SSLP Final Report 2023

2022-2023

STUDENT SUPPORTS LEARNING PROGRAM (SSLP) Final Report National Overview of SSLP Success at Friendship Centres

TABLE OF CONTENTS OVERVIEW OF NAFC Message from our CEO

1

About NAFC

2

ABOUT SSLP SSLP Overview

3

Importance of investing in Youth

4

SSLP Project Categories

5

National Impact of SSLP

6

SSLP Project Categories

7-8

FRIENDSHIP CENTRE REGIONS Ontario Friendship Centres

9

Friendship Centre Highlight

10

Atlantic Friendship Centres

11

Project Highlights

12

Project Impact Statements

13

The Northwest Territories/Nunavut

14

Council of Friendship Centres

15

Project Impact Statements Manitoba Association of Friendship Centres (MAFC)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS FRIENDSHIP CENTRE REGIONS Regroupement des centres d'artistes autogérés du Québec (RCAAQ)

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Project Highlights

18-19

Impact Statements

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Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association (ANFCA) Project Highlights Project Impact Statements The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) Project Highlights Project Impact Statements Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan (AFCS) Project Highlights

21 22-23 24

25 26-28 29

30 31-32 33

Project Impact Statements Program Outcomes

34

Next Steps

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NAFC OVERVIEW Message from our CEO

“Investment in Indigenous youth is an investment in a brighter future”

The NAFC continues to support actions to recommit we, governments, and partners to uphold the rights of urban Indigenous children and youth across the country. As an NAFC Indigenous Youth Council alumni and a former participant in Friendship Centre youth programming, I understand firsthand the value of youth programming and the difference it makes in the lives of youth.

The NAFC and our network of Friendship Centres are on the front line with urban Indigenous Youth across the country, constantly working to build capacity, leadership and provide mentorship through youth-driven programs, job training, and related wraparound supports.

Indigenous youth continue to be the fastest growing demographic in the country and there is a need to restore a national urban Indigenous children and youth program.

Despite being one of the youngest populations having distinct and intersecting needs, urban Indigenous children and youth have no national action plan, framework for advancement or an ongoing federal program.

Jocelyn W. Formsma 1

ABOUT NAFC

The National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) is a network of over 100 member Friendship Centres (FCs) and Provincial-Territorial Associations (PTAs) from coast-to-coast-tocoast. Friendship Centres are Indigenous civil society community hubs that provide a wide range of culturally appropriate programs and services. The NAFC is the national organization that advocates for Friendship Centres and is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and seeks advice and input from its Senate and Indigenous Youth Council.

Mission

Values

To support Friendship Centres and Provincial/Territorial Associations in achieving their diverse missions and visions within their respective urban Indigenous communities.

NAFC seeks to remain vibrant, transparent, culturally grounded, community-driven, inclusive,vibrant and keep Elders & Youth engaged.

Vision

Strategic Direction

Ascending to a future that remembers the past and is rooted in our cultures to improve the wellbeing of Indigenous people living in urban environments.

An important area of strategic direction mentioned in NAFC’s 10-year strategic plan is revenue diversity and growth. NAFC continues to advocate for national multi-year, youth-specific funding to support our Friendship Centres and PTAs.

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ABOUT SSLP During the 2021-23 fiscal year, the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) distributed $10,750,000.00 in SSLP funding which reached 89 Friendship Centres across Canada.

The Student Supports Learning Program (SSLP) is a program designed to provide underrepresented youth with learning and mentoring support during and beyond COVID19. The main goal of the program is for underrepresented youth to have increased connectivity (i.e., reliable internet and access to tutors)​in a culturally relevant environment.

A culturally relevant environment includes providing a safe space for youth that connects peers with their community.

Project objectives of SSLP include ​ensuring Indigenous youth and students continue their studies both academically and traditionally.​SSLP also enables the building of relationships between Indigenous youth, students, mentors, tutors, and knowledge keepers. More importantly, SSLP ensures that Indigenous youth and students have access to their culture.

Youth Cultural Drumming at Slave Lake Native Friendship Centre, Slave Lake, Alberta

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ABOUT SSLP Why Does Investing in Urban Indigenous Youth Matter?

Educational Supports

Many families struggle to afford the cost of tutoring for their children. It can be challenging to find tutors without long waitlists who are available to take on new clients.

