STEP Home Response - Region of Waterloo

Regional Municipality of Waterloo
Employment and Income Support Community Advisory Committee
Minutes
October 3, 2014
9:00 a.m.
99 Regina St. South, Waterloo
Room 508
Present were: Vice Chair M. Webster, L. Bellini, F. Bond, J. Bond, E. Cober, D. Dirks, E.
Friesen, L. Hundt, B. Lingenberg, D. McLeod, B. MacPherson, A. Sinclair*, and A.
Troeger
Also Present were: R. Crank, B. Hayward, M. Klassen, C. McEvoy, P. Schell, C. Varga,
and V. Vilaysinh
Members absent: R. Chiriac, S. Dietrich-Bell, J. Fenton, J. Frandsen, S. Hostetler, K.
Lipski, F. Miah, S. Michener-Potts, L. Myers, J. Penner, R. Roy, C. Simpson, J. Mitchell,
J. Tuer, R. Schork, and T. Tieu
Declarations of Pecuniary Interest Under “The Municipal Conflict of Interest Act”
None declared.
Approval of the Agenda and Minutes
Moved by D. McLeod
Seconded by B. Lingenberg
That the Employment and Income Support Community Advisory Committee approve the
agenda for October 3, 2014.
Carried
The Committee noted that in the minutes from September 5, 2014, Heather Callum was
incorrectly listed as present and J. Tuer was misspelt.
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Moved by D. McLeod
Seconded by B. Lingenberg
That the Employment and Income Support Community Advisory Committee approve the
minutes of September 5, 2014 as amended.
Carried
Introductions
The Committee members and guests introduced themselves.
Presentations / Consultations
4.1 Out of the Cold Program Update & Consultation (Van Vilaysinh and Beth Hayward)
David Dirks, Director, Employment and Income support, introduced the presentation
and stated that it is being made as a result of the discussion at the last meeting
regarding the Out of the Cold site closures. Beth Hayward, Social Planning Associate,
and Van Vilaysinh, Manager, Social Planning, provided a presentation on the existing
housing stability system and the Region’s response to the Out of the Cold site closings.
A copy of the presentation is appended to the original minutes.
B. Hayward explained that the Region’s housing stability strategy was updated in 2012
based on extensive consultation and was endorsed by twenty-nine different
organizations across the Region, including the Kitchener-Waterloo Out of the Cold
steering committee. One of the priorities in the strategy is ending persistent
homelessness rather than just managing it. This priority lead to the creation of STEP
Home, a suite of 12 interrelated programs that are designed to provide options and
supports to end persistent homelessness.
B. Hayward stated that Out of the Cold is one of the many pieces of the housing stability
system. In 2013-14 they operated 11 sites and had an average of 60-70 guests per
night. Five of the eleven sites will not be operating this year for various reasons, leaving
four nights a week without overnight Out of the Cold shelter.
V. Vilaysinh informed the Committee that staff were directed to develop short and long
term responses to the Out of the Cold closures. Staff developed the responses based
on information contained in Homelessness to Housing Stability Strategy of Waterloo
Region, numerous presentations to Regional and City Councils, and input received
through fifteen consultations with community partners, including Out of the Cold
volunteers and guests. She explained that Regional staff have also offered training to
the volunteers at the Out of the Cold sites that will be continuing to operate this season.
V. Vilaysinh stated that staff have worked with the emergency shelters to identify the
challenges to the emergency shelter system resulting from the Out of the Cold site
closures. Given the existing flexibility to refer to other shelters or motels there are no
concerns about capacity. Staff did hear some concerns about restrictions at the
Regional shelters based on substance use. V. Vilaysinh clarified that restrictions are
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based on individual behavioural issues. Staff also heard that some individuals chose the
Out of the Cold sites because they do not trust the formal system, prefer a more open
space, and do not want to provide personal information. While personal information is
not required at the formal shelters, staff have worked with the YWCA to develop a short
term fifty bed open space overnight shelter for the 2014/15 season. This space will be
available to men, women and trans individuals.
V. Vilaysinh noted that street outreach staff are working to inform people prior to
November 1, about the changes and how they can access support prior to November.
