Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre nominates Crystal Leach!
May 10, 2013
Young Woman of Distinction: Recognizes a young woman who is respected and admired for her leadership, achievements and contributions to her school, workplace and/or community and is a positive influence on her peers. She has shown perseverance, maturity, innovation and compassion and is “making her mark”.
Crystal Leach
A teenager revealed she was “in one of the darkest” periods of her life, leaning toward dropping out of school, when she met Crystal. “Crystal changed my perspective on life,” the girl wrote. It is that profound impact Crystal has on people, particularly aboriginal youth, that’s made her a role model as the Future is Yours Coordinator with Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre’s youth program. Having walked in the shoes of many of the youth she guides, Crystal develops programs that have helped them turn their lives around. A popular 3-on-3 basketball tournament she helped establish in 2002 assists youth to leave gangs. She’s also created a program providing training to empower youth to be productive members of society. The former recreation technician with the City of Winnipeg enhances her own knowledge through courses covering suicide intervention, peer support, substance abuse and non-violent crisis intervention. It’s not a surprise another support writes, “If only we could have many more Crystals in our communities.”
Visit here for more information.
Aboriginal Youth Summer Career Week
May 9, 2013
Summer Career Week with Winnipeg Police and the Winnipeg Fire & Paramedic Services being offered for August 2013.
Are you interested or thinking of a career in either the Winnipeg Police Service
Recruiting youth 15-18 to participate in these hands on learning career camps!
Ever wondered what kind of professional occupations exist in the Winnipeg Police Service?
Ever wonder what kind of training Fire Fighters and Paramedics take to perform the job that they do?
These camps will provide you an opportunity to learn all about their professional roles and participate in hands on activities.
Winnipeg Police Services
Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Services
Deadline is July 14, 2013.
2013 Post Secondary Scholarship
May 9, 2013
Scholarships in the amount of $1000 will be awarded to Aboriginal Students who are enrolled in fulltime post-secondary education at a recognized post-secondary institution in Winnipeg. This scholarship will support with their tuition expenses.
Please apply if you meeting the following criteria
- Must be of Aboriginal Descent
- Aboriginal Youth under the age of 30
- Willing to provide proof of registration into a recognized Post Secondary Institution
- Demonstrate interest in a career with the City of Winnipeg
Deadline June 30, 2013
TINC Program Calendars
April 30, 2013
Here are the Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre program calendar of events and such.
Resource Assistance for Youth: Growing Opportunities
April 25, 2013
Resource Assistance for Youth is looking to hire youth between the ages of 18 and 29 for a variety of grounds keeping jobs at Assiniboine Park this summer. Any youth who are interested are advised to talk to the Growing Opportunities department for more information by calling 204-783-5617 ext 208. Those wishing to apply should email a current resume to the Growing Opportunites Coordinator, Brie Henderson at bhenderson@rayinc.ca with ‘Summer Work’ in the subject line.
The deadline for applications is Monday, April 29th, 2013.
Download pdf for more information on the Growing Opportunities program at RaY.
The Aboriginal Day Live and Celebration Flag Contest 2013
April 23, 2013
APTN is issuing a call for entries to design a flag that reflects the best essence of National Aboriginal Day. Contest is open to residents of Canada aged 12 to 17 years. The winning artwork submission will be transferred into flag format. The Winner's flag will be raised at the APTN Head Office in Winnipeg, Manitoba during Aboriginal Day Live and Celebration on or about June 22, 2013.
Deadline is May 17, 2013.
Download contest rules & regulations.
(Rules have been revised so read them over!)
Bringing Culture to BNC
April 11, 2013
The Broadway Neighbourhood Centre is proud to announce new cultural programming for youth of all ages.
Join in and learn more about traditional teachings and fun cultural activities every Wednesday from 4-8 and some weekends. To register, please email Erica Daniels at ericamarie@thebnc.ca
Click HERE to download pdf poster.
