October 17, 2008

Aboriginal Children And Youth: Investing In Their Future

McGuinty Government Helping Aboriginal Families Succeed

Minister Deb Matthews visits with children who take part in the Akwe:go program at the N'Amerind Friendship Centre in London, Ontario.

Minister Matthews with children at the N'Amerind Friendship Centre, London, with Chris Bentley, MPP for London West, left, and Khalil Ramal, MPP for London-Fanshawe.

News

More Aboriginal children and youth in the London area will benefit from new and enhanced programs that help kids in urban communities stay healthy and achieve brighter futures.

Ontario is increasing its investment to more than $133,000 in London to expand the Akwe:go program for kids seven to 12 and to establish a new program, Wasa-Nabin, for youth 12 to 18.  This is part of a $6.2 million investment that almost triples Ontario’s support for these programs.

New and expanded support programs will help more at-risk Aboriginal kids in Ontario build confidence and self-esteem through cultural activities such as mentoring by elders.  These programs will also help participants to make healthy choices and become better learners through tutoring, counselling, recreation and other activities.   

Quotes

“By increasing our investment in these programs we are helping at-risk children and youth develop the life skills needed to make positive choices and overcome significant challenges, including poverty,” said Children and Youth Services Minister Deb Matthews.

“Through Akwe:go and Wasa-Nabin, our government is helping to ensure that Ontario’s at-risk First Nation, Metis and Inuit children and youth have the resources they need to help build a brighter future,” said Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Brad Duguid.

“Through Akwe:go and Wasa Nabin, we are working with N'Amerind to support Aboriginal children, youth and families in London in a way that is culturally relevant and appropriate,” said Chris Bentley, MPP, London West.

“We know in this community, Akwe:go is helping our Aboriginal children to be healthier and do better in school.  It's a logical next step to offer a program that will help older youth to make the right decisions and be successful,” said Khalil Ramal, MPP, London–Fanshawe.

“This additional funding allows us to expand our programming by providing nutritional supports and improve the lives of urban Aboriginal children and youth within our community,” said Donna Pinnance, President for N'Amerind Friendship Centre.

Quick Facts

• Wasa-Nabin means ‘to look forward, to look beyond’ in Ojibway.
• Akwe:go means ‘all of us’ and ‘a place for everyone in the circle’ in Mohawk.  
• Approximately 160-220 children and youth in London will benefit each year from Akwe:go and Wasa-Nabin programs.
• Akwe:go and Wasa-Nabin, administered by the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres, will serve at-risk urban Aboriginal kids in 29 communities across Ontario when fully implemented later this year.
  

Learn More

• Find out more about the province’s New Approach to Aboriginal Affairs.
• Note: The following external link is not maintained by the Ontario government. Please read our notice about external links
• Watch a video about this event