She also noted that the drop-in centres are extending their hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
In response to a question from the Committee, V. Vilaysinh explained that some
shelters cannot accept people with physical disabilities due to the limitations of their
physical building; however they will refer individuals to a motel or the Cambridge site,
when necessary.
The Committee thanked staff for the quick response to the situation, but noted that
substance abuse and mental health continue to be significant challenges. D. McLeod
pointed out that there is still no meal plan or Out of the Cold site in Cambridge and
although referrals to Kitchener or Waterloo are possible, individuals are attached to
Cambridge. V. Vilaysinh stated that staff are aware of this issue and will be looking at it
in terms of the long term response. However, during the short term staff efforts will be
focused on Kitchener and Waterloo because they will be most affected by the Out of the
Cold site closures.
*V. Vilaysinh and B. Hayward left the meeting at 9:55 a.m.
4.2 Aboriginal Supports & Services (Lee Ann Hundt)
L. Hundt provided a presentation of the services available to Aboriginal people in
Waterloo Region. A copy of the presentation is appended to the original minutes. She
began by acknowledging that the meeting was being held on lands belonging to the Six
Nations. L. Hundt explained that there are a number of programs available for
Aboriginal people in the Region. These include Anishnabeg Outreach Inc., The Healing
of the Seven Generations, and the Kitchener/Waterloo Urban Native Wigwam Project.
She also noted that the area school boards have programs for Aboriginal students.
However, these require students to self identify as Aboriginal. Due to historical issues
and ongoing mistrust this is an inaccurate method. Additionally, students are required to
self identify on an annual basis. L. Bellini stated that he will bring this issue to the
attention of staff at the Catholic School Board.
*A. Sinclair left the meeting at 10:21
The Committee recessed at 10:21 a.m. and reconvened at 10:35 a.m.
4.3 Poverty Movie Showing (Birgit Lingenberg)
The Committee agreed to defer the movie until the next meeting.
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Business Arising / Updates
5.1 Membership Updates (renewals list for 2015)
Tim Brubacher, Committee Clerk, explained that normally Committee members with
expiring terms would have received a letter asking them to reapply. However, the
Region’s Corporate Leadership Team is currently reviewing the mandates of the
existing advisory committees and staff have been directed to not continue with the
appointment process until the review is completed.
Melodie Klassen, Social Planning Associate, informed the Committee that she will be
serving as the staff resource for the Committee for the next year. She can be reached
by email at meklassen@regionofwaterloo.ca or by phone 519-575-4757 ext. 5824.
Local Program Challenges / Updates
D. Dirks and M. Klassen provided an update on the implementation of new technology
for social assistance management. This technology will be implemented on November
11, 2014. M. Klassen explained that there will be a series of communications being
distributed to community agencies, posted in offices, and issued through social media.
Letters will be sent directly to participants to explain how the changes will affect them.
D. Dirks requested that everyone be patient with staff during the changes.
D. Dirks informed the Committee that in November the Region will be restructuring its
departments. The biggest changes to the existing Social Services department include
the addition of the housing division, the elimination of the Social Planning division, and
being renamed Community Services. D. Dirks stated that he would provide further
information regarding how these changes may affect community partners in the future.
B. Lingenberg thanked Regional staff and all of the community partners who worked on
the short term responses to the Out of the Cold site closures.
Information/Correspondence
7.1 Memo: 2014 Ontario Works Service Plan Addendum
D. Dirks stated that the Service Plan Addendum is required as an update to the original
2013/14 Service Plan and is attached as an update.
Received for information.
7.2 Memo: Burial Costs
Received for information.
7.3 Memo: Ontario Works Caseload
D. Dirks explained that while the caseload numbers are slightly better than this point last
year, they are still high compared to the beginning of the recession.
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Other Business
D. Dirks noted that it was Chris McEvoy’s last meeting before beginning his parental
leave. D. Dirks thanked him for his excellent service to the Committee and support of
the members.
M. Klassen asked all Committee members to consider the topics they would like to
discuss in 2015 and bring those ideas to the next meeting.
Next Meeting
November 14, 2014
150 Main St. Cambridge, Room 170
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Adjourn
Moved by L. Bellini
Seconded by F. Bond
That the meeting adjourn at 11:00 a.m.