Tutoring programs can help children and youth develop, study, and learn skills that will help set them up for success. Individualized learning can help strengthen subject comprehension, boost confidence, and build important learning skills.

Mental health and wellness

Indigenous Youth face several challenges that can impact their mental health and wellbeing, including systemic racism, poverty, and intergenerational trauma. Having access to culturally appropriate mental health services helps improve students coping and resiliency skills, family functions, academic progress, and support systems .

Access to culture

There are many students and their families searching for a greater connection to culture.

It can be challenging for families to connect with knowledge keepers and find opportunities for culture workshops and community building. SSLP helps students nurture a sense of belonging and a cultural connection that is absent for most young students.

Access to technology

Many students do not have access to the tools they need to succeed in technology-driven education. For example, some families, particularly single parents, and low-income families with multiple children, don’t have the financial means to afford internet and computer access for their household.

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SSLP PROJECT CATEGORIES Friendship Centres extend education supports beyond the classroom Education and learning opportunities do not always have to take place in a classroom environment as there are endless ways students can enhance their education skills. For example, participating in extracurricular activities can help students develop a passion for learning and connect what they have learned to their studies. The SSLP funds projects related to the following project categories:

2. Mental health and wellness

1. Educational Supports

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Enhancement of education skills through workshops and training opportunities

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Any activities that contribute to the greater wellness and mental wellbeing of students

3. Traditional learning

4. Extracurricular events and activities

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Intergenerational transfer of traditional knowledge and cultural practices

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Keeping students occupied and involved in extracurricular activities and after school programing

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NATIONAL IMPACT OF SSLP

From coast to coast, the SSLP supported 93 Friendship Centres and a total of 29,712 program participants

National Overview of Program Participants

12,679 Children

662

Cultural knowledge Keepers

10,400 Youth

694

Mentors

2,507

688

Teachers or Tutors

Other Students

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SSLP PROJECT ACTIVITIES What is a project activity?

Project activities are undertaken by Friendship Centres (FCs) to achieve program objectives.

Examples of project activities include tutoring services, wellness workshops, land-based trainings, and youth culture camps.

The following word clouds highlight the project activities undertaken to achieve program objectives. With a quick glance, you can easily spot the project activities that FCs used most often, providing a comprehensive overview of the wrap around supports that FCs offer.

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SSLP PROJECT ACTIVITIES

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS IN ONTARIO

The Ontario Friendship Centres were directly allocated SSLP funds from NAFC and are independent from the Provincial Territorial Associations (PTAs).

The Ontario region Friendship Centres include: Atikokan Native Friendship Centre, Atikokan, Ontario Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre, Midland, Ontario, and; Native Canadian Centre of Toronto (NCCT)

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

359+ Project Participants

3 Friendship Centres administered the SSLP

26+ Project activities Atikokan Native Friendship Centre

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Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre, Midland, Ontario

"Nutritional foods, weather-appropriate clothing, safe housing, and a culturally supportive environments are among the key components in successful learning experiences"

SSLP Project Description The SSLP focused on supporting urban Indigenous children and youth in the Midland/North Simcoe area to enhance their ability to excel in their fields of learning. Project activities included weekly hot meals and bi-weekly fresh fruit/vegetables delivery to families with children, an after-school homework club, one-on-one tutoring sessions, 2SLGBTQ+ inclusivity youth workshops, youth wellness workshops, CPR/First Aid Certificate Training for youth and sponsored equine assisted therapy for students.

SSLP Project Results

GBNFC cooked and served breakfast to 20+ alternative high school students enrolled in the onsite Fire High School Program

GBNFC supplied and delivered 700+ bi-weekly food boxes with fresh bread, eggs, fruits, and vegetables for students and their families

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS IN THE ATLANTIC

The Atlantic region Friendship Centres were directly allocated SSLP funds from NAFC and are independent from the Provincial Territorial Associations (PTAs).

The Atlantic region Friendship Centres include: First Light Friendship Centre, St. John’s, NL Labrador Friendship Centre, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre, Halifax, NS People of the Dawn Indigenous Friendship Centre, St. George's, NL Under One Sky- Monoqonuwicik-Neoteetjg Mosigisg Inc, Fredericton, NB

Pictured below are SSLP project participants at First Light Friendship Centre, St. John's, NL

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

747 Project Participants

5 Friendship Centres administered the SSLP

70 Project activities

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS IN THE ATLANTIC First Light St. John's Friendship Centre, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador The SSLP culture project at First Light focused on supporting traditional practices and storytelling sessions that helped preserve Indigenous culture. Elders engaged with youth to share their stories and wisdom, fostering a strong sense of cultural identity and pride. These gatherings enabled participants to gain a deeper understanding of their heritage while creating a stronger connection to their ancestral roots.

