- Nerida K
Celebrating the Work of Our Indigenous Partners on the Road to Reconciliation
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a time for Canadians to honour the children who never returned home from residential schools, as well as the Survivors, their families, and communities. This public commemoration of a tragic and painful history, along with the ongoing impacts of residential schools, is a crucial step in the reconciliation process.
Beyond this single day, significant work is being done nationwide to continue reconciliation efforts and address the 94 Calls to Action set out in the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we celebrate the unique and innovative work of our Indigenous community and organizational partners, whose guidance and insights continue to shape our Pathways project and Calgary programs.
Me-yaw-sin Micowin, a culinary program for Métis youth
Last month in Winnipeg, the Me-yaw-sin Micowin program welcomed an excited group of Métis youth ready to explore the culinary arts. This program is the result of an innovative cross-provincial partnership between the Manitoba Métis Federation, Bistro on Notre Dame, RRC Polytech, and FESA, and has been highlighted by CTV News and other media outlets. It offers a unique blend of traditional and contemporary Métis cooking, cultural education, mentorship, and essential workplace and life skills training.
The program began with a ceremony, orientation, and tour at Red River College. In the following days, the youth worked alongside Chef Dean Herkert, a Métis chef and owner of Bistro on Notre Dame, diving into hands-on culinary training.
Week Two included The Life and Legacy of Louis Riel tour, organized by the Louis Riel Institute. The youth journeyed through Winnipeg, visiting historical landmarks tied to the legacy of the Red River Métis leader and honorary First Premier of Manitoba. Afterward, participants completed first aid and food safety certifications, followed by practical culinary sessions at Bistro on Notre Dame.
Week Three focused on the Indigenous Workplace Learning Circles program, where the youth built confidence, developed workplace literacy and essential skills, and deepened their cultural knowledge.
Participants continued with work and life skills training in the final week, focusing on financial literacy, self-care, resume writing, and interview practice. A celebratory closing ceremony honoured everyone’s contributions to the program and the youth’s dedication and achievements. However, the journey didn’t end there—a group of youth chose to continue with a practicum at Bistro on Notre Dame, and one participant is now a part-time employee.
“I’m really grateful to have been in this program… I had lots of fun and loved making friends and getting to learn more about Métis culture and meet new people.” - Me-yaw-sin Micowin participant
Indigenous Literacy and Parenting Skills (ILAPS) in Morley
The Stoney Nakoda Job Resource Centre (SNJRC) has been a long-time partner of FESA and the Pathways Project, working together to deliver Indigenous Workplace Learning Circles (IWLC) at the Centre.
For the first time, we partnered with SNJRC and Family Services Society to deliver ILAPS. ILAPS builds parenting and literacy skills for parents, grandparents, and children's caregivers. The program is unique and tailored, celebrating the community’s traditions and views. It includes the involvement of Elders and activities like beading, drum making, and more.
“ILAPS Mini Thni (Morley) has been a great success, with participants learning together and forming new connections. They are building on their parenting skills and styles, supporting each other as they discover how to help one another and form friendships. Like in the old ways, the community is coming together to raise children collectively.
One of the highlights is our weekly group reading, where everyone shares a book, laughs together, and learns. Participants explore more than just reading, discovering colors, shapes, and other interactive elements.
We have a wonderful group eager to learn and excited for the next session. It means a lot to me knowing they’re not only learning but having fun, too.” – Judy Everson, FESA Facilitator
If you’re interested in the program, reach out to the Stoney Nakoda Child and Family Services Society at 403-881-3900 ext. 2672 for more information and to join.
Indigenous Youth Leadership and Governance in Saugeen First Nation
This week Pathways Youth Advisors Leigha and Anthony, along with National Advisory Circle Chair Ningwakwe and FESA, visited the Senate with Senator Boyer to share the innovative youth leadership work taking place in their community, Saugeen First Nation.
Earlier this year over 14 youth, 9 community leaders, including 3 Elders, participated in the 3-day pilot program 'Introduction to First Nations Governance for Indigenous Youth' in Saugeen. This program was developed with Ningwakwe George, Chair of the National Advisory Circle for Pathways, Saugeen First Nation, and the Coady Institute. It emphasizes a community-based approach where everyone’s story is valued, and collective wisdom is paramount.
Over the three days, participants explored the foundations of governance, leadership, and mentorship through the lens of Indigenous traditions and teachings. Each day built upon the previous one, while also allowing space for impromptu community visits and Elder stories.
Pathways brings together Elders, Indigenous youth and their communities, mentors, bridging organizations (those that provide job resource and skills training support) and employers to create new pathways to meaningful work and employment in the Tourism and Government sectors. You can read more about the Pathways Project by exploring our blog and or on the website here: https://www.furthered.ca/pathways
The Pathways Project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Initiatives Program.
Comments