Carried
Committee Vice Chair, M. Webster
Committee Clerk, T. Brubacher
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Building a Coordinated
Response to OOTC Changes
EISCAC
October 2014
1697361
Housing Stability System
The Strategy
 Community plan
 Inclusive process used in developing 2007 Strategy, and
update in 2012
Hundreds of people consulted
 8 open community forums
 20 background reports
 Online feedback & additional meetings

 2012 Strategy was endorsed by 29 organizations,
including the Region and K-W OOTC Steering
Committee
The Strategy
1) Policy Framework:
Common point of
reference for thinking
about how to end
homelessness.
2) Action Framework:
Supports the community
to take action to end
homelessness.
Policy Direction:
End Homelessness
 Experience housing
stability over the long
term
 Fully participate in
the community
 Create a home
Spotlight on STEP Home
 Respond to people with complex issues experiencing
persistent homelessness
 Grounded in a local "Housing First" approach
 12 interrelated programs including:
Street Outreach
 Intensive Support
 Supportive Housing
 Service Resolution

How STEP Home Works: Guiding Principles
 We support housing towards a
home
 We know relationships are key
 We walk with people to build
community
 We do what it takes and we don't
give up
 We think about what we do and
how to do it better
“STEP Home has
helped me to
build trust and
want to help
others in the
community. For
the first time in a
long time, I have
met someone
who does not
give up on me”.
STEP Home
Participant
Five Program Areas
Emergency Shelter
Street Outreach
Housing Help
Time Limited Residence
Affordable and Supportive Housing
K-W Out of the Cold
 Church/volunteer based
 Food, fellowship & connection
 11 independent sites

including overflow & meals-only sites
 2013-14: Average 60-70 people overnight
2014-15 Out of the Cold Changes
 Of the 11 sites:
 Monday, Thursday, Saturday: sites decided not to operate
(3 primary sites + 1 overflow)
 Tuesday: 1 site is seeking a new location
 Others hope to transition services over 2014/15 season
 Closure reasons vary
 Approximately 60-70 people access OOTC per night
Planning a System Response
 Information from the Strategy and research
 Information from community delegates
 Consultation and engagement
 15+
meetings September-October
 45+ stakeholders engaged
 Short-term (by Nov. 1) & long-term responses
Housing Stability Priorities
 Maximize capacity, flexibility and awareness of key
housing stability resources:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Emergency shelter
Street Outreach
STEP Home
Affordable & Supportive Housing
Housing Help
 Both short term and longer term responses, prioritizing
plans for short term (implemented by Nov. 1)
Emergency Shelter
 6 Region funded
 Flexible capacity
 187 beds, 80 cots/mats (267 total), referrals and motels
 Recent changes in eligibility and information required
to access – no longer tied to OW
 Service Restrictions – for behaviors
Hearing the Voices:
¾ guests interviewed have used formal emergency shelters.
When asked if OOTC were not available, almost half said they
would consider using formal shelter.
Emergency Shelter Response
 All shelters maximizing flexibility and accessibility
 Additional overnight shelter at YWCA (Nov-May)
7 nights/week, 8PM – 8AM
 Up to 50 beds for men, women, trans individuals
 Open space
 Harm reduction approach

Street Outreach
 Facilitate connections to resources
 Fixed and mobile
 General and specialist
 Are flexible and accessible
Hearing the Voices:
Most OOTC guests are connected with at least one other
service in the community and most had multiple sources of
support.
Street Outreach Response
 Outreach before November
 OOTC On-site Support in November
 Expanded drop-in hours
STEP Home
 STEP Home Intensive Support Programs: 1:1, long term,
flexible, intensive support
 Respond to people with complex issues
 2013: Intensively supported 213 people
 2013: 89% reported mental health and/or substance use
issues
 Connected to many current and former OOTC guests
521 people supported by STEP Home to move to
permanent housing since 2008
STEP Home Response
 Expanded STEP Home Supports
 additional
staffing for street outreach and
intensive support programs
 additional flex funds and rent funds
Longer Term Response
 Sustaining short-term response
 Ending rather than managing homelessness (alignment
with Strategy)
 Review & explore opportunities in program areas:
Affordable & Supportive Housing
 Community Inclusion
 STEP Home
 Emergency Shelter
 Street Outreach

Questions
 Are you aware of other planned responses to OOTC
changes that we should be aware of?