Ojibway Language and People iPhone App
April 4, 2013
Learn Ojibway today with the Ojibway iPhone App available on iTunes.
This new native language app was created by Ogoki Learning Systems Inc. based on the Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation. Our new Ojibway language App are changes the way people learn the Ojibway Language.
Eagle's Nest Phase 13 Open House & Phase 14 Intake
March 8, 2013
Eagle’s Nest, Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak community partner, is currently recruiting Aboriginal youth who are out of school or currently unemployed to participate in a 12 week project to assist with personal and professional development opportunities. Programming is Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 3:30pm, please see attached links.
For more information contact Eagle’s Nest directly at 204-954-3075.
Paramedic Training Opportunity
March 8, 2013
Are you or someone you know Interested in becoming a Paramedic? If so, please click the attached letter and backgrounder that provides information about an exciting training opportunity for Aboriginal youth between the ages of 18 and 30 with the Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Services.
Future is Yours: Promotional Video
February 21, 2013
Watch this promotional video of Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre's program "The Future Is Yours". Shot and edited by our own youth interns.
First Jobs For Youth
February 21, 2013
Watch this promotional video of Spence Neighbourhood's program "First Jobs for Youth". Shot and edited by our own youth interns.
The YMCA Summer Work Student Exchange is currently accepting applications
February 14, 2013
The YMCA Summer Work Student Exchange is currently accepting applications for its six-week summer program for 16- and 17-year-old youth.
The YMCA Summer Work Student Exchange is a unique national exchange program that brings together youth from various communities across the country. Participating youth, aged 16 and 17, have the opportunity to improve their second official language skills, and gain important employment experience through a work placement while on their exchange.
For more information check pout their website at: www.summer-work.com
Just for Youth: A Guide to Winnipeg Public Library
February 7, 2013
Check out this video produced by Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak interns giving you the 411 about Winnipeg Public Library. From awesome spaces to hang out with friends to huge collections of books, magazines, eBooks, graphic novels and research information to a tonne of free programs designed just for teens, maybe it’s time to find out a bit more about what the Library has just for you(th)!
FREE Youth Digital Photography Program!
February 7, 2013
Free drop-in workshop for youth ages 14-17.
Learn a variety of photography and image editing techniques.
All equipment will be provided.
Registration is encouraged as space is limited. Sign up quick this exciting opportunity.
Click HERE to view the details including dates and times for workshop sessions.
Sports Coordinator for Youth Programs
January 31, 2013
Spence Neighbourhood Association, an Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak community partner, is currently recruiting for a Sports Coordinator for Youth Programs serving youth 9-17 years old. Click HERE for downloadable pdf.
Resume with cover letter should be submitted to:
Spence Neighbourhood Association
Attn: Jamil Mahmood
615 Ellice Ave
Winnipeg, MB R3G 0A4
Fax: 204-775-1802
Email: jamil@spenceneighbourhood.org
Library News
January 10, 2013
Get “On the Same Page” with Manitowapow: Aboriginal Writings from the Land of Water
Manitowapow (or Manitoba) has been home to amazing storytellers for thousands of years. As far back as hundreds of years ago, some of those storytellers were writing their wisdom down and writers today are carrying on that tradition. Come learn about the writers and writing of Manitowapow this January and February at Winnipeg Public Library through our “On the Same Page” program.
It’s Manitoba’s biggest book club and this year the public voted for Manitowapow: Aboriginal Writings from the Land of Water, edited by Warren Cariou and Niigaanwewidam James Sinclair. Borrow a copy from your local branch and come out and meet some of the writers who contributed to the book.
- Tuesday, January 22 at 7:00 p.m.
Millennium Library, Carol Shields Auditorium
Duncan Mercredi and other special guests TBA - Tuesday, January 29 at 7:00 p.m.
McNally Robinson in the Atrium
Wab Kinew and other special guests TBA - Tuesday, February 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Sir William Stephenson Library
Kate Vermette and other special guests TBA
Offered with the support of the Winnipeg Foundation.