People of the Dawn Indigenous Friendship Centre (PDIFC) St. George's, NL SSLP projects at PDIFC aimed to provide culturally relevant supports and foster connections with peers and community members. The objective was to ensure that Indigenous youth and students continue their studies both academically and culturally. With the support of SSLP funding, PDIFC partnered with Bayview Academy to provide students who are pursuing post-secondary studies with a backpack containing a smudge kit, water bottle, and Fitbit.

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PROJECT IMPACT STATEMENTS, ATL

" I wanted to send this email as a thank you for the tutoring money this past school year. SSLP played a huge role in my success to get extra help so that I can thrive in university. I was awarded with a $10,000 academic scholarship last week. I don’t think I would’ve been able to achieve such grades to get this"

Student testimonial from Labrador Friendship Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL

We know that retention rates for urban Indigenous students are statistically lower than non-Indigenous students. Access to the proper tools, resources and supports can help Indigenous students achieve their goals and continue their studies, both academically and traditionally.

Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia

As a result of our land-based healing project, youth felt more culturally grounded, mentally strong, and physically well. Participants built relationships with each other, developing skills for the land, strengthening their Indigenous knowledge and feeling connected to the earth.

Under One Sky, Fredericton, NB

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS IN NWT/NU The Northwest Territories/Nunavut Council of Friendship Centres (NTNU CFC) The NTNU CFC assists in the establishment, monitoring and strengthening of Indigenous Friendship Centres and their provincial/territorial association across Canada, in order for them to continue providing a high quality of cultural re-enforcement, preservation and strengthening and community development services to Indigenous peoples.

The NTNU CFC Friendship Centres include: Dehcho Friendship Center, Fort Simpson, NT Ingamo Hall Friendship Centre, Inuvik, NT Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre, Rankin Inlet, NU Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre, Hay River, NT The Tree of Peace Friendship Centre, Yellowknife, NT Tłı̨chǫ Łeàgı̨ą Tsʾı̨ı̨lı̨ Kǫ, Behchoko, NT Uncle Gabe’s Friendship Centre, Fort Smith, NWT and; Zhahti Koe Friendship Centre, Fort Providence, NT.

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

2268+ Project Participants

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Friendship Centres administered the SSLP

50

Project activities

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PROJECT IMPACT STATEMENTS, NWT/NU “The Community Wellness Project played a vital role in supporting students dealing with addiction concerns, enhancing their resumes and career growth, and facilitating cultural activities”

The Tree of Peace Friendship Centre, Yellowknife, NT

“We hired a Youth Coordinator and an after-school assistant to offer music, cooking, sports and outdoor activities. We also hosted a music project where students learned how to play the guitar and operate a sound system”

Ingamo Hall Friendship Centre, Inuvik, NT

“Our community has limited technology access, so we see a lot of youth come into the centre to use the technology to keep in touch with their family who live in different communities”

Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre, Hay River, NT

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS IN MANITOBA

Manitoba Association of Friendship Centres (MAFC) Indigenous youth play a vital role in shaping the present and future of our communities.

Established in 1971, the MAFC is the Provincial-Territorial organization in Manitoba that advocates for the collective interests of its 11-member Friendship Centres at multiple Government levels: provincial, and federal. Guided by Indigenous traditions, values, and teachings, the MAFC fosters community-based strategies to eliminate disparities between Indigenous peoples and society.

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

3929+ Project Participants

11 Friendship Centres administered the SSLP

75+ Project activities

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS IN QUEBEC

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS The SSLP funding helped provide direct services to Indigenous students attending Friendship Centres.

The RCAAQ member Friendship Centres have received funding since 2017 as part of the 2017-2022 Education Strategy. As the education funding has been present since 2017, the strategy for the SSLP was to enhance the services already offered through Friendship Centres.

The SSLP funding came with great timing as the Education Strategy ended on June 30, 2022, at a point where some Centres were facing financial difficulties. The SSLP funding enabled the continuity of services, particularly in support of learning, cultural programming, extracurricular activities and family supports, for the beginning of the new school year.

