UNITED NATIVE FRIENDSHIP CENTRE

MARCH & APRIL 2016 NEWSLETTER

UNFC Contact Numbers

Main Building and Circle of Life Centre 274-8541

Toll Free: 1-877-496-9034

Aboriginal Headstart: 274-7244

Fax Numbers

Main Building 516 Portage Avenue: 274-4110

Circle of Life Centre 616 Mowat Avenue: 274-4067

Aboriginal Headstart 308 Butler Avenue: 274-8500

www.unfc.org

United Native Friendship Centre Mission Statement

In recognition of the ever changing world in which we live, the United Native Friendship Centre is dedicated to enhancing the lives of Native and Non-Native people in our community and surrounding area. Its primary responsibility is to serve Aboriginal people with special services in the fields of social, educational and cultural development while, at the same time, building a bridge of understanding between Native and Non-Native people.

UNFC BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2015/2016 Richard Bird, President Eugene McPherson, Vice President Mike Jones, Secretary/Treasurer Richard Bruyere, Board Member Ernie Jones, Board Member Armand Jourdain Sr, Board Member

Darwin Woods, Board Member

Sheila McMahon Executive Director Angela Mihichuk Early Learning Program Lead Judith Lindholm Program Director Charity McMahon Head Start Teacher Melanie McPherson Executive Assistant Dana Ward Head Start Teacher’s Assistant Lori Devoe Secretary/Receptionist Cassondra Caul Head Start Classroom Assistant Tamara Tamara Beyak Finance Wendy Kabel Head Start Cultural Family Worker

Vacant Homelessness Outreach Worker Kari McLean Head Start Resource Assistant Tara Henttonen Homelessness Outreach Assistant Mindy Taschuk Head Start Cook Rose Marie Tuesday Healing & Wellness Worker Angela Fiset Head Start Driver/Maintenance Reo Walton Healing and Wellness Worker Brenda W Bedard Family Support Worker Tiffany Clifford-Smith Alcohol/Drug Worker Kristen Kelly Family Support Worker

Larry Indian Youth Justice Worker Shelly Mallet Family Support Worker Steve Latimer Developer Aimee Beazley Healthy Living Worker Karen Chowhan Apatisiwin Counsellor Terry McMahon Healthy Living Kids Worker

Danielle Spuzak Literacy Worker Ann Sinclair Life Long Care Worker Tracy Jensen Student Support Worker Diana Sharp Life Long Care Support Worker Christa Bruyere Healthy Babies Worker Dorion Chambers Children’s Mental Health Worker Kerry Zub Prenatal Nutrition Worker Rochelle Bird Akwe:go Worker Robert Bombay Criminal Court Worker Kaleb Firth Wasa-Nabin Worker

Traci Traci Lockman Combined Court Worker Kate Bartlett Youth Employment Worker Sydney Jones Youth Worker Carter Brown Youth Worker

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

MARCH MARCH CONTINUED APRIL

1 – Kaleb Fi rth 10 – Buddy Loyie 7 – Reo Walton 2 – Curtis Mainville 18 – Garret Cain 9 – Lavana Fox 2 –Angela Fiset 20 – Alain Tanguay 18 – Paul Pirie 3 – Richard Bruyere 20 – Christa Bruyere 19 – Alex Gawryluk 6 – Marcella Gawryluk 29 – Wendy Kabel 21 – Mike Jones 6 – Tracy Jensen 31 – Marcella Desrosiers 24 – Kari McLean 9 – Rose Bird 31 – Maria Azevedo

From the desk of the Executive Director

Boozhoo, Well, March is fast approaching and our programs have some exciting activities planned. Please take some time to either look on our website or the calendars in our newsletter.

We have had some pretty successful community events this past month, at the Circle of Life Centre we have had square dancing, jigging with lots of laughter. We continue to have our cribbage tournaments at our main building on Portage Avenue. Our craft nights are winding down with beautiful rugs being made from old t-shirts.

Please note that on March 15th, from 10am to 2 pm we will be holding a community consultation on “Mental Health and Addictions”. It is very important to get your input so please join us, register if you can. It’s free registration but we are providing lunch and prizes so we need to know how many people are attending.