More Library News!
January 10, 2013
Read Away Your Fines
No cash? No problem. We have expanded our Read Away Your Fines program (for people under the age of 18) to run year round. If you have been unable to use your Library card because of owing fees or fines you are invited to “read away” those fines at any of our 20 Library branches or one of our three mobile library service sites. To find out more about how the program works, contact any of our locations.
The Human Library is back!
Winnipeg Public Library, in partnership with CBC Manitoba and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, are pleased to announce the Human Library: 2013 edition! This sequel will feature over 30 Human Books (including youth activist Michael Champagne and actress and politician, Tina Keeper) and will once again be held at the Millennium Library, January 24th – 26th.
What’s a “human library”?
In a Human Library, people become the books and are ‘borrowed’ for conversation. They are talking books! The Human Books come from all backgrounds and ways of life, but they all have one thing in common: for different reasons they are often subjected to stereotyping or prejudice. Books and readers meet for a ‘loan period’ of up to 30 minutes with the opportunity to listen, ask questions, and share experiences.
For complete information about the Human Library, including hours of operation for dropping in and how to reserve a “book” visit the Human Library info page.
Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak is currently recruiting for an exciting new Internship opportunity available for an Aboriginal Public Information Assistant!
December 19, 2012
If you have some experience in the communications field and are interested in learning more, this may be the opportunity for you or someone you know!
The Internship is one year in length, during which time, the intern will work approximately 35 hours per week.
This position will provide an opportunity for the Intern to learn more about communications and the City of Winnipeg. For more information please click on the following link: Aboriginal Public Information Assistant Internship
Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre in December!
December 12, 2012
Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre (TINC), located at 510 King Street, welcomes you! Children and youth have the opportunity to take part in movie nights and sports, arts, crafts, leadership, and traditional Aboriginal cultural activities. TINC offers children and youth programs weekdays from 3:30 to 9:00 pm and Saturdays noon to 5:00 pm! Click HERE to see the program calendar for December.
City’s Aboriginal Youth Strategy, Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak gathers to celebrate Aboriginal youth in Winnipeg
December 6, 2012
November 27th, Elders Jules Lavallee and Carol Moar, City Councillor Dan Vandal, partner organizations and community members attended the Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak 2012 Youth Celebration at the Marlborough Hotel. The annual event celebrated the achievements of Aboriginal youth and featured the presentation of the Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak program’s Next Step Awards and Post-Secondary Scholarship Awards. A total of 19 awards were presented during the event.
In addition, 15 Aboriginal youth who have held internship positions with the City of Winnipeg Community Services Department from 2009 to 2012 were also recognized.
Manitoba youth create music video to help break the silence
December 6, 2012
The Broadway Neighbourhood Centre's JustTV program and the Manitoba government worked together to create an opportunity for local youth to speak out against violence through music and video. The video was created at JustTV – where youth can express themselves through multimedia in a safe, fun and creative environment, as an alternative to negative influences such as drugs, gangs, and violence.
www.gov.mb.ca/stoptheviolence/
Finding info about residential schools at the Library
November 23, 2012
Check out this Truth and Reconciliation blog post from Winnipeg Public Library for links to information online and at the Library about residential schools.
Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubliee Award
November 16, 2012
At the Legislature building today, three members of GAIN received the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubliee Award. The medals were presented by three MLA's.
- MLA Ron Altemeyer to Jesse Green
- MLA Kevin Chief to Michael Champagne
- MLA Christine Melnick to Floyd Wiebe
Congratulations to all the recipients.
Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival
November 6, 2012
The Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival is happening November 21st - 25th, 2012.
Click HERE to download poster.
Writers Workshops @ Winnipeg Public Library featuring Katherena Vermette and Rosanna Deerchild
October 19, 2012
Are you an aspiring writer? Have you always wanted to write (poetry, stories, non-fiction, or ….) but didn’t know where or how to start? Winnipeg Public Library has 2 great opportunities just for you. Starting in November they are offering 6-week writing workshops just for youth at the St. John’s and West End Libraries.
