2014| Leading the Way

2014 | Leading the Way
About Us
“Our teachings passed on through
our culture, present us with the
understanding and tools to create
strong and healthy communities.”
– Allison Fisher, Executive Director
Established in 1998, Wabano is a leader in
community-based, holistic health care. The centre
provides a combination of traditional healing,
primary care, cultural programs, health promotion
programs, community development initiatives, and
social support services to more than 10,000 First
Nations, Inuit and Métis people each year.
Our mission
• Provide quality, holistic, culturally-relevant health
services to First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Ottawa
• Engage in clinical, social, economic and cultural
initiatives that promote the health of Aboriginal
people
• Promote community-building through education
and advocacy
• Serve as a centre of excellence for urban Aboriginal
health
Our vision
A world in which First Nations, Inuit and Métis have
achieved full and equitable access to the conditions
of health, including: pride in ancestry, cultural
reclamation, peace, shelter, education, food, income,
a stable environment, resources, and social justice.
And where the gifts and wisdom of First Nations,
Inuit and Métis cultures are recognized as distinctive
and beautiful.
Wabano’s leadership recognized for its excellence
Ms Allison Fisher, Executive Director of Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health was appointed on January
23rd, 2014 by the Honorable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario to the ORDER OF ONTARIO in
recognition of her leadership and vision in making Wabano what it is today.
“Wabano provides a place of safety and belonging, where children, youth, families and our communities
find meaning.” - Allison Fisher, Executive Director
A word from the Board President and Executive Director.
A place of belonging, through the expansion, to better meet the health and social needs of our growing
population.
Each year, Wabano serves more than 10,000 people from Ottawa’s Aboriginal population through our
health, social and cultural services. This space means:
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Our children can succeed in school
Our youth can explore new employment possibilities.
Our moms can receive quality pre and post-natal care.
Generations to come will have a new foundation on which to build their lives.
We’ve created a place for Aboriginal people in Ottawa.
Wabano is a place where Aboriginal people can access the care and supports they need to be well and live
a good life. A place where they can walk in and see the beauty of their people around them. A place where
they belong. This space says we are a part of this city.
The space is an introduction to Aboriginal cultures for the
broader community.
When people walk through our doors, they see who we are as people. Wabano is a place people can turn to
when they want to engage with Aboriginal people. The centre is a hub for culturally-based education for
health professionals and the broader community to work with Aboriginal people.
“Our lives in the complex city environment will always be about new beginnings,
but now they will be a Wabano beginning. Our elders remind us that we are the
strong urban tribe”
- Allison Fisher, Executive Director, Wabano Grand Opening, May 2013
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About What
We Do
This year our focus is on children and youth.
In every Aboriginal culture, children and youth
form the centre of the community. Grandparents,
parents, aunts and uncles all have roles in
nurturing. Our children represent the future.
Creating Spaces for Youth
A NEW FACE-LIFT TO OUR YOUTH SPACE
Through the generous support of Health Canada,
Wabano was able to enhance its dedicated space for
youth. The team, with input from clients, created
a fun, cultural-friendly space. The space includes
computers, televisions, gaming tables, video game
systems and equipment for a mini-music studio.
This has created a welcoming environment for
children, youth and families. Come check us out!
Programming happens after school from Monday
to Friday.
We are here for our kids every day with:
• homework help;
• skill building workshops;
• fitness activities such as kick boxing,
swimming, soccer, martial arts, yoga;
• drop-in service every Friday evenings.
This space is also used for skill building
workshops and peer support for Aboriginal
parents.
Youth Circle
Though it seems like a small change, it has made
a big impact. Here is what the youth have to say
about it:
“I learned about other people”
“I reflect on my actions a second time by sharing
with others”
“I see new faces and get to listen to others every
week”
“By having everyone listen to you it creates a sense
of community and support”
“I see the change of attitudes in participants from
week to week”
“It helps youth stop and share without fear of
judgment”
“It helps me mature as a young person”
Wabano’s Youth Justice staff offer a culturally-based
youth program for Aboriginal youth ages 12-18.
This program incorporates aboriginal teachings by
providing a safe place of belonging for youth to discuss
matters that are important to them. Each week,
youth are encouraged to share their perspectives and
experiences in relation to gaining stronger selfawareness, while also supporting one another. The
youth gather in Wabano’s traditional cedar lodge.
The program has shown great success over the past
year and continues to grow with an average of 12-15
youth attending one day each week. Over the past
year, 297 youth were able to benefit from the circle.