On March 16, we will be consulting youth ages 12-18 years on Mental Health and Addictions. This will run from 11-2 pm, with lunch and prizes. Both days will take place at our main office 516 Portage Avenue.

April 1, 2016, is the start of our new fiscal year. Along with that will come changes to a few programs. Our Homelessness Program is losing financial support from one of our funding agencies. This will affect us in a big way. We will have to tighten up on the type of services we have been providing. I will keep you updated on any future changes.

As we move along, the UNFC, its staff and Board of Directors will always do their best to service our community.

Yours in Friendship,

Sheila McMahon

March-April 2016

Greetings, it is getting closer to spring, the days are getting longer and the sun is getting warmer helping to chase away the winter cold.

We are looking forward to spring activities including the spring drum feast, social gatherings, fundraising events, bi-annual clothing giveaway, and the Day of Pink which is April 13th this year. You are welcome to attend our events or drop in and visit.

Check out programs’ activities in the newsletter and on the Website at www.unfc.org.

Staff Updates:

 Literacy Program Worker, Amanda Levesque has resigned and has taken a position at the office; Amanda did a fantastic and we wish her well in her new . The position has been posted and we hope to have it filled as soon as possible continuing the great programs and services.  Youth Employment Worker, Kate Bartlett, had very successful activities during her contract. Partnering with other UNFC workers, Kate set up programs including Driver’s Handbook , First Aid/CPR training, Smart Serve, and Youth Employment Preparation training.  Youth Outreach/Interns, Carter Brown and Sydney Jones-Mason will complete their contracts at the end of March. They’ve gained work experience while being a great help to the programs.

Wishing you all a Happy Easter weekend.

Judith Lindholm, Program Director

Office Closures The Friendship Centre will be closed to observe Good Friday, March 25th, 2016 & Easter Monday, March 28th, 2016 and will reopen Tuesday, March 29th, 2016 @ 8:30a.m.

FREE TO JOIN!

TH MARCH 9-11 LUNCH AND SNACKS 10AM-3PM PROVIDED DRIVERS TRAINING LOCATED IN THE COURSE CIRCLE OF LIFE CENTRE: Free Drivers Preparation! 616 MOWAT AVE The United Native Friendship Centre will be offering a free

Drivers Training course to help prepare participants for their written drivers test. Space is limited so register ASAP. If you or PRIZES AND someone you know is interested, stop in and sign up! GIVEAWAYS FOR THOSE THAT ATTEND

If you have any questions please contact either: **

 Steve Latimer – [email protected] **MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE!  Kate Bartlett – [email protected]

* You can also call 274-8541 for any information about the course and how to register.

UNITED NATIVE FRIENDSHIP CENTRE 516 Portage Ave 807-274-8541

unfc.org

Aboriginal Healing & Wellness Greetings to everyone from the Program Healing and Wellness Program.

This program creates awareness in The Program delivers the Strong Women Circle Family Violence Prevention, Cultural at least twice each year at eight week modules. The start date has now been postponed to a later healing and various other culturally time so if there is an interest in signing up for based activities. this Circle please contact Tiffany Clifford-Smith; Upcoming programming for the months Brittany Hyatt or this writer at 274-8541. A of March & April 2016 will include: poster is attached for review.  Drumming on March 7th & 21st, We are currently running Craft Night once each  Street wolf program (which is full) week; pictures of the rugs that are being made is Wednesday’s @ 5pm, from this Craft project will go into the next  Daily one to one client visits Newsletter. It is always fun to get together for the  Residential School group April 11th Craft Nights as new friendships are formed and allows for social time during the three hours To learn more about this program and each week. There will be information for the what it can offer you, please feel free to next Craft Night here at the Centre on the UNFC website and in the next Newsletter. drop in or call Reo Walton@ 274-8541 or email [email protected] Meegwetch.

Miigwetch Yours in Friendship, Rose Marie Tuesday – Healing and Wellness Worker

Healthy Living for Kids Program

Boozhoo everybody! I hope this letter finds you all well. Programs are continuing Alternative Secondary and we are having tons of fun with our School Program youth.