At St. John’s Library (204-986-4689), journalist and writer Rosanna Deerchild (get her book, “This is a Small Northern Town” at the Library!) leads the “North End Writers Club” – starting November 10:
http://wpl.winnipeg.ca/library/pdfs/NEWritersClub.pdf
At West End Library (204-986-4677), writer and poet Katherena Vermette (she just published her first book “North End Love Songs” – get it at the Library) leads “West End Stories and Poems and…” starting November 8:
http://wpl.winnipeg.ca/library/pdfs/WEStories.pdf
Both these workshops are totally FREE. You’ll also receive some great giveaways for participating (writers notebooks, instructional and inspiring books and more). Food and refreshments are included every week, so what are you waiting for? Join us! Call the branches to register. See you there!
Last Teepee Teaching Workshop!
October 18, 2012
Last of the Teepee Teaching workshop series is coming soon!
Learn all about the teepee with Elders Barbara and Clarence Nepinak. You’ll learn the history and structure of teepees and you’ll make your own model teepee to take home. Free, supplies provided! Registration required. Click HERE for more info. Location, date and phone number to register are:
River Heights Library
1520 Corydon Avenue
Monday, October 22 from 7 - 8 p.m.
Call 204-986-4940 to register
Calling all youth interested in physical activity and organized sports!
September 21, 2012
We are excited to invite you down to North Centennial Recreation Leisure Facility to take part in the Aboriginal Fitness & Sports Initiative beginning September 24, 2012
Sessions take place on Mondays & Saturdays @ 90 Sinclair Avenue and are FREE for you to attend!
Our Schedule is included in our Priceless Fun Guide through our Recreation department.
Click HERE to download PDF.
Free Winnipeg Public Library Workshop!
September 21, 2012
They're back! Winnipeg Public Library is happy to once again be offering workshops with Elders Clarence and Barbara Nepinak. Many of you came for the Teachings and fun of the Nepinaks' drumming workshops this summer. This time they're with us to offer Teepee Teachings - and lead a craft where you make your own to take home! For youth ages 12 and up. Don't miss out!
View the poster for upcoming library locations and dates by clicking HERE.
Stream One Partner Highlight - Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre Inc.
September 14, 2012
Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre’s Future is Yours program provides employment preparation training for Aboriginal youth to gain knowledge of the workforce. Each year, approximately 30 youth take part in this culturally relevant and meaningful training!
Join us in welcoming our newest City of Winnipeg interns!
August 24, 2012
Katrina Derbecker, Teresa Sutherland and Michelle Cardinal joined the Animal Services Agency for the summer as License Inspectors interns. These Aboriginal youth were awarded status as Special Constable to assist in enforcing the Zero Tolerance Policy on Dog Licensing in the City of Winnipeg. The interns received training and education to investigate delinquent licenses and issue offence notices. The interns will continue for the remainder of the summer with job shadowing and receive mentorship from an Animal Services Officer. Welcome interns!
Welcome By-law Enforcement Officer Interns
August 24, 2012
Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak welcomes Chantel Loveday and Ryan Proulx who were the successful incumbents of the By-law Enforcement Officer Internship recruitment. Chantel and Ryan began in May and have embraced a combination of field experience, training, mentorship and job shadowing within Community By-law Enforcement Services (CBES). As part of their internships, Chantel and Ryan will embark on training through Northwest Academy Training School before returning to complete their field experience. One of our goals for these 18-month internships is to equip interns with the training and experience required to qualify for entry level positions within CBES. Congratulations Chantel and Ryan and good luck!
Website Contest - Closed!
August 13, 2012
Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak website contest is now closed! Thank you for participating!
Stream One Partner Highlight - Broadway Neighbourhood Centre
August 10, 2012
Just TV provides a unique and exciting chance for youth aged 16 to 24 to develop their artistic talents and learn about the technology behind video production!
