ANNUAL REPORT - Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship

Transcription

ANNUAL REPORT
2012/13
© OFIFC 2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Vision and Mission
Message from the President
Message from the Executive Director
Friendship Centres in Ontario
Life Cycle Teaching
Infants, Toddlers, and Children
Youth and Young Adults
Children to Elders
Youth to Elders
Infants to Elders
Training and Support
Research
7
8
9
13
14
16
21
25
25
30
38
40
Urban Aboriginal Task Force
Akwe:Go Wholistic Longitudinal Study
The Indigenous Knowledge Network for Infant, Child and Family Health
Bidwewidam Indigenous Masculinities
Breaking Free, Breaking Through
Our Health Counts
Urban Aboriginal Knowledge Network
40
41
42
43
43
44
45
Financial Statements
Funders
OFIFC Organizational Chart
About OFIFC
OFIFC Board of Directors
46
49
50
52
53
6
VISION AND MISSION
The Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres (OFIFC)
is a provincial Aboriginal organization representing the
collective interests of member Friendship Centres located
in towns and cities across the province. Friendship Centres
are not-for-profit corporations which are mandated to serve
the needs of all Aboriginal people regardless of status, and
are the primary service delivery agents for Aboriginal people
living in urban areas.
The vision of the Friendship Centre movement is to improve
the quality of life for Aboriginal people living in an urban
environment by supporting self-determined activities which
encourage equal access to and participation in Canadian
society and which respect Aboriginal cultural distinctiveness.
7
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
SHEILA MCMAHON
It is with great honour I present to you the 2012/13 OFIFC
Annual Report on behalf of the Board of Directors.
The 2012/13 Annual Report will highlight activities and outcomes
of various programs and initiatives available in Friendship Centres
throughout the province. It will also demonstrate how many
Aboriginal peoples are accessing Friendship Centres and also how
our programs and initiatives are integrated through life stages.
You will also be able to have a glimpse into trends and needs
that we have encountered in our communities over the last fiscal
year and how we are looking to address them in the current year.
The report will also demonstrate strengths and opportunities by
showcasing how Friendship Centres have made positive impacts
on the peoples and communities they serve.
The OFIFC Board of Directors have had the opportunity to sit
at local, regional, provincial and national tables, engaging in
discussions, creating new relationships and ensuring that urban
Aboriginal peoples in Ontario and most importantly, Friendship
Centres, are part of the identifiable solutions. We have also
seen an increase in the numbers of children and youth that are
coming through Friendship Centre doors, and years later, walk
out having graduated from our Alternative Secondary School
Program or representing Friendship Centres at the OFIFC Annual
General Meeting.
As a mother, grandmother, and aunt, and in thinking of the
generations that will follow, I see a future where Friendship
Centres will be woven into the fabric and cemented into the
hearts and minds of each city and town that they are located
in, and continue to offer that safe space that urban Aboriginal
people call home.
In Friendship,
Sheila McMahon
8
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SYLVIA MARACLE
As we embark on another year of advocating, developing, and supporting
new and existing initiatives and programs, it is important that we reflect
on the work we have achieved. The OFIFC’s 20 Year Long Range Strategic
Plan focuses on Leadership and Leadership Development; Governance
and Political Involvement; Self-Sufficiency; and Programs and Services; and
Culture and Education, which is at the core of each of these directions.
In order to achieve our plan we have designated 5 year priorities to each
direction, and I am pleased to report that we are beginning to see the
efforts of our work.OFIFC has recently been designated a Health Service
Provider (HSP) by the Local Health Integrated Network (LHIN); increased
our school board engagement through the delivery of Aboriginal Cultural
Competency Training (ACCT) with 11 boards; obtained accreditation for
the Aboriginal Community Development Certificate Program; completed
the first of two years of the Urban Aboriginal Communities Thrive (UACT)
Community Driven Research Project; and have committed to increasing
engagement and support to urban Aboriginal youth and the OFIFC.
There is still much work to do and as we move forward, it is becoming
increasingly important that we look and listen to the voices in our
communities; from children and youth, to parents, grandparents and
Elders, everyone in the Life Cycle can make a contribution when we make
the space and allow it to happen however, we are all tasked with the
responsibility to be honest and kind with our responses.
The OFIFC is committed to improving its support to member Friendship
Centres in Ontario and striving to build and maintain relationships. These
relationships are valuable to informing us of what is happening on the
ground and in urban Aboriginal communities across the province.
I would like to offer my sincerest thanks and gratitude to our funders,
partners, collaborators, and employees, and most importantly, Friendship
Centres and Aboriginal peoples in Ontario.
Respectfully,
Sylvia Maracle
9
The Friendship Centre Movement (FCM)
is the country’s most significant off-reserve Aboriginal
service infrastructure. Friendship Centres are
not-for-profit corporations which are mandated
to serve the needs of all Aboriginal people by
providing culturally appropriate services
in urban communities.
#4
MARIE
E.
TON
MIL
HA
AU
#5 S LT ST
LARGEST ABORIGINAL
POPULATIONS IN ONTARIO
Statistics Canada, 2006 Census
10
O #2 OTTAWA
UNDER BAY
H
/S
3T
RY
BU
UD
#
#1 TOR
ON
T
Ontario has the
largest Aboriginal
population @
21% of Canada’s total
29
20
FRIENDSHIP
CENTRES
DELIVERY
SITES
24
PROGRAMS &
INITIATIVES
634
FRIENDSHIP
CENTRE STAFF
IN ONTARIO
11
“I feel
safe at the
Friendship
Centre”
youth participant
21
14
4
10
6
7
24
9
3
1
26
27
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
Atikokan Native Friendship Centre
Barrie Native Friendship Centre
Ininew Native Friendship Centre (Cochrane)
23
Dryden Native Friendship Centre
Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre
United Native Friendship Centre (Fort Frances)
Thunderbird Friendship Centre (Geraldton)
Hamilton Regional Indian Centre
Kapuskasing Friendship Centre
Ne’Chee Native Friendship Centre (Kenora)
Katarokwi Native Friendship Centre (Kingston)
N’Amerind Friendship Centre (London)
Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre (Midland)
Moosonee Native Friendship Centre
Niagara Regional Native Centre (Niagara-on-the-Lake)
North Bay Indian Friendship Centre
Odawa Native Friendship Centre (Ottawa)
22
M’Wikwedong Native Cultural Resource Centre (Owen Sound)
Parry Sound Friendship Centre
Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre (Peterborough)
29
Red Lake Indian Friendship Centre
Sarnia-Lambton Native Friendship Centre
Indian Friendship Centre (Sault Ste. Marie)
Nishnawbe-Gamik Native Friendship Centre (Sioux Lookout)
N’Swakamok Friendship Centre (Sudbury)
Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre
Timmins Native Friendship Centre
Council Fire Native Cultural Centre (Toronto)
Can Am Indian Friendship Centre of Windsor
25
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16
17
13
20
18 2 28
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12 8
11
15
5
FRIENDSHIP CENTRES
IN ONTARIO
13
LIFE CYCLE TEACHING
We are taught that every human has a special responsibility at each stage of life. As infants our
responsibility is to bring joy into the world, as toddlers we teach adults about safety, as children
we are always asking why and we teach other humans to speak the truth (or not). As youth, we
challenge those truths (or lack of them), we question the things people take for granted, or don’t
take into consideration – we challenge the status quo, the normal way things are done. The Elders
teach us that if we can fulfill our responsibilities at each stage of life, then we have done what we
were put here to do.
Haudenosaunee Teaching, Sylvia Maracle
September 1979, Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Development
14
SPIRITUAL
ELDER
INFANT
“teach about spirit”
“joy”
TODDLER
GRANDPARENT
“safety/ environment”
EMOTIONAL
PEACE
PARENT
CHILD
“provide”
“truth”
YOUNG ADULT
“work of the people”
PHYSICAL
“teach about life”
YOUTH
“reject / challenge / say no”
MENTAL
15
Common requests for support:
8%
17%
INFANTS, TODDLERS
AND CHILDREN
JOY, SAFETY AND TRUTH
ABORIGINAL HEALTHY BABIES
HEALTHY CHILDREN
Parenting skills
Development
38%
Food Security
17%
Transportation
Offered in 14 Friendship Centres
20%
Advocacy
Support
Individual support with:
Completing new birth
registration forms
Advocacy for child custody
Advocacy with local CAS
Child
Care