10 Friendship Centres administered the SSLP

150+ Students gained access to computer equipment

260+ Students had access to free meals

100+ Youth engaged with Elders

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS IN QC Centre d’amitié autochtone de Lanaudière (CAAL), Joliette, QB The CAAL provided nature-based activities that brought children and youth together to experience the outdoors and reinforce healthy lifestyle habits, self-esteem, sense of belonging and cultural pride.

Efforts were also made to further integrate Atikamekw culture across all services, leading to regular programming of cultural activities at the Centre, including the transmission of cultural knowledge by Elders, such as language, legends and traditions.

Centre d’amitié autochtone de La Tuque (CAALT), La Tuque, QB The CAALT offers access to learning environments that integrate Indigenous cultures, values, ways of learning, and cultural activities aimed at transmitting knowledge. For example, the Centre offers family and intergenerational activities in the community and on the land, teachings on the medicine wheel, Atikamekw language workshops and workshops on traditional skirts and cooking.

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS IN QC Native Montreal, Montreal, QC The Kane'ko:ta (Steps) Project, administered by the First Nations Regional Adult Education Centre in partnership with LaSalle College and supported by Native Montreal, facilitated Native Montreal members in attaining their high school diplomas.

This project was facilitated in a culturally sensitive environment, resulting in higher success rates in the completion of secondary studies.

Centre Multi-Service MAMUK, Quebec City, Quebec MAMUK hired a homework help supervisor that provided one-on-one tutoring services and support for elementary school students at the Centre, using a school-familycommunity approach. Significant improvements were noticed in the academic success of the students accompanied. The Centre also offered a dedicated study area, with access to a computer and printer.

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PROJECT IMPACT STATEMENTS, QC The CAATR is becoming increasingly important and is highly utilized by the Trois-Rivières Indigenous community. Students from all educational backgrounds access education services at CAATR and use their space, Wi-Fi and printers.

Centre d’amitié autochtone de Trois-Rivières (CAATR), Trois-Rivières, QC

The MNFC developed a passport tool project that rewarded youth for their participation and involvement in Centre activities, including learning Anishinaabe language and culture.

Maniwaki Native Friendship Centre (MNFC) Maniwaki, QC

Our education project focused on strengthening a sense of identity and belonging, public awareness regarding intergenerational trauma, fitting in and bullying, as well as strengthening self-confidence and academic skills.

Centre d'amitié Eenou de Chibougamau, Chibougamau, QC

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS IN ALBERTA Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association (ANFCA)

ANFCA is committed to supporting the principles and grassroots approach of the Friendship Centre Movement.

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

8246 Project Participants

ANFCA is the Provincial/Territorial Association of 21 member Friendship Centres. Indigenous cultural

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teachings, values and identity are at the core of ANFCA. They provide opportunities for cultural sharing, focused on bridging the gap between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous worldviews. All programs and services incorporate cultural values and teachings into their structures.

Friendship Centres administered the SSLP

237 Project activities

Sagitawa Friendship Society Youth, Peace River, Alberta

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS IN AB

Miywasin Friendship Centre, Medicine Hat, AB Miywasin Friendship Centre successfully hosted an 8-week skateboarding project supporting youth at risk. The youth were provided with skateboarding shoes and one-on-one instruction.

As a result of this project, the youth demonstrated an increased tolerance and compassion with each other and assisted younger youth to improve their skateboarding skills.

Asokewin Friendship Centre, Rocky Mountain House, AB Asokewin Friendship Centre and the SSLP recognized two students due to their outstanding achievements and spirit at West Central high School. The students were awarded with a package of success containing a laptop, headphones, flash drive, computer bag, a backpack loaded with school supplies and scientific calculators.

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS IN AB The Bonnyville Canadian Native Friendship Centre, Bonnyville, AB During the summer months, staff wages were provided for two summer day camp positions, which allowed 10 youth to access culturally specific summer programming. The culture camp hosted cultural activities such as canoeing, kayaking, boating, tubing, fishing, cultural crafts (beading, feather painting), swimming, land navigation, fire building, and smoke/bug repellent activities.

Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre, Fort McMurray, AB 28 students participated in ribbon skirt workshops in collaboration with Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre. Students wore their ribbon skirts during their graduation ceremony and accumulated high school credits towards their diploma. Through a similar project activity, 10 students learned how to hand sew beaver mittens and received high school credits reflecting the number of workshop hours.