Our after school programs at JW Walker School hours are Monday to Friday and Robert Moore will keep going until 8:00 a.m. – 3:15p.m. All students must the end of the school year. register at the Fort Frances High School Main campus prior to starting school here Our Learn to Skate program still runs on Tuesday afternoons at The Duke Arena. at the United Native Friendship Centre. If you have any other questions or concerns We have a lot of activities planned for the about this program, please contact Tracy coming March . Jensen at 274-8541 or stop by at 516 Call the office 274-8541 and ask for Portage Avenue. Carter [email protected] or Terry [email protected] or Tracy Jensen stop by the office and say hello! ASSP Co-ordinator

What is Homelessness? Homelessness, simply defined, is the absence of a place to live.

Approximately 235,000 Canadians experience homelessness each year. The number of homeless people, and the length of time they spend homeless, continues to rise.

Homelessness is not a choice. In reality, anyone can become homeless. Although the root cause is poverty, underlying issues include:

 poor physical or mental health

 violence or abuse in the home

 lack of employment or income

 a shortage of affordable housing

Who Experiences Homelessness? Canada’s homeless population is incredibly diverse. The individuals we see on the streets represent less than 20% of the homeless population. As many as 50,000 people make up the “hidden” homeless – individuals who temporarily stay with family or friends because they have nowhere else to go.

Families with children are the fastest growing homeless demographic. That number is only expected to grow, as over 10% of Canadian families currently live below the low income cut-off—unable to meet even the most basic needs.

Canada is also witnessing a staggering rise in homeless youth. In the past 25 years, there has been a 450% increase in the number of youth shelter beds in Toronto. Many of these young people are fleeing dangerous situations, with 61% of homeless youth reporting being either physically or sexually abused by an adult at some point in their lives. Studies show that youth who stay on the street for two years or more are less likely to leave— making an intervention within the first two years key to solving the problem.

© 2015 Raising the Roof. All Rights Reserved. Charitable #139744569RR0001

MEMBERSHIP REMINDER

Just a reminder: Memberships expire March 31st.

Please stop in and renew your memberships for 2016/2017

LIFE LONG CARE

Greetings from the Life Long Care Program. We have been lucky this winter with milder temps and minimal snow – let’s hope this brings us an early spring!!!

When was the last time you cleaned out your medicine cabinet? Spring is always a great time of year for this task. You may not even realize that you have unneeded, expired or recalled products. So it's time to take action—protect your family and clean it out! The following is some helpful information on cleaning out your medicine cabinet. .

You’re Medicine Cabinet Cleanout Checklist

 Where are your medicines? Keep products in your medicine cabinet out of the reach of children and store them in a secure area with controlled room temperature.  Clean out regularly: Make sure you a medicine cabinet cleanout every six months.

 Expiration dates: Check the expiration dates of all the products in your medicine cabinet. Don't forget about makeup and sunscreen—they can expire, too.  Proper disposal: When discarding unused, expired, or recalled medications, take precautions to ensure that you protect children, pets and the environment from potentially negative effects: o Follow any specific disposal instructions on the drug label or its accompanying patient information. o Don't flush medications down the toilet unless accompanying patient information

instructs you to. o If no specific instructions for disposal are provided on the label, throw away the medication in the household trash. To make it less appealing to children and pets, mix the medication with an undesirable substance (such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter). o If you have additional questions about proper disposal, talk to your pharmacist.

If you have any medications that need to be disposed of but you are unable to get them to a pharmacy, please call Ann or Diana at the Centre and we will pick them up and drop them off at one of our local pharmacies.

The CNIB Eye Van is scheduled to be here in Fort Frances in July this year. The dates are the th 04 -08th and the 15th-19th. If you are in need of services from the Eye Van now is the time to get working on your appointment. You need to be referred by your physician or optometrist to be seen and it is recommended that you make these appointments sooner rather than later. The Life Long Care program can assist with any of your transportation needs for these appointments. Contact Ann or Diana at the Centre to make arrangements.