Family Support with:
Life skills
Parenting skills
Milestone screening for early
childhood development
Nutrition and meal planning
Budgeting
Child Safety
Traditional Teachings on Family Roles
and Responsibilities

Community Activities and Events
Naming Ceremonies and Feasts
Parenting Classes and Workshops
Pow Wows
Scrapbooking
Baby Food Making
Baby Blanket Making

16
Success:
A woman who had addictions issues had two children
apprehended by CAS with one of those children placed
in the care of her mother, the children’s grandmother.
As both children were born addicts and require multiple
supports, the Aboriginal Healthy Babies Healthy
Children (AHBHC) Program assisted the grandmother
with meeting the specific physical, mental, emotional
and spiritual needs of her grandchildren. The children’s
mother decided to go to treatment and sought a
referral by the AHBHC Program. The mother was in
treatment for 6 months and after being discharged,
secured housing and has improved her relationship
with CAS. Both children are currently involved with
specialists including infant development therapists and
are reported to be doing well and progressing with
very few problems. The AHBHC Program continues to
provide support to the mother and grandmother by
providing parenting support and referrals.
Akw
e:g
o:
403
FEMALE
A+
371
774
MALE
29
ram
rog
sP
original Chil
b
A
dre
n
a
b
n’
Ur
CHILDREN
S
T
73 P
N
ARTICIPA
AKWE:GO: URBAN ABORIGINAL
CHILDREN’S PROGRAM
Offered in 29 Friendship Centres and
1 Delivery Site
Success:
A child was diagnosed with ADD and
required specialized education support
in the classroom. The Akwe:go Program
supported the young boy and his family
to inform the school and assisted in
creating a plan to improve school
performance in and out of the classroom.
A literacy barrier was preventing a child to
enjoy reading. He hated reading until his
involvement in a literacy tutoring program
that encouraged participation and
encouragement. Ever since, his resistance
is gone and he is enthusiastic to get
started on a new lesson.
17
“Parents will report back when
they notice small changes in
their children’s behaviour. It’s
always been about the small
steps: the child taking a deep
breath and not yelling, or
attending a meeting with a
parent that needs support.”
COMMUNITY
ACTIVITIES
252
CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH PROJECT (CMHP)
Trends
Anger management support
Lack of resources for autistic children and their families
Limited mental health services for youth 16-18

Success:
137
TRADITIONAL
ACTIVITIES
Each project on average works
closely with 16 high risk children
and youth throughout the year
18
Two years ago a young girl’s grandmother brought her to the
Friendship Centre to find support. She was hurt and angry
toward her mother whom at the time, was struggling with
addiction issues and recovering from an abusive relationship
that had led to the removal of the girl and her brother from the
home. She had very little support during this time and began
to seek attention in unhealthy ways. The grandmother noticed
the behavior and sought support from the Children’s Mental
Health Project where the entire family received supportive
counseling and where the young girl was provided with healthy
coping methods. The mother decided to turn her life around
and decided to complete her GED. Although still in kinship care,
the child is doing much better as the family continues to receive
support from the programs offered at the Friendship Centre.
Violence is not a normal aspect of life
Children recognize violence and
understand the consequences of their
own behaviour
Parents learned about the impacts of
violence on children
Community partners increased their cultural
competency when working with Aboriginal
families and their children
CHILDREN WHO WITNESS
VIOLENCE PROGRAM
Pilot, Offered at 2 Friendship Centres
“My daughter really looks forward to spending
time with her group at the Friendship Centre.
Thank you for everything you’ve been doing to
help her and us cope with all that we have been
going through.”
POLICY
EARLY LEARNING
Safety planning
requests increased
by:
60%
Success:
A child was removed from school due
to inappropriate behaviours in the
classroom. The Children Who Witness
Violence Pilot Project set up meetings to
discuss the necessary steps of getting the
client back in the classroom. The child
identified that bullying was an issue in
the school and that he was also dealing
with a family loss. After one-on-one
counseling sessions, the child was able to
return to school on a partial day schedule
and the school has reported that he has
become more respectful.
In June 2012, the Ontario government released Modernizing
Child Care in Ontario: Sharing Conversations, Strengthening
Partnerships, Working Together, a discussion paper that sought
feedback from partners, stakeholders and the public on key
areas of action over the next three years in order to stabilize and
transform the child care sector. We responded to the paper with
the following concerns:
The needs for targeted funding in communities
with higher Aboriginal populations to support
Aboriginal children and their families;
The need for culturally appropriate resources and programs
that are delivered by and in consultation with Aboriginal
organizations such as OFIFC and Friendship Centres;
The lack of urban Aboriginal child care spaces and the
significant barriers that this poses to achieving social
security, self-sufficiency and economic development
goals for urban Aboriginal families and communities.
As part of the next steps towards modernizing the child care
sector, the Ministry of Education developed a new child care
funding formula and framework which includes the creation
of a Special Purpose Allocation. Included in the Special Purpose
Allocation is an Aboriginal Component which is intended to
recognize the unique costs of providing culturally appropriate child
care services for those families identifying as Aboriginal off-reserve.

