginal Accord at the federal, provincial, local and grassroots levels. Business and discussions were conducted through the lens of inclusiveness by involving Aboriginal organizations in matters relating to the City.
The City will host quarterly meetings with the Aboriginal Accord partners to enhance information sharing and learning. In addition, the City will provide recognition for existing and new partners to the Accord.
Keewatin Tribal Council
Manitoba Hydro Manitoba Hydro has a number of successful employment initiatives, which continue to increase the number of Aboriginal employee’s within the corporation.
SUCCESS
We are committed to working with community partners in striving to become a more culturally proficient district. This district plan is focused on improving student engagement and academic achievement through meaningful learning opportunities for students, staff and families.
This year saw the inclusion of Tribal Council staff in the Thompson Economic Diversification Working Group, which both facilitated KTC participation in the goals and strategies of the various working groups. It also allowed working groups to learn more about KTC, as an Aboriginal partner in the development of Thompson, the community we are all part of.
In the upcoming year, KTC, in collaboration with the Keewatin Housing Authority, will complete the 24-unit multi-family project currently under construction, which will provide additional housing opportunities for Aboriginal people living in Thompson.
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak MKO has held the coordination contract for TUAS since 2008. TUAS has given MKO the opportunity to be involved in providing and enhancing services for Northern Aboriginal people residing in Thompson.
To continue to pursue opportunities to improve the quality of life for its member communities and citizens including those that have relocated to Thompson to access health care, employment and education etc.
Manitoba Métis Federation MMF has made contributions to the cultural activities in Thompson. We are a major player in the National Aboriginal Day celebrations as we participate in planning of the event. We demonstrate our pride and Métis Culture in our annual Louis Riel Commemoration Day and Louis Riel Day events.
To continue promoting awareness of our Métis culture through on-going participation in the WinterFest activities, celebrating the provincial Louis Riel Day and Louis Riel Commemoration Day.
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation NCN has realized a substantial amount of completed work (approx. 92%) on the Wuskwatim Dam Project, to the benefit of NCN citizens living on-reserve, in Thompson or elsewhere.
NCN aims to obtain authorization from the Government of Canada for the Municipal Services Agreement pertaining to the NCN-owned Mystery Lake property in Thompson.
Northern Association of Community Councils NACC actively participated in successfully advocating for a new UCN campus in Thompson.
NACC aims to successfully advocate for the growth of infrastructure and transportation in the Northern region.
Thompson Urban Aboriginal Strategy
*New Partner in 2012
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The renewal of TUAS has proved that it has a meaningful presence in Thompson. The strategy unites organizations and community members to address issues within the community through a strategic and sustaining approach. TUAS has added value to the community through providing funding dollars to community organizations looking to increase opportunities for Aboriginal people.
Progress Report June 21, 2012
To continue the work of the TUAS by aligning priorities strategically with the needs of the community.
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