We continue to offer our regular programming on a weekly basis. If you have questions, please feel free to contact Ann or Diana at the Centre. We wish all of our membership a safe and healthy spring!!!! Until next time…

“Candlelight Skate” for Families

*a partnership with the United Native Friendship Centre and Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre

Join us for a light dinner followed by a family skate at the East End Hall, Tuesday, March 1 from 5-8pm. The Diabetes Team will be there to give a brief presentation about importance of living well with Diabetes along with their role in the community. The event is FREE for families to attend together! All children/kids MUST be accompanied by an adult. There will be fun, games and prizes! For more information and registration: Aimee Beazley United Native Friendship Centre 274-8541 Or Shaunna-Leigh Carlson Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre 274-3131

MARCH BREAK PROGRAMMING

14th 15th 16th 17th

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

Movie & PJ Day Alberton Sliding Party Pancake Breakfast Green is the Theme: 11-2 11-2 10-12 Pizza Party Come dressed in your Join us for some sliding Come and ENJOY a 11-2 PJ’s today and bring fun! Transportation & pancake breakfast with Join us for a pizza party! along your favorite lunch will be available! all the fixings! If you wear green you bedtime buddy! could win a prize.

th Space is Limited - Please RSVP by Friday, March 11 For more information please contact The Family Support Program at 274-8541 Or text to 276-5116

14th 16th 17th 18th Free Skate These activities are Free Swim * Fort Frances Free Bowling 1:15—3:15 sponsored by: 1:00 — 3:00 Curling Club 1:00—3:00pm Fort Frances Fort Frances 1:00-4:00pm Pre-registration Sportsplex with Sportsplex Ages 5 and up is required the Laker’s *PLEASE Note: Pre-registration there are is required.

RAINY RIVER DISTRICT swimming Space is limited. SUBSTANCE ABUSE requirements Bring clean PREVENTION TEAM indoor runners.

If you have any questions, would like more information or would like to register for the above activities, please call Tiffany at 274-8541

Akwe:Go Program for Urban Aboriginal Children aged 7-12

The program offers activities in the evening, after school and weekends that are geared toward physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of the children and their families.

Some components of the program are:

• Facilitate the assessment of required services and identify areas of difficulty experienced by clients • After school programming to provide a safe and structured environment for children to relax, play and/or complete homework • Facilitate support circles and peer counseling • Access to recreational and sporting activities so that urban Aboriginal children can achieve a level of enjoyment and excellence consistent with their abilities and aspirations • Work with children in care by helping them with health and physical development, access to Cultural programming, interventions and preventions • Support children with • Parent support – basic coping skills, tools, & preventative education • Keep in contact with families and schools for reports from teachers, care givers, and other

support networks that are working with the children • Homework support, tutoring and in school academic support • Bi-weekly nutrition nights

• Self-esteem and leadership development

For More Information Contact: Akwe:go Program Worker Circle Of Life Centre 616 Mowat Ave. Fort Frances, ON P9A 3N1 Phone: 807 274-8541 Fax: 274-4067 [email protected] or visit us online at www.unfc.org

WASA-NABIN

MARCH & APRIL

 Youth Workforce Preparation March 3 & 31st

 Nutrition Night March 10th & 24th

 March Break Activities (SAP and UAHLP Kids)

 April is time to refresh resumes

Aboriginal Prenatal Nutrition Program

Mother’s Milk Cookies (promote lactation in nursing mothers- but are tasty for the whole family) Women’s Sharing Circle

1 c butter 1 c white sugar 1 c brown Sugar 4 tbsp. water 2 tbsp. milled flaxseed 2 eggs Starting again April 1 tsp vanilla 2 cups flour Please call Kerry today to register 1 tsp salt 1 tsp baking soda 807-274-8541ext 286 Dash cinnamon 3 cups oats (non-instant) [email protected] 2-4 tbsp. brewer’s yeast 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 1 ½ cup sweetened shaved coconut 4oz almonds sliced

Preheat oven to 350. In one bowl mix flax seed and water – let sit 5mins. In another bowl combine flour, salt, baking soda, brewer’s yeast, and cinnamon. In bowl cream w/mixer butter, brown and white sugar, vanilla and eggs gradually add flaxseed mix flour mixture. Next stir in oats, chocolate chips and coconut, almonds. Drop spoonful’s on ungreased cookie sheets and bake for 9-10 mins (for crunchier 11-12mins)

Aboriginal Healthy Babies, Healthy Children Program

Happy Spring !