19
URBAN ABORIGINAL CHILD WELFARE
The Commission to Promote Sustainable Child Welfare was
created in November 2009 with a three year mandate to
develop and to implement solutions to ensure the sustainability
of child welfare in Ontario. The Commission completed its
mandate in September 2012 and gave Realizing a Sustainable
Child Welfare System in Ontario to the Minster of Children and
Youth Services for consideration.
THE POVERTY
REDUCTION STRATEGY
In 2008, Breaking the Cycle:
Ontario’s Poverty Reduction
Strategy (PRS) set a target of
reducing child poverty by 25%
in 5 years (by December 2013),
which would translate into
90,000 children being lifted out of
poverty. In 2009, the government
introduced the Poverty Reduction
Act which requires the Ontario
government:
To report annually on PRS;
To develop a new strategy
every five years;
Is mandated to consult
before developing new PRS’s,
including consultation with
those living in poverty, and;
Is required to set specific
poverty reduction targets at
least every five years.

The Ministry of Children and Youth
Services released Ontario’s 4th
Poverty Reduction Strategy: 2012
Annual Report on December 13,
2012. The report measures the
progress Ontario has made toward
reducing child poverty by 25% in
5 years. The Ontario government
has not officially announced the
next step towards developing a
new five-year Poverty Reduction
Strategy however, it is expected to
be announced in mid-July. OFIFC will
continue to monitor the PRS for new
developments.
20
The OFIFC has maintained the position that solutions to
address Aboriginal child welfare must include a distinct
approach towards urban Aboriginal child welfare issues. The
Commission’s recommendations that leaders from urban
Aboriginal communities and organizations be involved in the
development of a strategy to address Aboriginal child welfare
and that they formally meet twice annually to work on issues
and solutions, is a positive move towards beginning to address
complex and challenging urban Aboriginal child welfare issues.
In January 2013, the Ministry of Children and Youth Services
committed to the development of a multi-year Aboriginal Child
and Youth Strategy which will focus on building communitydriven, integrated and culturally appropriate supports and
services. The OFIFC has been sitting on the Aboriginal
Leadership Roundtables and the supporting Technical Tables
which are beginning substantive work.
Next Steps and New
Developments:
Funded through Public Safety Canada,
Project Venture aims to reduce or prevent youth substance abuse
through positive interventions. The program will include a multidisciplinary curriculum, combining classroom lessons, outdoor and
community-based activities. Programming will occur year round by
offering after-school, weekend, summer experiential activities, and
community-oriented service learning projects.
Pending funding, Project Venture will be available in six Friendship
Centre locations with a population greater than 30,000. The
program will be directed towards urban Aboriginal youth 11 to 15
years of age. All participants will complete the classroom portion of
the program and those with an increased need or risk of substance
abuse will have the added option to complete the after school and
weekend sessions which are more intensive and culminate in multiday experiential outing and community service learning projects.
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS
Challenge and doing the
“Work of the People”
ALTERNATIVE SECONDARY SCHOOL
PROGRAM
17 CCAY
Projects
14
990 youth participants
were engaged in projects
Ontario youth continue to advocate
for the expansion of CCAY projects
and for maintaining cultural and
social aspects

Ap
-2 0
33 Projects launched in a modified year –
January to March 2013
in A S S P
pro
13
CULTURAL CONNECTIONS FOR
ABORIGINAL YOUTH
Gradu
D
S
OS
es
at
students enrolled in ASSP
in Ontario
71
1078
v e d for
20
21
WASA-NABIN:
URBAN ABORIGINAL YOUTH
PROGRAM
98
29 Friendship Centres and 1 Delivery Site
YOUTH
p
sup las
were
ec
languag
f
e o or
in the car
Success:
ni
es
c
re sc
eraft
ic
ys
ph l, s
increased ybal
volle
c
re sc
eraft
67
al
,
ey
w acti
im
v
ock
mi ity through h o
ng a
d
nd taekwon
y
iet
oc
ei
ho ved
nd
ta
ol tuto
rin uppor
ho
YOUTH
mew g s istance
ork ass
ni
es
i
lf:
of nvo
wo
Se lved
in the Street m
lf-l
ead
ership progra
s ed t dren’s aid s al
YOUTHes, te hrough tradition remo
achi
ngs and ce
f
e o or
in the car
67
YOUTH
98 BURSARY
BILL MESSENGER
i
AWARDED
TO WILFRED
t
of nvoRIVERSolf:
se ed th
l
Se lved
tw
s, t rough traditiona mo
in
lf-l
tree
e
OF THE
ODAWA
NATIVE
ead the S gram
eac
r
e
ership pro
hings and c
FRIENDSHIP CENTRE
iet
oc
y
ni
es
ac
hil
se ed th dren’s aid s nal o
s, t rough traditio m
eac
re
hings and ce
Bill Messenger
OFIFC and the family of
awarded for the first time, the Bill
Messenger Memorial Bursary to Wilfred
Rivers of Ottawa, Ontario. Wilfred
received a $3000 bursary to assist him in
his post-secondary studies at Algonquin
College in the Cabinetmaking and
Furniture Technician Program.
re
we les
p
nci
7 pri
f
e o or
in the car
p
sup las
were
ec
languag
t
ni
es
YOUTH
y
ac
t
hild
cie
ren’s aid so
re
we les
p
nci
7 pri
MEMORIAL BURSARY
p
sup las
were
ec
languag
BILL MESSENGER
110
YOUTH
YOUTH
re
we les
p
nci
7 pri
f
e o or
in the car
p
sup las
were
ec
languag
ac
hil
nd
ta
rin uppor
ho
mew g s istance
ork ass
ei
ho ved
nd
ta
ol tuto
ring suppor ce
ho
mew
n
ork assista
61
ic
ys
ph l, s
increased ybal
volle
A youth accessed the Wasa-Nabin Program through a Youth
al
,
ac time
ey
Justice Diversion Program referral. The youth was awifirst
ock
m tivity t
mi
hrough h o
offender and eligible for diversion under requirements npresented
g and
nd
taekwo
by Youth Justice that included a completion of a resume, finding
employment and to pay fines to victims. The youth was able to
complete his resume, found employment and was able to repay
victims through the Wasa-Nabin Program. As a result of meeting
YOUTH
his requirements, the charges were withdrawn.
t
i
of nvo
Se lved
in
lf-l
ead th
ershi
c
re sc
eraft
ic
ys
ph l, s
increased ybal
volle
n
taekwo
98
110
110
61
g and
98
y
61
re
we les
p
nci
7 pri
A youth came into the program initially with an issue regarding
self-harm and dealing with substance abuse. It took some time to
a
iet
t chil
oc
establish a rapport but the youth began to open up. Self-esteem
se ed th dren’s aid s nal o
YOUTH
was an area of concern as the youth was quite reserved but began YOUTH s, teacrough traditiocerem
hings and
to see successes beyond the Wasa-Nabin Program. This young
person has received an Aboriginal Award in the community and
YOUTH
YOUTH
now provides mentorship to new clients and participants in athe
,
la
y
ei
w
cke
im ctivity
ho ved
Wasa-Nabin Program and at the Friendship Centre.
through ho o
mi
ol tuto
n
d
YOUTH
i
lf:
of nvo
wo
Se lved
in the Street m
lf-l
ead
ership progra
The Bill Messenger Memorial Bursary is awarded each year to
a young, urban Aboriginal male who is graduating with an
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) from an Ontario High
School, Alternative High School or through an Ontario Friendship
Centre Alternative Secondary School Program (ASSP), and who is
continuing their education or career goals.
22
67
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
Ontario Aboriginal Youth Council (OAYC)
The Ontario Aboriginal Youth Council (OAYC) is the voice
of urban Aboriginal youth for Ontario’s Friendship Centre
communities. The OAYC advocates for the needs of, and
is accountable to urban Aboriginal youth while ensuring
appropriate youth representation in the Friendship Centre
community and at the OFIFC Board of Directors.
Outcomes
Improved capacity at the OAYC level to identify,
recruit and engage Ontario membership through
better communications tools and mechanisms
Youth across Ontario have networked with one another
and are building capacity to engage and develop
leadership and community development skills
Introduction of the OFIFC Youth Developer position to
increase support for local Youth Councils and youth
engagement initiatives

