STRENGTH

AND SPIRIT BUILDING RESILIENCY AND CAPACITY IN

CANADIAN RED CROSS AND MOOSE FIRST NATION ANNOUNCE

UNIQUE & INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIP The Strength & Spirit Campaign is an First Nation will be the site of the first Red initiative that will work to improve and Cross satellite office in an First enhance relationships and partnerships Nation community. It is anticipated that the between the Red Cross and First Nation satellite office will open in the fall of 2012. communities in Ontario. The first milestone of this campaign is the establishment of a WHY THIS MATTERS Red Cross satellite office in a First Nation Research has shown that First Nation community. This office will be the first of communities in Canada are more its kind in Ontario and will support the vulnerable to injury, natural disasters, development and delivery of existing Red family violence and suicide. In spite of Cross programs and services (modified these challenges, First Nation communities as necessary) or entirely new programs are becoming increasingly empowered and designed to meet local requirements. are asserting their rights, responsibilities, The ultimate goal is to improve the freedoms and culture with ever-increasing quality of life for members of First pride and commitment. However, few Nation communities. communities have the capacity to implement sustainable programs that will Interested First Nation communities were help improve the quality of life, health and invited to demonstrate their interest in safety of their residents. It is anticipated hosting a satellite office by submitting that the partnership between the Red a detailed proposal. Submissions were Cross and First Nation will scored on a number of factors and site increase capacity in this community and visits were made to the top two locations. be a sustainable model with the potential to be replicated in the future. The Red Cross and community officials are pleased to announce that Moose Cree ABOUT MOOSE CREE HOW THE RED CROSS WILL HELP FIRST NATION The Red Cross is known for its programs in violence The Moose Cree Traditional and abuse prevention. In fact, some of the programs Territory extends from that have been developed in Canada are now being Hearst, Ontario in the west, used in countries around the world. The Red Cross to the Quebec border in office in Moose Cree will offer these same programs the east, and from south - leading to a safer community for everyone. Another of highway 11, points priority for the Red Cross satellite office in this north toward the Albany community will be the implementation of a disaster River. is management team. Members of the community located within this traditional territory and is home will be offered Red Cross training so that in the to Moose Cree First Nation. The location of the event of a disaster, they are able to respond and satellite office in the community will be in the new assist each other. Far North Emergency Preparedness and Response Centre of Excellence, which is already considered The Red Cross is looking forward to partnering with a community hub. A youth centre is also located Moose Cree First Nation to educate the residents within the same community and an Elder’s Gathering in this community about making safe choices, Centre is located nearby in . The Red Cross preventing injuries and responding to emergency branch office in will be the host branch to situations. These changes will make a significant the office in Moose Cree First Nation and will work difference in the quality of life for residents and closely with them to establish the new office and will result in a safer and stronger community. set up the Red Cross programs that will be offered. For more information on how your support will make Many of the values of the Moose Cree First Nation a difference for First Nation communities in Ontario: and the Red Cross are similar. The Moose Cree First Nation values of respect, responsibility, communication, learning and diversity are of CONTACT US great importance to the Red Cross. The Red Cross Canadian Red Cross - Ontario Zone also believes in voluntary service, neutrality and Department of Philanthropy independence. This common ground between Moose Ph: 1-866-886-4174 Cree First Nation and the Red Cross will be an Email: [email protected] excellent foundation for the partnership that will Website: www.redcross.ca be developed in this community.

STRENGTH

AND SPIRIT BUILDING RESILIENCY AND CAPACITY IN FIRST NATIONS

The Red Cross is looking forward to partnering with Moose Cree First Nation to educate the residents in this community about making safe choices, preventing injuries and responding to emergency situations.