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PROJECT IMPACT STATEMENTS, AB Connection with Elders has proven to be one of the most effective ways to establish reconnection of culture.

Elders provided teachings and shared stories with youth to help strengthen their identity.

Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary, AB

“SSLP helped me continue my education and it means so much to me to have this support for my learning. I appreciate SSLP so much and I am very thankful and hope to continue my journey with education”

Cheyanne Thompson, Student Hinton Friendship Centre Society, Hinton AB

SSLP highlighted the need for youth activities in our community, as Covid continues to have a lasting effect on families. Our Elders shared their knowledge with youth on many topics such as history, lived experiences, and stories.

High Level Native Friendship Centre Society, High Level, AB

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) BC Friendship Centres have over 60 years of history supporting urban Indigenous peoples and communities.

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

9157 Project Participants

The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres Centres throughout the Province of British Columbia.

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BCAAFC works to maintain communication between

Friendship Centres administered the SSLP

(BCAAFC) is the umbrella association for the 25 Friendship

Friendship Centres, other provincial associations, and NAFC. There are 25 Friendship Centres located throughout BC, and collectively BC Friendship Centres serve over 1,200 people and have over 600 community partnerships.

253 Project activities

Traveling Red Dress Art Exhibit created by youth at Friendship House Prince Rupert

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS IN BC Friendship House Association of Prince Rupert, Prince Rupert, BC Friendship House Association of Prince Rupert created monthly care packages for youth that were based on individual needs. The youth voted on different care package categories such as self-care and wellness, homecare, food, and sports/recreation. Flip phones were added for the youth that did not have a phone to stay in contact with families, friends and for emergencies.

Lillooet Friendship Centre Society, Lillooet, BC Children and youth at Lillooet Friendship Centre Society participated in food-preserving workshops facilitated by Elders. The Elders demonstrated how to harvest wild foods and preserve them using traditional canning and drying methods. The foods preserved in the workshop were wild berry jams, deer meat, and salmon. Youth and elders also dried fruits.

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS IN BC

North Okanagan Friendship Centre Society (NOFCS), Vernon, BC NOFCS created a bicycle refurbishing project for Indigenous Youth. The Centre partnered with local bicycle shops and businesses to fix donated bikes for Indigenous students. Youth also had the chance to learn general maintenance and repairs on their bikes which provided a great opportunity to learn valuable skills.

During a bike distribution event, 60 people attended and 28 bikes were distirbuted to Indigenous youth.

Port Alberni Friendship Centre, Port Alberni, BC Throughout the cultural portion of SSLP, children and youth were guided and supported while learning Indigenous history and customs. Traditional learning activities included arts, crafts, building a drum, drum teachings and the Sacred Seven Grandfather teachings. As a result of these cultural activities, children and youth were better prepared and were able to excel upon returning to school.

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Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC), Victoria BC

Project Description VNFC welcomed 10 indigenous youth between the ages of 14 and 25 for learning on the land, leadership training, and climate action opportunities including land restoration, plant propagation, invasive species removal, cedar weaving, and food sustainability practices such as foraging and fishing.

Project Impact Statements “Many of the youth attending our programming struggled with mental health challenges and issues at home such as an unstable home environment, justice involvement, being on probation, and juggling school responsibilities. It was clear that being out of the land served as a psychological protective factor, and perhaps mitigated the negative effects of some of these areas of hardship” "Many of you know by now that I struggle with depression and anxiety and often struggle with even getting out of bed in the morning. This program gave me a reason to get out of bed in the morning and I'm so grateful for that"

Anonymous Project Participant

"I guess what I'm grateful for is that I am here today, and not there (he waves his hand up the road to his high school) because here on the land, I am actually learning something, something important"

Anonymous Project Participant

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PROJECT IMPACT STATEMENTS, BC Through SSLP, low income families and youth had opportunities to participate in several different workshops, training opportunities, camps and mental wellness/peer support.

Wachiay Friendship Centre (WFC), Courtenay, BC

Our Friendship Centre is arguably the primary service provider for youth in our community. School staff and counselors regularly connect with our youth staff to refer high-risk and vulnerable students to our services

Nawican Friendship Centre , Dawson Creek, BC

SSLP highlighted for us the need for youth activities in our community, and how Covid still has a lasting effect on families. The Elders were also able to share their knowledge with the youth on many topics such as history, their experiences, and stories.