“It has been a great honour and
privilege to serve as an executive
member of the OAYC. Through
various training opportunities, I have
received an all-encompassing holistic
growth. These experiences helped
to increase my self-esteem, gave
me the confidence to speak out
and advocate on behalf of Ontario’s
youth and their needs. The OAYC,
its membership, and the OFIFC have
become family and will always hold
a special place in my heart. I hope
that I may continue to reciprocate
the generosity and support that the
Friendship Centre movement has
offered me.”
OAYC Executi
ve
Co
Trending:
m
m
ee
itt
Regional
Representatives
Northwest
Northeast
South Central
Southwest
A need for increased
support and focus on
building local youth
capacity to establish
youth councils that
are active, engaged
and integrated in
Friendship Centre
communities
The need for creating more local
youth councils,
increased engagement and involvement of
youth on local Friendship Centres’ Boards
23
OFIFC YOUTH STRATEGY
8 Priorities:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Economic Development
Anti-Violence
Education
Youth Health and Sexual Health
Employment and Training
Communication
Justice
Governance
More than 100 youth across Ontario have been involved
in consultations on how to develop local Youth Councils
Collaboration with Right to Play; 4 Friendship
Centre communities received training on facilitating
engagement with youth through programs; ie.
Wilderness Survival Leadership Training
Building Capacity and Leadership with Aboriginal Youth
was developed

POLICY
ONTARIO’S YOUTH ACTION PLAN
In August 2012, the OFIFC recognized the need to respond to
the Ministry of Children and Youth Services Youth Action Plan
Survey in order to present the views of frontline staff who work
with at-risk and high-risk urban Aboriginal youth and to include
the voice of the youth themselves across Ontario. Below are some
key respondent highlights:
Programs and services administered by OFIFC and
offered at Friendship Centres throughout Ontario have
positive outcomes for local urban Aboriginal youth;
Friendship Centres offer youth a positive space where
youth have access to cultural teachings through Elders,
engage in leadership building and activities, youth
feel safe and are more apt to stay out of trouble;
An integrated programming concept helps to ensure the
family has access to positive, culturally appropriate programs.
These programs also work towards creating partnerships
and networking with other community agencies;
Overall, investments need to be made to improve living
conditions in communities, health outcomes, and increase
opportunities for success. Investments must be made into
the wellbeing of the overall community and decisions
must be made with input from the Aboriginal community
to ensure healthy outcomes for children and youth.

24
YOUTH JUSTICE
The OFIFC is represented on the Youth Justice
Advisory Panel (YJAP), a table which includes
representatives from a range of organizations
that service justice involved youth, hosted by
Assistant Deputy Ministers from the Ministry
of Children and Youth Services (MCYS), the
Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG),
and the Ministry of Community Safety and
Correctional Services (MCSCS). The OFIFC
has provided partners with information about
Friendship Centre programming and has
advocated for increased consultation with
Friendship Centre communities on projects
that affect Aboriginal youth and culturallyspecific services for Aboriginal youth involved
in the justice system.
In 2012, the OFIFC’s Gladue Writer Program,
through the N’Amerind Friendship Centre
and the newly established Gladue Court
in London, has been a model of success
in working with the judiciary, achieving
alternatives to incarceration and plans of
care for Aboriginal people before the courts.
While the program has been successful, it has
also illuminated the dire need for the equal
application of Gladue across the province as
the demand for supports is high and current
resources are stretched thin. In May 2012, the
OFIFC shared a proposal for a youth-focused
Gladue Writer program in an effort to expand
youths’ access to Gladue report services
across the province and to fulfill the Supreme
Court of Canada’s direction in Gladue and
Ipeelee. The proposal along with the Gladue
position paper was shared with the Ministry
of Children and Youth Services (MCYS) in
early 2013.
Next Steps and New Developments:
4 Friendship Centres will host
Summer Leadership Camps and
Summer Arts Projects through
the Right to Play collaboration
The Mental Health Manual for youth
will be launched in Friendship Centres
The OFIFC developed and submitted a
proposal for a youth-focused Gladue
writer program in an effort to expand
youth’s access to Gladue report
services across the province and to
fulfill the Supreme Court of Canada’s
direction in Gladue and Ipeelee.
INTEGRATED PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES
YOUTH TO ELDERS
Challenge, Work, Provide, Life
and Spiritual Teachings
CHILDREN TO ELDERS
Truth, Challenge,
Work, Provide, Life and
Spiritual Teachings
ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY
MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM
17%
were youth between
the ages of 16-24
75%
ABORIGINAL ALCOHOL AND DRUG PROGRAM
Offered at 11 Friendship Centres
“I can’t stay sober unless I get the healing that I need”
Success:
“First off, I don’t think I’m a success story! I’m a work in progress.
I left an abusive thirty year marriage three years ago. I felt
ashamed and was at my lowest point in my life. I hid the abuse
from the community for years, and it was huge and scary step to
go to the Friendship Centre and ask for help.”
37%
37%
75%
were youth
between the
ages of 16-24
of clients sought culture based support
provided
the creation
plans
of clients through
sought culture
basedof
support
of
care and
treatment
a
provided
through
the options
creationfrom
of plans
wholistic
traditional
model
of care and
treatment
options from a
wholistic traditional model
33%
33%
were adults between
the ages of 25-64
were adults
between the
ages of 25-64
of clients needed assistance
and
support
in accessing
doctors,
of clients
needed
assistance
obtaining
assessments
and
attending
and support
in accessing
doctors,
treatment
programs
obtaining centre
assessments
and attending
treatment centre programs
408 CLIENTS
ARE FEMALE
Space was provided to a client where
emotional and spiritual health could be
addressed in addition to the physical and
mental needs already being worked on
within mainstream health services. This has
been transformative not only for the clients
of the program but for the community on a
whole and has seen participation from the
non-aboriginal community, including local
police officers. Other program sites work to
meet these needs by bringing in Elders and
Traditional Healers to work with the clients
on a quarterly basis.
}
Success:
481 CLIENTS
ARE MALE
}
were adults between
the ages of 25-64
NEXT STEPS:
Smoking Cessation
A culture based smoking cessation resource;
Semaa:Rekindling our Relationship with Traditional
Tobacco has been developed to respond to commercial
tobacco use and addictions related behaviours
25
ABORIGINAL COURTWORK PROGRAM
COMMUNITY JUSTICE PROGRAM
Offered at 19 Friendship Centres, 3 Delivery Sites
5 Friendship Centres
7 Courtworkers
“The Native Court Worker was extremely helpful during
my court proceedings. She was very polite and explained
everything that was going on in a way that I could
understand. Thanks with all the help.”
163
“This was my first time being charged with anything. I
was very scared and did not know what to do. Someone
suggested I contact the Aboriginal Courtworker at the
Friendship Centre. I called and set up an appointment and
within 35 minutes my fears were gone and I had a good
understanding of what was happening. I had no idea what to
do and I am so thankful that your program is here.”