 Are there opportunities for collaboration with your
group(s) as we coordinate a system response to OOTC
changes?
Next Steps
 Continue conversations:

Open Stakeholders Meetings – October, January, May
 November 1, OOTC season begins, plans/supports in
place
 November 4, Final Report to CSC
Thank You!
Contact Information:
Van Vilaysinh, Manager Social Planning
vvilaysinh@regionofwaterloo.ca – 519-883-2238
Marie Morrison, Manager Social Planning
mmorrison@regionofwaterloo.ca – 519-575-4757 x5042
Beth Hayward, Social Planning Associate
bhayward@regionofwaterloo.ca – 519-575-4757 x5466
PRESENTED BY LEE ANN HUNDT
MANAGER OF ANISHNABEG OUTREACH INC.
Welcome
Aanii, (hello) everyone, my name is Lee Ann Hundt. I am an Ojibway from Sagamok First Nation. I am a mother of 4
children. (22, 17, 11 and 9) I have been living in this community since 1996. I started working at Anishnabeg
Outreach in July of 2004. I have worked my way from a 6 month job placement, to Employment Counsellor, to
Manager of both our offices in Kitchener & Guelph. I sit on many committees and advisory roles in the community,
ensuring that the Aboriginal perspective is considered in decision making and planning.
The land we are on is Six Nations Territory. These nations are:
Mohawk, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Seneca and Tuscarora.
Miigwetch, (Thank You) for letting me present to you today, and please feel free to interrupt me at anytime to ask
me questions. In fact, this presentation will be a great resource for you, but the questions you ask, will offer you
more information and knowledge.
Presentation Over View and Reference
Page
Definitions: FNMI
4
The Agencies working with the Aboriginal Community in Kitchener/Waterloo/
Cambridge/Guelph & Surrounding areas
5 - 20
Population Statistics
21 - 22
Meeting with the Agencies/Best Practices
23 - 24
Questions?
25
Definitions: FNMI
What is the definition for Aboriginal, First Nation (Status, Non-Status), Métis and Inuit?
Aboriginal refers to the definition in The Constitution Act, 1982, Section 35 (2), in that “Aboriginal
peoples” include “Indian, Inuit and Métis.” (Source: The Constitution Act 1982, Section 35 (2))
First Nations peoples include both status and non-status peoples: status refers to peoples registered
under the Indian Act, holding certain rights and benefits that are not available to non-status or Métis
people.
Non-status refers to peoples who consider themselves persons of Aboriginal descent who do not
meet the criteria of the Indian Act or who, despite meeting those criteria, have not been registered as
a status Indian.
Métis means a person who self-identifies as Métis, is distinct from other Aboriginal peoples, is of
historic Métis Nation ancestry, and is accepted by the Métis Nation. (Source: Métis Nation Resolution,
2002)
Inuit is a distinct group of Aboriginal people who have ancestral ties to Northern Canada (Nunavut,
Northwest Territories, Northern Quebec and Northern Labrador). (Source: Indian and Northern Affairs
Canada)
The Agencies working with the Aboriginal Community in
Kitchener/Waterloo/Cambridge/Guelph & Surrounding areas
Anishnabeg Outreach Inc.
Kitchener Downtown Community Health Centre
The Healing of the Seven Generations
Kitchener/Waterloo Urban Native Wigwam Project (Native Housing)
White Owl Native Ancestry (Wholistic Child & Youth, Weejeendimin)
Eagle’s Nest
Tall Tree Consulting
Aboriginal Student Services (Conestoga College, Wilfrid Laurier and University of Waterloo)
Waterloo Region District School Board
Waterloo Catholic District School Board
Upper Grand District School Board
NPAAMB (Niagara Peninsula Aboriginal Area Management Board)
Anishnabeg Outreach Inc. extends employment, education and training services to all eligible
Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people within our catchment area. The catchment area is Kitchener,
Waterloo, Guelph, Cambridge and Wellington County.
The goal of Anishnabeg Outreach is to assist all individuals in their search for employment, training and
education opportunities.