With the knowledge and support of Just TV staff, youth create a short video that ‘tells their story.’ Youth take their thoughts and feelings, put them into words, act them out, add music and in the end have their very own personal creation! Twice a year participants put on a live show where they perform or show their videos, which are made available on the internet and on a compilation DVD!
Ndinawe Launches New Website!
August 7, 2012
One of our community partners, Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad Inc. recently launched its new website! Check it out for information on all its programs, including transitional school, Safe House, Transitional Home for Youth, and the many programs running out of the Youth Resource Centre.
Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak is a supporter of the Recreation Program, which allows participants of all athletic backgrounds to learn and excel in different sports. Participants learn everyday life skills such as team work, commitment, physical fitness and responsibility. Activities include mixed martial arts, golf, weight training, horse-back riding, tobogganing, ice skating, floor & ice hockey, baseball, and soccer.
Save the Date - City of Winnipeg Career Symposium!
August 2, 2012
Interested in working for the City of Winnipeg?
Want to learn more about our departments and careers available?
Then save the date for the City of Winnipeg Career Symposium
Date: October 16, 2012
Time: 12 noon to 7 p.m.
Location: Winnipeg Convention Centre, 3rd floor - 375 York Avenue.
Cost: FREE!
Everyone is welcome to attend.
For more information: winnipeg.ca/hr/careersymp.stm
Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak will have a table set up so come and see us!
Drumming Workshops at Winnipeg Public Libraries!
July 25, 2012
Come and learn the basics of drumming and singing with drummer George Spence and elders Barbara and Clarence Nepinak. Join in and learn the ways of our proud First Nations! Registration is FREE!
See below for upcoming dates or view the poster by clicking HERE.
Millennium Library
251 Donald Street
Wednesday, July 25 at 2 p.m.
Call 204-986-6488 to register.
Cornish Library
20 West Gate
Tuesday, July 31 at 2 p.m.
Call 204-986-4680 to register.
West End Library
999 Sargent Avenue
Tuesday, August 7 at 2 p.m.
Call 204-986-4677 to register.
St. John’s Library
500 Salter Street
Thursday August 9 at 2 p.m.
Call 204-986-4689 to register.
Munroe Library
489 London Street
Tuesday, August 14 at 2 p.m.
Call 204-986-3736 to register.
And the winners are…
July 13, 2012
Winnipeg Public Library is happy to announce the two winning entries to our recent contest: The Last Word on First Words! – a contest celebrating Indigenous writers.
Our winner in the Adult entrant category was Jocelyn Boileau who wrote to us beautifully about the poem Blue Marrow by Louise Bernice Halfe.
The winner of the Youth entrant category was Dakota B. who wrote to us about a play he loved a lot: fareWel by Ian Ross.
You can read both winning entries (and see some pictures of the winners!) – just follow the link on this page: http://wpl.winnipeg.ca/library/aboriginalservices.asp
Background
During the months of May and June we asked Winnipeggers to write and tell us about their favourite piece of writing by an Indigenous writer from Turtle Island (North America). The past few years have seen a real surge in new materials by Indigenous writers being published and our goal was to get the word out about all these amazing talents.
We had some terrific entries: you wrote to us about classic titles (April Raintree), new talents (Waubgeshig Rice's Midnight Sweatlodge) and established writers (Will's Garden by Lee Maracle). Your entries were touching and powerful and made for some great reading themselves!
In the end we managed to narrow it down to two winners: one in the adult entrant category and one in the youth (ages 12-17) entrant category. Each winner received a Sony eReader (so they can start using the Library's e-book collection!) and a starter "library" of print books full of great Indigenous literature. Thank you to the City of Winnipeg – Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak for supporting our prizes.
Thank you to all our entrants!
Youth Role Models Honoured!