33
13 out of 33 Courtworkers
provide support in Criminal
and Family Court (Combined)
Aboriginal
Court Workers
123
63% were Youth
and Young
Adults between
the ages of 13-29
Top 3 Offences diverted to CJP:
Property
“I had to attend a case conference related to the custody
of my children. I was scared and did not want to go. After
sitting down with the Courtworker he made me feel more at
ease with the process and he agreed that he would attend
court with me. After the case conference I had a better
understanding of what I needed to do, to regain custody of
my children.”
Property
286 individuals
accessed CJP
Drug
Property
Drug
FTC/FTA
Adminsitration Charges
(ie. Failure to Appear, Attend,
and/or Comply)
Property
Drug
Drug
FTC/FTA
CRIMINAL COURTWORK PROGRAM
12 Friendship Centres, 1 Delivery Site
15 Courtworkers
3034 Clients
2030
More than half
between the ages
of 7-29
1004
FAMILY COURTWORK PROGRAM
What Aboriginal Courtworkers Do:
Support clients in navigating the justice system
Attend court with clients
Liaise with Duty Counsel
Advocate for diversion
Provide referrals for housing, employment,
mental health and addictions programs

26
5 Friendship Centres
5 Courtworkers
151
415 Clients
Half between the
ages of 30-55
26
FTC/F
GLADUE WRITER
What’s in a Gladue Report?
1 Friendship Centre
Family background
Family history
Involvement with CAS
Level of education
Cultural/traditional background
Employment history
Former criminal record details
Past and present relationships with
family, partners, children

1 Writer
62 Reports
Post-conviction matters
referred to Gladue Program
Writers must research
and complete a Gladue
report within 4 weeks of a set date for sentencing
Individuals who had a Gladue report prepared, received
a lesser sentence, community supervision order, and/or
disposition to address their treatment/counseling needs
A Gladue Writer generally has 4 days to write a report

APATISIWIN; EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING
Offered in 21 Friendship Centres,
5 Delivery Sites
Success:
Careers as/in:
Plumber
Co-op Placements with
Police Departments
Aboriginal Languages Translator
AZ Driver
Gold Miners

67%
Two men from the Homelessness Partnering Strategy Program
were referred to Apatisiwin to receive assistance with resumes and
cover letters. The employment Counsellor worked with the clients
and used her employer network to connect the clients with Detour
Gold, who subsequently hired the clients within the day.
A student received funding for a Video Game Arts degree to help
develop a mining game specifically for young Aboriginal students
and youth to increase interest in the trades and in exploring
mining careers.
are between the
ages of 25-54
Male: 541
Female: 647
1188 people accessed the program
793 people found employment or returned to school
27
KANAWAYHITOWIN: TAKING CARE OF
EACH OTHER’S SPIRIT
“Learning to reflect, and determine new ways to heal and grow
was helpful and inspirational. I feel I have grown and able to
continue to grow.”
Next Steps:
82% of participants
reported that they had
an increased understanding
of woman abuse from a
historical perspective
post training
Kanawayhitowin will be connecting with Kizhaay Anishnaabe
Niin (I Am a Kind Man) to provide traditional and cultural support
to men to prevent and end violence against Aboriginal women. A
Kanawayhitowin Youth Initiative will seek to work with youth and
young adults to educate young women and men on the warning
signs of violence, create support, and provide knowledge and
strategies to maintain healthy relationships.
93% of participants
KIZHAAY ANISHNAABE NIIN
saidMAN)
they were
able to
(I AM A KIND
INITIATIVE
the signs
Facilitators in 3recognize
Friendship Centres
and 2of
Delivery Sites
woman abuse post training
Presentations with Probation and Parole Officers,
Correctional Facilities and community based organizations
3184 individuals were involved in the initiative
469 participants based activities held in 5 communities
An increase in referrals from the justice system
*NEW – Healthy Indigenous Male (HIM) Curriculum was
developed and training provided to 23 people province-wide.
HIM is a 12 to 24 week curriculum that reflects on
intergenerational trauma and addresses issues of family violence
by changing participants’ attitudes and behaviours toward
women and by increasing men’s self-awareness. HIM will assist
participants to develop healthy strategies and skills to deal with
their anger and stressful situations.
ABORIGINAL DIABETES PROGRAM (ADP)
79% of participants were over the age of 55
85% of participants are female
96% increase in knowledge of Diabetes
Awareness and Prevention
88% increase in knowledge on insulin
and blood sugar management
98% increased knowledge on the effects
that lifestyle has on blood sugar
3 workshops were delivered in 3
Friendship Centre Communities

93% of participants
said they were able to
recognize the signs of
woman abuse post training
28
ABORIGINAL RESPONSIBLE
GAMBLING PROGRAM (ARGP)
Success:
The Indian Friendship Centre (Sault Ste.
Marie) brought in Elders to re-teach
traditional gaming; specifically, the
Moccasin Game. The moccasin game’s
teachings, stories, and songs were
reintroduced to the community. The
women made the moccasins, the men
learned the songs and teachings while the
community participated in feasting the
items and playing the game. Integrating
objectives of the program with traditional
knowledge and approaches remains a
priority for future success.