Kitchener/Waterloo/ Cambridge
151 Frederick Street ~ Unit 501
Kitchener, ON N2H 2M2
Phone: 519-742-0300
Fax: 519-742-0867
Toll Free: 1-866-888-8808
Guelph/Wellington
11A Suffolk Street East
Guelph, ON N1H 2H7
Phone: 519-763-5292
Fax: 519-763-1335
Toll Free: 1-855-589-5292
Anishnabeg Outreach is an incorporated non-profit organization guided by a volunteer Board of
Directors. We work primarily with the non-profit sector and are guided by a clear mission and set of
values. Our approach is to provide Aboriginal people with access to culturally appropriate services. Our
organization strives to support these individuals with direction and assistance to overcome their
barriers. Our organization encourages individual exploration of avenues that will lead to self-sufficiency
and success. Our team is multi-disciplinary and promotes a holistic approach to life long career decision
making.
Kitchener Staff:
Lee Ann Hundt – Manager & Apatisiwin Worker Apatisiwin@anishnabegoutreach.org
Christina Restoule – Employment Counsellor ec@anishnabegoutreach.org
Nancy Trimble – Frontline Support and Resource Specialist erc@anishnabegoutreach.org
Guelph Staff:
Carmen Taylor – Employment Counsellor ecguelph@anishnabegoutreach.org
John Small – Frontline Support and Resource Specialist guelph@anishnabegoutreach.org
Events:
June Powwow with the Multicultural Festival (Annual)
Children’s Toy Distribution (Annual)
Annual Community Christmas Dinner
Annual Back Pack Program (July - September)
Youth Group –Meets bi-weekly
Aboriginal Legal Services: Gladue Writer (appointed by legal counsel)
Lana Brasher - Aboriginal Health and Wellness Promoter
Kitchener Downtown Community Health Centre
44 Francis Street South
Kitchener, Ontario N2G 2A2
Phone (519)745-4404 EXT 256
Fax (519)745-3709
44 Francis Street South
Kitchener, Ontario N2G 2A2
Phone (519)745-4404 EXT 256
Fax (519)745-3709
Email: lbrasher@kdchc.org
Currently in the planning stages of a Unity Conference for
2015.
The Healing of the Seven Generations will work with all
Aboriginal people and community members in the area. We
are here to assist those individuals who are suffering from any
effects of the Legacy of the Residential Schools, including
Intergenerational impacts such as: growing up in
dysfunctional families, emotional, physical and sexual abuse,
poor self esteem, loss of culture, lack of awareness of cultural
identity, teachings, values and traditions, poor self image as
an Aboriginal person and addictions.
300 Frederick Street, Upper Level
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
N2H 2N5
Phone: (519) 570-9118
Toll Free Phone: 1-866-676-6009
Fax: (519) 570-9301
http://healingofthesevengenerations.
weebly.com/
Backpack Program: In partnership with Anishnabeg Outreach
Inc. we accept donations of back to school items and
distribute to the students from Kindergarten to PostSecondary Students
Staff:
Donna Dubie – Founder & Executive Director
7generations@bellnet.ca
Rosie Weiler – Program Coordinator
7genprogcoor@bellnet.ca
Mark Lavallee – Cultural Advisor markvlavallee@yahoo.com
 The KWUNWP is a non-profit organization that has served the Aboriginal
population of the Waterloo Region since 1987. It provides safe, secure,
and affordable rent geared-to-income housing for Aboriginal people and their
families that are in a low or moderate income situation.
 They provide tenant support where possible to assist in decreasing hardships
and leading to self-sufficiency of individuals and families. This will give Native
people of this community a chance to grow and prosper, while maintaining a
dignified and safe living environment for their families.
 They give their tenants the opportunity to care for a home at an affordable
rate, which in turn can create an opportunity to eventually purchase their
own home.
K-W Urban Native Wigwam Project
300 Frederick Street,
Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 2S1
Phone: (519) 743-5868
Fax: (519) 743-6172
Website: http://kwunwp.weebly.com/
 KWUNWP is an organization where tenants are valued and encouraged to
become involved with their community. Tenants and volunteers are the
backbone of this community, and are appreciated for all they do.