“The Circle teaches us many things. It teaches us that all
things are connected, the connection is continuous and
that there are no separations in between. With the Circle,
there is no beginning and there is no end. We are always
connected with those who came before, our ancestors, and
we will always be connected with those that come after us,
the next generations. As we sit in Circle, it teaches us that
we are all equal. In the circle of life, no-one is greater than
another and no-one is lesser than another. The Circle will
help us deal with the division and inequality that we have
created. The Circle teaches us that we are all different. We
all bring different gifts, abilities and life experiences to our
relationships in the Circle. Difference is to be honoured. We
are taught to be open to those differences that we experience
in others.” – Jim Albert, Elder
810
297
200
1638
Children and youth
came to afterschool
programs
Participated
in our Youth
Circle
Children and
youth went
to camps
Participants attended
parenting workshops
and family activities
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Youth in Transition
Wabano was selected by the Ministry of Children and
Youth Services for a 2 year pilot project to support
Aboriginal youth transitioning out of foster care.
Utilizing each individual’s strengths, this program
focuses on reducing the impacts of negative social
determinants of health. The target population is
youth that were crown wards or are presently under
child protection care ages 16 to 24.
Other mental health programs for children and youth
include:
• Children, youth and family therapy
• Case management
• Emergency crisis services for youth
• Services navigator for youth
• Traditional healing
• Cultural activities
Youth Kitchen
A youth kitchen was created to provide youth with
knowledge on how to prepare simple healthy and
nutritious meals. This hands-on activity builds
self esteem and gives tricks on eating healthy on a
budget. The youth are responsible for creating a meal
from start to finish. Over 15 youth participate in this
program every Friday after school.
117
Well-baby and well-child
checkups
112
Children were seen offsite
at Head Start programs
offered at community
partner locations
925
Children and youth were
seen at the clinic
153
Children and youth received
flu shots
Providing Health Care for our
Children and Youth
The Health Clinic at Wabano focuses primarily on the
physical and mental health needs of clients.
149
Children and youth received
diabetic treatment or
education
Wabano has a nurse practitioner with special training
in pediatrics that does well baby and well child visits.
A pediatrician with a special interest in ADHD holds a
clinic twice a month and will see anyone under 16 for
health concerns.
There is a focus on preventative care especially in the
area of vaccinations and dental health.
Aboriginal mothers tend to be young mothers.
96
98
91
Children were seen in
individual and group
counseling
Children and
youth were seen in
emergency crisis
Children and youth were seen
by mental health outreach
and support services
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Wabano provides obstetrical care from a specialist.
Aside from the care for children and youth, the clinic
also offers a range of medical services for Aboriginal
people of all ages.
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Culture Night
Once a week the community gets together to listen to
teachings from an Elder, share a communal meal and
participate in cultural activities for all ages. All three
Aboriginal groups are celebrated at Culture Night
(First Nations, Inuit and Métis).
Flotilla
Wabano youth participate in an annual flotilla
with the Ottawa Police Service. In order to build
relationship with the police and break through
stereotypes, the youth go on a one-day canoe trip
with OPS.
Giving Back
The Junior Volunteer Program launched in October
2013. As of May 2014, junior volunteers give back
to the Centre on Fridays by doing various tasks,
including working with seniors, helping set up events
and general administration. The Program accepts
volunteers ages 12-18.
374
923
People came to Inuit and
Métis events
The Volunteer Program finds talented volunteers with
diverse backgrounds to support the Wabano team in
their mandate. The Centre has over 200 dedicated
volunteers who contribute over 1200 hours a month.
People attended craft
workshops
“Volunteering here gives me great joy
as I feel like I am giving back to my
community.”
Truth & Reconciliation –
Residential Schools Exhibit
The Wabano - Legacy of Hope exhibit Honouring our Truths is a place of
connection and a permanent, accessible commemoration and education
space where Residential School Survivors, intergenerational Survivors,
the urban Aboriginal community, and the broader Canadian public can
create the dream and bring to reality a unity of culture. The power of
this commemorative residential school exhibition is that it will create
conditions where reconciliation is possible for all Canadians. It offers
a permanent, accessible space to commemorate Survivors through
encounter, dialogue, connection, education, healing and reconciliation.
– Youth Volunteer
255
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People enjoyed drum
circles
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Richard’s Story
How Can You
Help?
“I was raised in CAS, I was taken away
when I was 4 years old. In 13 years, I went
into 21 foster homes. I ran away from all of
them and walked out of the last one.”
When Richard came to our clinic, he was suffering
from drug and alcohol addictions. He then entered
Wabano’s men’s circle and has since been on a
healing journey.
Richard has been sober now for 3 years and 2 months
and has since been able to get his job back and have
his own apartment. When asked what made the
difference this time he says “It’s a lot of pieces to
a puzzle that have come into place. I walked into
the clinic at Wabano one day and they were able to
help me by giving me a medication to help me quit
smoking. This medication is also an anti-depressant
and it has changed my life. I still take it today.”