Next Steps:

According to the Responsible
Gambling Council, online gaming
and gambling are widespread in
the non-aboriginal community,
and for the time being remain
unregulated by the government.
An informational toolkit regarding
online gambling is being developed
for the urban Aboriginal community.
87%
instances where gamblin
is identified as concurren
with other addictions
instances where gambling is identified as
concurrent with other addictions
POLICY
THE COMMISSION FOR THE REVIEW OF SOCIAL
ASSISTANCE IN ONTARIO
In 2008, the Poverty Reduction Strategy committed the Ontario
government to reviewing social assistance and on October 24,
2012, the Commission released a comprehensive final report
to the Ontario government: Brighter Prospects – Transforming
Social Assistance in Ontario. The final report presents 108
recommendations for consideration in transforming social
assistance towards a simpler, effective, accountable system that
focuses on removing barriers to employment and increasing
opportunities to work.
The OFIFC submitted two response papers with recommendations
specific to improving social assistance for urban Aboriginal people
for the Commission to consider. Many of the recommendations
in the final report do echo recommendations gathered from
Friendship Centres indicating a promising step towards social
assistance transformation which may provide better support and
increased opportunity for employment and training for some
of Ontario’s most vulnerable populations, including Aboriginal
people both on and off-reserve.
25 clients in the Aboriginal Community
Mental Health and Aboriginal Alcohol and
Drug Program, identified that they had a
gambling problem
As part of Ontario’s review of the Commission’s
recommendations, the Ministry of Community and Social Services
invited the OFIFC to participate in a work group to explore
the challenges and develop solutions to increase employment
outcomes of social assistance in Ontario. The OFIFC continues
to advocate in regards to the distinct needs of urban Aboriginal
people and the role that Friendship Centres continue to play in
supporting local communities as Ontario continues to transform
the social assistance landscape in Ontario.
29
EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS
“Without the support
of the Friendship
Centre and the food
bank, I wouldn’t have
made it through.”
In March 2013, OFIFC supported a
pilot project aimed at engaging three
Friendship Centres through “community
conversations” in order to determine their
needs related to employment and training.
It was identified that job fairs and other
employment-generating activities are
typically industry led and do not take into
account the needs of the community, in
particular youth.
Community conversations sought to bring
together urban Aboriginal community
members, post-secondary institutions,
workforce planning boards, economic
development organizations, employers, and
entrepreneurs to discuss labour market and
education issues and the disconnects in
their respective communities.
These conversations have informed the
development and planning process of
employment-generating activities that
will be implemented during the 201314 fiscal year. OFIFC is thus working
towards not only increasing employment
opportunities for urban Aboriginal people,
but also increasing community economic
agency in determining the nature of these
employment-generating activities.
URBAN ABORIGINAL LABOUR
FORCE AND TRAINING STRATEGIC
FRAMEWORK
In response to existing and emerging
challenges in the education to
employment continuum an Urban
Aboriginal Labour Force and Training
Strategic Framework has been developed.
The framework will explore wholistic
ways in which to address the sustainable
involvement or urban Aboriginal people
in the Ontario labour force by identifying
four strategic goals, each with their own
priority action areas:
Addressing the Gaps within the
Education to Employment Continuum
2. Supporting Urban Aboriginal Youth
3. Addressing Systemic Barriers to
Education, Training and Employment
4. Increasing Private Sector Engagement
with Friendship Centres
1.
30
INFANTS TO ELDERS
Joy, Safety, Truth, Challenge, Work,
Provide, Life and Spirit Teachings
FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER PROGRAM
N
12 FASD clinics in Ontario
only 2 in Northern Ontario
(Thunder Bay and Sudbury)
S
Outcomes:
Increased access to FASD diagnosis and medical services
Promotion of safe sex practices and healthy sexuality
Enhanced knowledge of FASD and nutrition

Needs:

Integrated family support and services are required
to address the intergenerational affects of FASD
Success:
Presentations on FASD were delivered to the local Police Service
over a 6 week period. Police Officers were provided information
on the effects of alcohol when a pregnant woman drinks, the
behavioural impacts on people with FASD, and how that relates
to involvement with justice and the law. One police officer was
recruited to join the local FASD network. The creation of a FASD
registry was raised as a tool that would assist Police Officers in
identifying members of the community who have FASD.
KIM MEAWASIGE AWARD
The OFIFC and the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Ontario
Network of Expertise (FASD ONE) celebrated the memory
of Kim Meawasige who was dedicated to ensuring that all
children living with FAS had the resources and supports
needed. Kim championed the cause of FAS awareness and
prevention through many venues. Kim’s work began at
a time when the realities and facts about FAS were not
widely understood. She passed away on May 10, 2011 at
the age of 41. The Kim Meawasige Award is given to an
individual with the same spirit and intent of Kim.
The inaugural award was given to James Gideon, a First
Nations man who was recently diagnosed with FASD.
“I have known about my disorder for over a year; I have
researched it; I have looked at some of the screening tools
that are out there; I have looked at my own behaviours and
evaluated myself; and yes I do live with FASD.”
31
HEALING AND WELLNESS
PROGRAM
HEALTH OUTREACH PROGRAM
543
80% received peer counseling in
improving Aboriginal health or
reducing family violence
740
66% are
between the
ages of 25-54
Activities; home visits, peer counseling,
80%
access to services, referrals and
received peer counseling in
traditional
and cultural services
improving Aboriginal health
or reducing family violence
Offered in Friendship Centre
locations where an Aboriginal
community health access centre does
not exist
Services offered:
Assistance with housing
Assistance and advocacy with
medical appointments and Ontario
Disability Support Program (ODSP)
Transportation to appointments
Referrals to Traditional Healers

Trending:
Housing Support
Transportation Support
Crisis Care
Alternative and Traditional Approaches
to Reducing Family Violence

Trending:
Transportation Support
Diabetes
Completion of Forms
Alternative and Traditional Approaches to Improving
Aboriginal Health