Mission Friendship Centre Society, Mission, BC

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS IN SASKATCHEWAN REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan (AFCS) "The youth of today are our leaders of tomorrow" The AFCS advocates for and represents Saskatchewan’s Friendship Centres. The SSLP funding has supported the Friendship Centre Movement in Saskatchewan by reestablishing youth programming in communities and providing provincial-wide programming through the AFCS Youth Leadership Program.

AFCS knows it is important to provide opportunities for youth in our communities to flourish, gain knowledge and skills, and realize their full potential and that providing leadership programs for youth sets them up to be successful in their life-long journey.

24000+ points of service for youth through SSLP funding

10 Friendship Centres administered the SSLP

126 Project Activities

4565 Project Participants

Battleford Indian Metis Friendship Centre, North Battleford, SK

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS IN SK Île-à-la-Crosse Friendship Centre, Île-à-la-Crosse, SK Île-à-la-Crosse Friendship Centre’s goal for SSLP programming is to have more youth involved in community events, as many youth missed out on previous programming and events due to Covid.

The Centre ran drop-in style youth programming with a wide range of project activities such as music, dance, arts, sports, recreation, and traditional learning. Most project participants are from Ile-a-la-Crosse but also had youth from surrounding communities.

Battleford Indian Metis Friendship Centre, North Battleford, SK Battleford Indian Metis Friendship Centre supports Indigenous youth academically and traditionally and enabled the building of relationships between community members, mentors, tutors & elders. Many youth were able to gain confidence and knowledge while seeking employment on weekends and evenings.

Project activities include: Youth Worker Readiness Certificate, Stay Safe Course, ribbon skirt classes, First Aid & CPR Course, National Food Safe Course, jigging classes, Christmas baking trays for the Elders in the community, tubing at Table Mountain, WHIMIS Certification, and resume building.

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS IN SK Prince Albert Indian Metis Friendship Centre, Prince Albert, SK Prince Albert Indian Metis Friendship Centre hosted a youth empowerment gathering with 350+ youth in attendance. The gathering was closed off with a large round dance with 800 people. This project provided youth with transportation and the opportunity to visit other communities while learning about ceremonies and songs.

Qu'Appelle Valley Friendship Centre (QVFC), Fort Qu'Appelle, SK QVFC's powwow event promoted various Indigenous cultures. The purpose of the powwow was to revitalize Indigenous identities, foster historical teachings, and enable recognition of multiple Indigenous cultures and languages during the event. Participants ranged from 125 to 150 people of all ages, from newborns to Elders.

The Elders taught youth and children, and many Elders who were not knowledgeable about their cultural identity learned a lot about their identities.

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PROJECT IMPACT STATEMENTS, SK “We hosted our first Round Dance ceremony in the community of Meadow Lake. The ceremony helped give our youth a sense of identity and understanding of the importance of culture in our everyday lives”

North West Friendship Centre, Meadow Lake, SK

“Our youth group project enabled youth to gather for sports, movie nights, group projects, outdoor activities, cultural teachings, life skills training, outings in the community and mental health supports”

Saskatoon Indian and Metis Friendship Centre, Saskatoon, SK

“Our Youth outreach project works with youth that are struggling and low-income families. Our in-Centre activities included cooking classes, drum making, beading, ribbon skirt making, art classes, tipi teachings, anger management, healthy boundaries and relationships teachings” Nēwo-Yôtina Friendship Centre, Regina, SK

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PROGRAM OUTCOMES Enhanced Connectivity

6,086+ 6,700+ 8,280+

Youth were connected with community members or technology (i.e. online mental health resources and building relationships)

Increased financial stability Youth were connected with financial supports that helped reduce education barriers for themselves and their families.

Leadership Development Youth developed or enhanced their leadership abilities and practical skills.

Connected to culture

10,309+ 7927+

Youth were connected with culture through participation in cultural activities, workshops, ceremonies, and land-based activities.

Secured Employment Youth participated in professional development activities and ended up securing employment.

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NEXT STEPS SSLP will conclude on March 31st, 2024. We are hopeful to continue the relationships and network we have built with our government partners to invest in urban Indigenous youth across Canada. This program has been crucial to keep youth involved and have the supports they need to continue their education.

We look forward to seeking future opportunities for youth funding so Friendship Centres can continue their crucial work with youth.

Contact Us National Association of Friendship Centres www.nafc.ca

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) canada.ca

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