 KWUNWP also has quarterly newsletters for tenants and the Aboriginal
community, inviting tenants and friends to local events, fundraisers, Feasts,
educational seminars, etc.
Staff:
Laurie Turcotte – Housing Administrator kwnativehousing@bellnet.ca
Tabitha Lavallee – Tenant Liaison
Tiara Grant – Administrative Assistant
White Owl Native Ancestry Association
300 Frederick Street, Lower Level
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
N2H 2N5
(t) 519-998-3147
(f) 519-743-8769
White Owl Native Ancestry offers two programs.
1) Weejeendimin Native Family Resource Centre serves
families in the Kitchener-Waterloo Community. The Centre is
open Monday to Friday.
Some of the services offered:
 Summer Camp
White Owl Native Ancestry Association
300 Frederick Street, Lower Level
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
N2H 2N5
Weejeendimin
 Free Lunches – Every Wednesday – All Welcome
 Spring and Fall Feasts for the community
Staff:
www.wholisticchildandyouth.ca/
Ela Smith: ela@wholisticchildandyouth.ca Executive Director
of White Owl Native Ancestry
(t) 519-998-3147
Jamie Sangster: Jamie@wonaa.ca
White Owl Native Ancestry Association
(f) 519-743-8769
2) Wholistic Child and Youth is the second program and it
provides wholistic counseling to First Nations, Metis, and Inuit
Child and Youth ages 0-18 years of age within Waterloo,
Wellington, and Dufferin.
Services Offered:
Wholistic Child & Youth
300 Frederick Street, Lower Level
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
N2H 2N5
www.wholisticchildandyouth.ca/
(t) 519-998-3147
(f) 519-743-8769
Staff:
Ela Smith: ela@wholisticchildandyouth.ca
Aboriginal Child and Youth Mental Health Counselor
Eagle Circles The Nest Inc. was established in 2002 as a co-ed staff
operated home and has grown over the years. Currently there are 2 staff
operated homes servicing adolescent males and females as well as foster
care servicing children and youth ages 0-18 years. Eagle’s Nest: A Place To
Soar Inc.(Foster Care) and Eagle Circles The Nest Inc. are licensed by the
Ministry of Children and Youth Services.
Our program prefers to speak to our people as “Original People” rather
than aboriginal people.
Philosophy of Eagle’s Nest
Provide an open, supportive service involving the band representatives,
parents, children, extended family and the CAS community worker (as
needed)
Eagle’s Nest: A Place to Soar Inc.
Main office in London Ontario.
Renting space at:
300 Frederick Street, Lower Level
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
N2H 2N5
Peggy 519-439-3000
peggy.m@eaglesnestfc.ca
Building a team of foster parents, tutors, traditional teachers, Child and
Youth Workers and social work staff who identify with the Original
People’s communities
Providing cultural education programs for the children, including activities
and social events, learning an Original language, participation in
ceremonies, sharing circles, feasts, fasting camps, sweat lodges and PowWows.
Share experiences, feel safe and proud, in the company of other children
who share their Original identity
Wendy Sero Stewart
Wendy Stewart
Tall Tree Consulting: First Nations
ADR/ODR Provincial Coordinator- Child
Welfare
Office Space at:
300 Frederick Street,
Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 2S1
Phone: 226- 971-3049
Email: stewart.wendy@gmail.com
*If a child is at risk or in need of
protection please contact Family and
Children's Services of Waterloo Region
first. (519) 576-0540
First Nation Child Welfare Consultant
Waterloo Region and Guelph Wellington Family and Children's Services
1) Supporting Aboriginal families to navigate child welfare system
2) Consultation with societies and to build additional relationships to fill service
gaps
3) Educate and challenge CAS to adapt service to be more culturally
appropriate and relevant
4) Contacting Bands and home communities to participate in planning and
decision making for families and children - develop protocols for customary
agreements.
5) Aboriginal Approaches will begin early in the life of a case based on learnings
and consultations about the importance of relationships in Aboriginal
Communities.
6) To develop a Aboriginal Community Advisory Council
7) To provide on-going Alternative Resolution Circles between families and
Societies
Owner - Tall Tree Consulting - Guelph, ON
First Nations Original Dispute Resolution Coordinator - Child Welfare
Suicide Trainer - Prevention - First Aid & Community Development
Be-Dah-Bin Gamik...Place of New Beginning: Provides services for
Aboriginal students at Conestoga College, including those who are First
Nations (status and non-status), Metis and Inuit. It is a warm, welcoming
and comfortable environment that assists students with a smooth
transition to college life by providing ongoing student support.