HOMELESSNESS PARTNERING STRATEGY (HPS)
14 Sites
Success:
A woman was diagnosed with Hepatitis
C. Prior to having a daughter, she
was addicted to heroin and there was
involvement with a local child protective
services agency. After accessing the
Healing and Wellness program, she is
now on a Methadone program, has
moved from transitional housing to a
two bedroom apartment, and completed
the requirements of the child protective
services agency. She is involved in cultural
teachings and activities at the Friendship
Centre and has stated that it “feels good
to have people in her life.”
32
2 Men’s Shelters
4 Transitional Houses
for Women and their
children
3 Operational Food
Banks
Top 5 Requested Services:
Housing
Food
Financial
Transporation
CAS
LIFE LONG CARE PROGRAM
(LLCP)
“Since my stroke four years ago, I have a
hard time with my short term memory and
my driver’s license was revoked. Without
the girls in Life Long Care keeping track of
my doctors’ appointments and driving me
to them, I would have no other way.”
“At one time we had no place to go…I
will be 80 this year, I try to be active and
N’Amerind (Friendship Centre) is always
here for me.”
“Initially I wasn’t going to participate but
I finally did join the muscle stretch and
water walks and I find it rejuvenating.
After the exercise class, I find myself
more flexible and capable as I do have
rheumatoid arthritis. This is a very
beneficial weekly program.”
Top 3 Services:
Friendly Visiting; at home, Friendship
Centre, hospital, long-term care
facility, or at social and cultural events
2. Support; referrals, advocacy,
translation and assistance
with applications
3. Congregate Dining; nutritious meal
and social activity
1.
30,000 Me
al
“Since becoming a Life Long Care client
I have been able to access foot care and
orthotic shoes. They also purchased a
pair of compression socks for me that I
would have been unable to purchase. It
has made walking and standing so much
more comfortable.”
rved
e
sS
112,000
units of
service
provided
}
“The Life Long Care Program made a
positive change in my life. It’s wonderful to
actively participate with others and share
experiences. There’s a sense of belonging,
family and community.”
x100
Success:
A woman who was blind in her left eye started to lose sight
in her right eye. The woman was taken to a specialist who
informed her that he could save the sight in her right eye with
eye injections, but they were expensive and she would need
six treatments in the year. Being unable to afford this, the Life
Long Care Program through the Purchase of Client Services,
was able to cover the costs of the injections and her sight
remains in the right eye to date.
A 51 year old client was referred to the program after major
surgery. The client also had pre-existing medical issues with
hypertension and high cholesterol. The client required assistance
with transportation to follow-up medical appointments, filling
out forms and paperwork, and picking up groceries and supplies.
Shortly after recovery, the client developed Type II diabetes and
joined Life Long Care’s fitness and educational programs that
assist individuals living with diabetes. The client is controlling her
diabetes through exercise and thanks the Friendship Centre for
ongoing programs and educational workshops.
33
URBAN ABORIGINAL HEALTHY
LIVING PROGRAM (UAHLP)
2.
67%
increase
su
g
1 Fr
i
imp endshi
p Ce
lem
‘no
e
n
pro nted a tre
cess
poli
e
c
afte y in lu d food
n
s
r
for -schoo ch and ’
chil
l
p
dren rogra
m
and
you s
th
2
Physical Activity
Nutrition
3. Smoking Cessation
4. Youth Leadership
1.
banned
rinks
UAHLP is comprised of:
s
ve
ha
yd
ar
7906 participants
6000+ guests
d sh i p C e n
ien
tre
r
F
in fitness activities from 2011-12
35
39
YO
UT
H
499
were involved in
Healthy Living
Programs
34
pounds lost in the
HEAL Program
3539 youth were involved in Healthy Living Programs
499 pounds lost in the HEAL Program
942 people took part in smoking cessation activities
751 children and youth and 290 parents participated in WOLF camps, where they
were involved in physical activities, learned about nutrition, smoking cessation, and
diabetes prevention