“In the men’s circle at Wabano, I have learned to deal
with my anger and to accept what I have done. I met
a wonderful Elder and I am able to learn about my
culture; something I never was able to learn about
because of being raised in foster homes. One day, I
was at a sweat lodge and the Elder gave me an eagle
feather. That is the highest honor I could ever receive
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The Wabano Centre is a world-class community space
only minutes from downtown Ottawa. The stunning
landmark features Douglas Cardinal’s signature
curved architecture, natural design elements and
Aboriginal flair.
The centre features a striking, open-concept meeting,
banquet and reception rooms for small and large
events. Choose your caterer from a list of our local
favorites for events with over 50 guests.
Richard had been in and out of addictions and alcohol
programs ever since 1983. During his sobriety periods,
he was able to obtain his high school diploma, get a
job and save up enough money to buy a car.
“In 2008 I fell off the wagon again. I lost everything,
I sold my car for drugs and I had to live on the streets.
I was back into heavy drugs, drinking mouthwash,
stealing from grocery stores and lost my job.”
Host your meeting or event at
Wabano
Hold your meeting or event with
a social conscience.
and it was given to me! I was very emotional that day.
I still have that feather.” Wabano is a charitable organization and all proceeds
from the rental of event space funds Wabano’s
innovative health, cultural and social programs.
A year ago, Richard asked the Elder if he could give him
his spirit name. After giving it some thought, he was
ready to name him in a naming ceremony. “My spirit
name is Pahmaywatung. In Ojibwe, this means the
sound of the thunder we hear in the distance. I take this
as a quiet noise, a gentle noise. I was told to go out and
give tobacco if ever I hear that sound. To give thanks.
I got to hear it a few weeks ago and was able to go out
and put tobacco down.”
To reserve Wabano for your next event, please visit
wabano.com/facility-details. For more information,
contact our hospitality office at 613-748-0657 ext. 235
or at hospitality@wabano.com
Richard has that spark in his eyes when he talks about
his culture. That sense of wellness. “I am tied to
Wabano. I come to the men’s circle as much as I can.
Culture was another piece of the puzzle. I smudge every
day. Years ago, addiction programs did not work for
me. Now, I attend both AA and the men’s circle and it
is working. I have even quit smoking. I have been to 14
treatment centers. I have wasted a lot of years. Took me
this long to get it right, but I have it right this time.”
Wabano provides a variety of services for the homeless
population living in Ottawa, including housing,
addiction and mental health support, medical care and
client advocacy.
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Buy a Tile
The newly expanded Centre highlights a beautiful Star
Blanket Floor. This floor is comprised of 2,048 intricate
tiles. You can purchase a tile and support the creation
of a space for community health and well being.
Each tile is $200 and displayed virtually on Wabano’s
website as well as on a podium in the Centre
Buy a Pillar
Wabano has 26 covered Pillars that can be named
for a donation of $35,000. Four of these Pillars have
already been purchased. They are beautifully clad and
each adorned with a silken flag, representing the 13
Grandmother Moons. Pillars can be chosen according
to a month of significance (birthdays, anniversaries,
etc) or according to a tenet of the associated teachings
(respect, education, reflection, etc)
Attend Our Gala
From inspiring cultural performances, to stunning auction items and
Aboriginal-inspired cuisine, Wabano’s Igniting the Spirit gala is the venue
where corporations and community leaders from across Canada can support
Aboriginal initiatives and celebrate National Aboriginal Day together.
Wabano is excited to bring indigenous cultures and traditions to the broader
community to inspire new partnerships and create new beginnings for
healthcare in Canada. This year, our theme was The Universe. Over 500
guests attended the event.
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Next year’s Gala will be held on June 18th, 2015. To buy a seat, to buy a table
or for more information on our live and silent auction, please visit our
website.
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Thanks to those who have
helped!
Thank you to our
Generous Funders
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
Canada
Ministry of Health and Long Term Care of Ontario
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport of Ontario
Canadian Heritage
Motivate Canada
Champlain Local Health Network
Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres
City of Ottawa
Ontario Trillium Foundation
IBM
Ottawa Carleton District School Board
Ministry of Children and Youth Services of Ontario
Public Health Agency of Canada
Ministry of Community and Social Services of
Ontario
Service Canada
United Way
Funding for programs and services-2013-2014
13%
Our Board of Directors
Pete Gauthier, President
Valorie Whetung, Vice-President
John Francis, Secretary-Treasurer
Jennifer Francis
Brian Pelletier
As Wabano continues to create a place of belonging, we would
also like to thank our over 75 community partners.
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78%
Tooneejoulee Kootoo-Chiarello
Colleen Whiteduck
Paul Skanks
Konrad Kucheran
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7%
Foundations/other
2%
Municipal
Provincial
Federal
Total Funding for 2013/2014: $6,950,062
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Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health
299 Montreal Road
Ottawa, ON K1L 6B8
Phone: 613-748-0657 | Fax: 613-748-9364
www.wabano.com