The service includes social and cultural events and activities, traditional
counselling services, and Elders-in-Residence programs and the
Aboriginal Student Association.
Visit them in Room 1A-103 in the
Student Life Centre
Conestoga College
299 Doon Valley Drive
Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4M4
http://www.conestogac.on.ca/aborigin
al-services/
Staff:
Myeengun Henry,
Manager of Aboriginal
Services
mhenry@conestogac.on.ca
519-748-5220
ext. 2251
Roxane Shawana,
Aboriginal Services Officer
rshawana@conestogac.on.ca
519-748-5220
ext. 2457
Lois MacDonald,
lmacdonald1@conestogac.on.ca
Administrative Support Clerk
519-748-5220
ext. 2470
Aboriginal Student Services
The Office of Aboriginal Initiatives offers a wide range of supportive, holistic,
cultural and academic programming. We are committed to fostering a positive
student experience for all Aboriginal students: First Nations, Status, Non-Status,
Inuit, and Métis persons. We also provide education, awareness, resources and
training regarding Aboriginal culture to all students, faculty and staff. Our services
assist Aboriginal students from the application process through to graduation:
187 Albert Street
Waterloo, ON N2L 3T4
Phone: 519-884-1970 EXT 4190
Website:
http://www.wlu.ca/aboriginal
http://twitter.com/WLUAboriginal
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Access to smudging
Community outreach
Scholarship and Bursary assistance
Computer and wifi access
Quiet study room
Admissions assistance
Visiting Elders program
SEEDS program
Resources for faculty and staff
Academic and personal counseling
Advocacy and referrals
Regular gatherings and feasts
Resource library
Staff/Contact:
Melissa Ireland - mireland@wlu.ca and 519-884-1970 ext. 4190
The Aboriginal Student Association (ASA) is a Federation of Students
(Feds) student club that promotes and hosts events for the Aboriginal
student community at the University of Waterloo. The ASA hosts a
gathering place open to membership from all Aboriginal people on
campus at the University of Waterloo. We celebrate our heritage and
promote awareness of Aboriginal issues on campus.
Open House Soup and Fry Bread Days
Come join us at St. Paul's University College for our Open House Soup
and Fry Bread Days.
The Soup and Fry Bread Days are held every Wednesday from 11:30
am to 2:30 pm during the winter and fall terms. See the schedule at
the Open House Soup and Fry Bread Days events web page.
Stop by to catch up and learn about the services we offer.
For more information, contact us at the Waterloo Aboriginal Education
Centre Jo-Anne C. Absolon BA, MSW.
Coordinator Waterloo Aboriginal Education Centre (WAEC)
Our services are for all Waterloo
students, staff and faculty.
We're located in room 232 at:
St. Paul's University College
190 Westmount Rd. N. in Waterloo.
T: 519-885-1460 ext. 220
F: 519-885-6364
E: jcabsolo@uwaterloo.ca
W: www.aboriginalservices.uwaterloo.ca
Waterloo Region Aboriginal Advisory Committee
(WRAAC)
The total number of self-identified FNMI students within the WRDSB is
590.
This is determined by the parents and students that check off this
information on the data verification forms, sent home with children on
the first day of school.
During the first year of this Self-ID program (2011), less than 20 students
were identified. That number is rising, not with just new students but
with newer understanding to the Self-ID Program.
Prior to 2013, the board had an Aboriginal Education Advisory Group
(AEAG) that proved to be limited in its capacities since much of the
support intended for First Nation, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) students often
overlapped with families who had children attending schools at both the
WRDSB and Waterloo Catholic District School Boards (WCDSB).
In 2013, the WRDSB and WCDSB united to form the Waterloo Region
Aboriginal Advisory Committee (WRAAC) where the collective purpose is
to provide informed advice and guidance to both boards in developing
positive practices and supports to First Nation, Métis and Inuit (FNMI)
students, families and community within the broader Waterloo Region.