May 12, 2012
Last night, fourteen recipients of this year’s Youth Role Model Awards were honoured at a gala event! The City of Winnipeg’s Citizen Equity Committee selected the teens within seven categories. Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak was happy to sponsor the awards granted to four Aboriginal youth. Join us in recognizing the accomplishments of Lynden Traverse (Education & Training), Corey Cook (Advocacy), Nathan Maresty (Sports) and Erica Daniels (Performing Arts). Congratulations to all recipients!
2012 E-Spirit National Gathering and Awards Gala
May 18, 2012
This year Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak was a turtle sponsor of the E-Spirit National Gathering, hosted by the University of Manitoba.
The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) E-Spirit business plan competition is a national program designed to encourage Aboriginal students in grades 10 to 12 to consider the benefits of entrepreneurship! Students learn about business development, planning, practices, networking while also receiving national media attention, awards and prizes.
Last night, Canada’s most enterprising Aboriginal high school students were honoured at the awards gala. Lindsay Hourie was on hand to present the Social Media Award to Zeballos, British Columbia’s own Erick Michael, Damien Cox and Darien Baker for their business E Michael Productions.
The group produces music and laid out the following next steps for their business: creating a formal structure for the company to move from free to paid content, providing digital overlays for vocal artists using their original instrumentals for a royalty fee and establishing a music label!
Congratulations to all the 2012 contestants!
Michael Champagne Featured Speaker at TEDxManitoba
March 1, 2012
Michael Champagne, a former City of Winnipeg youth intern, was a featured speaker at TEDxManitoba 2012. Michael was one of 15 speakers coming from diverse backgrounds - from motivational speakers and life coaches to youth workers and community activists. When asked why he was excited to participate, he stated: “I’m excited to speak because I want to bust stereotypes. I want to be able to share my example as someone who survived the child welfare system, the inner city of Winnipeg, life as a young Aboriginal man—and I am still standing and smiling today.” Check out Michael’s complete TEDxManitoba talk, titled Oppression to Opportunity!
State of the City Address Proceeds Supports Local Organizations
April 23, 2012
Winnipeg youth organizations get $27K boost
Two local organizations received a funding boost following the State of the City address.
Each year, the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce selects charities to receive 50% of the luncheon proceeds. This year, Ka Ni Kanichihk and Resource Assistance for Youth (RaY) each received $8,500. Albert El Tassi donated another $5,000 to each organization bringing to tally to $27,000!
Mayor Sam Katz stated: “I’m pleased that our partnership with the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce means we can assist charities in providing valuable assistance to Aboriginal and young people… Both Ka Ni Kanichihk and RaY take great care to ensure their services match the needs of the people they serve.”
City of Winnipeg Media Release
Michael Champagne featured in “Bell Tower Ringing in Change” Article
March 25, 2012
Roseanne Deerchild’s Winnipeg Free Press article titled “Bell tower ringing in change North End youths fed up with violence, negative image” relates the personal stories of several North End youth, including Michael Champagne who is a former City of Winnipeg youth intern, and the role community activism is playing in their lives. The article begins: “The dare comes every Friday: ’Meet me at the bell tower.’”
Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak Backgrounder
December 13, 2011
If you picked up today’s edition of The Drum, you would have found a 4-page article featuring the City of Winnipeg's Aboriginal Youth Strategy - Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak. In it we feature some of our inspiring past and current Aboriginal youth interns! In case you missed it, click here to read all about them.
Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak 2011 Celebration
November 29, 2011
Today, Elder Jules Lavallee, Mayor Sam Katz, partner organizations and community members attended the Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak 2011 Celebration featuring the Next Step Award and Post-Secondary Scholarship awards presentation. The event took place in the Mayor's Foyer, City Hall and recognized the successes and achievements of Aboriginal youth as they take the next steps in their employment and education goals.
Photo: Alicia Sarmiento receives her 2011 Next Step Award presented by Elder Jules Lavallee and Mayor Sam Katz.
View photo gallery.