 Baby Infant Massage March& April on Mondays afternoons 1:30-3:00!  Mom & Baby swim March 2nd & 9th  Caring For Our family Circle Wednesday afternoons 1:00-3:00  Zaagi-daadaa Dads Play n Learn Group March 9th &23rd April 6th & 20th *For more information call Christa @ 274-8541, (Healthy Babies, Healthy Children Program Worker)

*March 17th – Happy St. Patrick’s Day! *March 25th - Good Friday *March 27th - Happy Easter! *April 22nd- Earth Day!

STARTING FEBRUARY 17TH, 2016 1-3PM

FAMILIES WELCOME, SNACKS & TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE. 9 WEEKS-EVERY WEDNESDAY 1-3PM AT THE CLC/CAP-C PROGRAM “GAA-IZHI-BAMENIMANGWAA616 MOWAT AVE. GIDINAWEMAAGANINAAN” CARING FOR OUR FAMILY- CIRCLE

A culturally responsive collection of teachings, to help us understand who we are and how we take care of our families and ourselves.

Open registration, please contact Kristen or Shelly 274-8541 to sign-up

Kristen or Shelly 274-8541 to sign-up

Engagement Session on: MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS SERVICES IN ONTARIO Come out and be heard!

There is an engagement session coming to your

Friendship Centre to get your input.

This engagement is part of a multi-community initiative to ensure the Aboriginal community has their say on mental health and addictions services in Ontario. By: the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, the Ontario Native Women’s Association, the Métis Nation of Ontario, and the Ministry Of Health and Long Term Care.

There will be 2 engagement sessions in your community:

Community Youth-specific

Engagement Engagement

(ages 12-18)

 March 15, 2016  March 16, 2016  10:00 a.m. – 2:00  Ages 12 – 14 – p.m. 10:00 – 11:00 Lunch will be  Ages 15 - 18 - provided 11:00 – 2:00 Lunch will be provided

Both sessions will be held at the United Native Friendship Centre – 516 Portage Ave, Fort Frances, ON - For more information and to register for the sessions please call Tiffany at (807) 274-8541. March/April 2012

Children’s Mental Health Program March/April 2016

Is Arriving Quickly….

Spring is a time of renewal, new beginnings, a fresh start, not only for the earth, but it has a marvelous effect on the human mind, our emotional state of being, our mental health. There is true glory in spring. Spring not only is a welcome season of the year, it is a season in our lives and of our mind, heart, and soul. The seasons, like the moon effects the tides, the seasons affect our mental well-being.

Spring, it is a positive cure for what ails us in more ways than one and it clearly and without question effects our mental wellbeing in a very positive way. Happy Spring! Be Healthy!

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

April 13th marks the International Day of Pink. It is a day where communities across the country, and across the world, can unite in celebrating diversity and raising awareness to stop homophobic, transphobic & all forms of bullying.

Please join us on April 13th, 2016 at the Circle of Life Building to celebrate the Day of Pink, meet UNFC staff, have lunch and enter your name to win a door prize.

United Native Friendship Centre

Membership Form

Memberships are $5.00 per person (18 years and older) or $10.00 per family and are payable upon renewal or application. It is important that your membership is up to date in order for you to nominate, vote or stand for a position on the Board of Directors. All paid members, 18 years and older are eligible for these privileges.

All memberships are annual and expire on March 31st. Please stop by the Centre at 516 Portage Avenue, Fort Frances and apply for or renew your membership.

New members are always welcome! ****************************************************************

PLEASE PRINT

NAME: ______

ADDRESS: ______

POSTAL CODE: PHONE #: __

BIRTH DATE: ______