WRAAC members consist of representatives from local Aboriginal
community organizations/agencies, parents, community members,
teachers and students. Anishnabeg Outreach Inc. sits on this committee.
Meetings are held monthly.
For further information or questions, please contact Colinda
Clyne, Curriculum Leader for First Nations, Métis and Inuit
education and Equity at (519) 822-4420 Ext. 727 or
colinda.clyne@ugdsb.on.ca
For further information or questions, please contact Nicole
Robinson, Equity & Inclusion Officer — Aboriginal Focus at
(519) 570-0003 Ext. 4329 or Nicole_robinson@wrdsb.on.ca
For further information or questions, please contact Tammy
Webster, Equity & Inclusion Officer — Aboriginal Focus at
Tammy.Webster@wcdsb.ca
Eligibility:
 Aboriginal Youth Ages 15-30
Services Offered:
 Wage Subsidy
 Apprenticeship supports
The Niagara Peninsula Aboriginal Area
Management Board
Tabitha Curley
Kitchener/Waterloo - Youth Service
Officer
256 Hespeler Rd.
Cambridge, ON N1R 6J6
Tel: 226.533.9979 /
519.751.8333ext700
Email:yso_kw@npaamb.com
 Summer Employment Program
 Employment retention supports
 Job start supports
 Job Readiness & Retention Preparation for clients
 Recruitment
Events:
 Dream Walkers Gathering (October 15-16, 2015)
 Opportunity Knocks (October 8-10, 2014)
Aboriginal Population (Stats Canada)
Aboriginal populations
Aboriginal refers to Canada’s First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples. They may be members of a Band or First
Nation and/or Registered or Treaty (i.e. registered under the Indian Act of Canada with proven descent
from a First Nation that signed a treaty). There are approximately 630 First Nations governments or Bands
across Canada.
How many Aboriginal persons live in Waterloo Region?
According to the 2006 Census 4,810 Aboriginal people live in Waterloo Region, accounting for 1% of the
total population. However, local Aboriginal organizations believe that the Census has underreported the
number of Aboriginals in the community, estimating that the number is closer to 10,000 people or about
3% of the total population. Almost all of Waterloo Region’s Aboriginal residents (94%) reside in one of the
three urban centres (Cambridge, Kitchener or Waterloo).
The next 2 slides show the population in the Canada for the age groups 15-24 and 25-34 years old.
Aboriginal Population
http://www12.statcan.ca/census-recensement/2006/dp-pd/hlt/97-558/pages/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo=PR&Code=01&Table=1&Data=Count&Sex=1&Age=1&StartRec=1&EndRec=13&Sort=3&Display=All&CSDFilter=250
Working within
the community
-Best Practices
All the services that we offer in the community are to be
helpful to the individual as a whole:
Spiritually: Culturally appropriate
Emotionally: Safety and Trust
Physically: Health and Wellness
Mentally: Increased knowledge and self-awareness
Many of the barriers that I have come across have been:
 not trusting agencies (Location, staff, historic issues, etc.)
 Not being confident in their abilities (rarely celebrate
success)
 Shame and guilt of who they are and who they are
perceived to be (expectations to fail)
 Lack of Supports (Family, friends, Elders, etc.)
 Lack of knowledge, resources, ceremony
Working within
the community
-Best Practices
Within the Aboriginal agencies, smudging is a way to begin our
meetings or our day. This is done to wash away bad thoughts, the bad
feelings of the past, to be open to see, hear, say good things. To move
forward in a good way. This is usually done with sage, as the other
medicines are not for women at certain times in a month.
We sometimes, in need of guidance, will offer tobacco. Not
commercial, but natural. This is done to our Creator, our Elders or to
those we need assistance from. It is sometimes a part of the smudge.
It is one of the four sacred medicines we use. The others are sage,
sweet grass and cedar.
We have a common group in this community that meet to go over
events, programs, services, and issues in the community. Wii-chi-tewin
meetings happen monthly and the location is shared among the
agencies. If you want to reach all the agencies at once, this is the
meeting you want to be a guest at.
I would be more than happy to arrange that for anyone that would like
to share more about their services. Call or email me at 519-742-0300
or Apatisiwin@anishnabegoutreach.org
Questions?