Success:
An archery team was formed in the Friendship Centre’s Urban Aboriginal Healthy
Living Program and went on to host the Southwestern Ontario First Nation’s Archery
Tournament. Numerous First Nations agencies, communities as well as neighbouring
Friendship Centre’s attended to compete in the event. Participants included children,
youth and adults in the competition and many fans came out to support their family
and friends. It was a learning opportunity for all attendees to learn good sportsmanship,
encouragement and be involved in a traditional sport. A youth participant received the
Southern Ontario Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative (SOADI) Youth Award for outstanding
contribution and effort in living a healthy lifestyle.
312 participants and guests took part in after school weekly activities that incorporated
anti-smoking and smoking reduction messaging to youth. This included weekly youth
led and facilitated peer groups entitled “Live Smoke Free”. The Friendship Centre also
ran an annual “Keep your BUTTS Out of This” Youth Wellness Retreat that transfers
knowledge around traditional tobacco teachings and commercial tobacco education.
35
POLICY
OFIFC RESPONSE TO POLICYMAKERS
The “First Nations Representation on Ontario Juries: Report
of the Independent Review Conducted by the Honourable
Frank Iacobucci” was released in February 2013, and “Spirit
Matters: Aboriginal People and the Corrections and Conditional
Release Act”, a special report to Parliament by the Office of
the Federal Investigator was released in March 2013. Ontario
Friendship Centres were provided with briefings and the OFIFC
followed up with the Attorney General of Ontario asking for our
inclusion in the work of the Implementation Committee, a key
recommendation of the “First Nations Representation on Ontario
Juries” report.
Bill 34: An Act to repeal the Public Works Protection
Act, amend the Police Services Act, and enact the
Security for Electricity Generating Facilities Act, 2012
In April 2012, the OFIFC provided the government of Ontario
with a submission on Bill 34, detailing the OFIFC’s concerns with
proposed changes to court security measures. Bill 34 represented
the provincial government’s attempt to replace wartime legislation
that it had relied upon, for daily security measures within public
institutions including courthouses. Bill 34 would grant court
security officers the power to require any person entering or inside
a courthouse to produce identification, and provide information
to assess their security risk, if any; search, without a warrant,
any person, property or vehicle entering or attempting to enter
premises where court proceedings are conducted; and search,
without a warrant, and using reasonable force if necessary, any
person who is in custody where court proceedings are conducted
or who is being transported to or from such premises or any
property in the custody/care of that person.
The OFIFC prepared a formal submission to the government
of Ontario’s Standing Committee on Justice Policy urging their
reconsideration of a number of problematic provisions within the
Bill that stand to disproportionately affect Aboriginal community
members in freely accessing courthouses and court proceedings. The
OFIFC also expressed concern with Bill 34 being pushed through the
legislature without any consultation with Aboriginal communities
while Aboriginal people in Ontario remain disproportionately
overrepresented at every level of the justice system.
36
Bill C-37: An Act to amend the
Criminal Code (Increasing Offenders’ Accountability for Victims Act)
In June 2012, the OFIFC prepared a
submission on the federal government’s
Bill C-37 which proposed to double the
victim surcharge fee that judges can
apply at sentencing to 30% and in the
absence of an applied fee, mandates a
victim surcharge fee of $100 for summary
offences and $200 for indictable offences
in every case without exception. The
OFIFC argued that Bill C-37 is problematic
as it introduces an additional challenge
to offenders’ successful community
reintegration that may actually increase
the rate of victimization. The submission
urges the government to consider
addressing support to victims wholistically
in order to achieve success by delivering
supports to victims, offenders, and the
community at large.
Bill 140: An Act to enact the
Housing Services Act, 2011
The responsibility for housing and
homelessness shifted from the provincial
government to the municipal level.
Over the next 2 years, Consolidated
Municipal Service Managers and District
Social Services Administration Boards
are required to develop Integrated
Housing and Homelessness Plans. OFIFC
continues to work with municipal
organizations to ensure service managers
develop a set of prescribed targets that
shall include urban Aboriginal housing
interests and address challenges related
to urban Aboriginal homelessness.
COMMUNITY HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION INITIATIVE
January 2013 marked the implementation of the Community
Homelessness Prevention Initiative which replaced five programs.
Despite a one-time grant allocation from the Ministry of
Community and Social Services, the beginning of the year
saw a marked decrease in housing and homelessness funding
for the majority of municipalities. OFIFC continues to monitor
the landscape for potential impacts these funding decreases
will have on urban Aboriginal people who are homeless or
precariously housed.
COMMUNITY SAFETY
In May 2012, the OFIFC sent a letter to the Minister of Safety and
Correctional Services expressing our support for the provinces’
Crime Prevention in Ontario: A Framework for Action report,
and thanking the ministry for recognizing Friendship Centres as
important community resources for ensuring safety.
ENDING VIOLENCE AGAINST ABORIGINAL WOMEN
The OFIFC was present at Summit V: For Generations to Come,
hosted by the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)
and in collaboration with the Joint Working Group (JWG)
on Violence Against Aboriginal Women and the Ministry of
Education. The OFIFC has completed a draft meta-analysis of
all the recommendations from all five summits and submitted
to all partners on the JWG. Next steps are to continue working
closely on a proposal for allocated funds from the Safe and
Accepting Schools fund, and to identify leadership priorities of
the Aboriginal partners on the JWG which will be presented to
ministry partners.
HUMAN RIGHTS
The OFIFC has been advancing human rights education in
Friendship Centres with the Human Rights Legal Support Centre
(HRLSC) of Ontario. The first phase was for all OFIFC staff to
receive training and the second phase will be to develop a human
rights education outreach strategy with Friendship Centres.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
In June 2012, the federal government
released the National Action Plan to
Combat Human Trafficking, solidifying the
issue as a top priority for the government.
The OFIFC is represented on the Aboriginal
Human trafficking Sub-Committee which
reports to the Joint Working Group to
End Violence Against Aboriginal Women.
The OFIFC contributed a position paper
in August 2012 on the issue of human
trafficking of Aboriginal people which
identifies community-based research as
a priority so as to better understand the
nature of the issue in Ontario, as well as a
database that will track best practices and
current gaps.
The OFIFC conducted focus group
engagement sessions with the Hamilton
Regional Indian Centre, the N’Swakamok
Friendship Centre and the Thunder Bay
Indian Friendship Centre, to inform the
development of a national awareness
campaign funded through Public Safety
Canada. A summary of regional feedback
was provided to the National Association
of Friendship Centres (NAFC) Aboriginal
advisory committee.
37
ONTARIO URBAN AND RURAL
FIRST NATIONS, MÉTIS AND
INUIT HOUSING POLICY
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK
In collaboration with the Metis Nation
of Ontario (MNO) and the Ontario
Native Women’s Association (ONWA),
OFIFC revisited the Ontario Off-Reserve
Aboriginal Housing Trust Report (OAHT)
2008, in an effort to advance key
recommendations; namely, to develop
an effective off-reserve Aboriginal
housing strategy. This process informed
the development of the framework.
Upon review and approval from the
Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services Board
of Directors, it is anticipated that the
framework will be disseminated to municipal
service managers as well as provincial and
federal governments that can positively
affect the off-reserve Aboriginal housing
continuum as it relates to off-reserve
Aboriginal people facing housing and the
interrelated issues with homelessness.
TRAINING AND SUPPORT
ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COLLEGE
CERTIFICATE
Courses were delivered
Fall 2012: 278 participants
Next Steps:
Winter 2013: 259 participants
ABORIGINAL SEXUAL
VIOLENCE COMMUNITY
RESPONSE INITIATIVE (ASVCRI)
The ASVCRI is an OFIFC led, multi-year
project in partnership with the Aboriginal
caucus of the Joint Working Group.
Deriving from the Aboriginal Sexual
Violence Action Plan, the project will
consider every member of the community
that is affected starting with the victim;
then the abuser; the families of both
the victim and abuser; and then the
community that has been a witness to
the abuse. A four-year pilot project, the
Aboriginal Sexual Violence Community
Response Initiative, will seek to track
institutional practices in Hamilton,
Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Six Nations of
the Grand River starting in 2013/14.
38
20
2015
The first certificates
will be awarded to
graduates
FRIENDSHIP CENTRE TRAINING AND SUPPORT
5 Sessions; Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
6 Sessions; Lateral Violence Training
10 Sessions; Water Teachings
11 Board Orientations
4 Executive Director Orientations
1 Strategic Planning Session
2-Day Annual General Meeting Training for all Ontario
Friendship Centre Executive Directors and Board Presidents
18 Friendship Centres completed Financial Literacy Training

27
TC-LHIN
Training Sessions
617
participants
ABORIGINAL CULTURAL COMPETENCY TRAINING (ACCT)
“This workshop should be brought to every educator.”
“I appreciate that it wasn’t about blame, but moving forward.”
“Best workshop I have attended. Very inclusive, respectful
and meaningful.”
8
Facilitators in ACCT
“The crucial conversations around issues that affect our
Aboriginal communities are important and needed in order to
move forward.”
Next Steps:

3 Financial Literacy Workshops to be delivered in Friendship Centre communities in Ontario
39
RESEARCH
Based on years of experience working
with urban Aboriginal communities and
with its values rooted in multigenerational
Indigenous knowledge, the OFIFC sees the
need to go further than most mainstream
Participatory Action Research models
to recognize and practice communities’
inherent rights to exercise full control over
any research project in which they are
involved. In a community-driven research
model (as opposed to a community-based
or placed models), communities have full
control over research priorities, research
processes, resources, methodologies,
decision-making and any actions coming
out of research.
URBAN ABORIGINAL
TASK FORCE PHASE II: U-ACT
(URBAN ABORIGINAL
COMMUNITIES THRIVE)
“BUILDING CAPACITY
WITHIN URBAN ABORIGINAL
COMMUNITIES”
Research Sites
North Bay Indian Friendship Centre
2. Indian Friendship Centre
(Sault Ste. Marie)
3. Timmins Native Friendship Centre
1.
2 Year Project
Completed Year 1
3142 Aboriginal and non-aboriginal
community members, service providers
and community and political leaders
are involved in the process (all 3 sites)

Previous Research Projects
1981; Original Task Force on Native People
2007; Urban Aboriginal Task Force (UATF)
U-ACT teams are developing a nuanced
understanding of the strengths and assets of
urban Aboriginal people across Ontario
This process is driven and voiced by the community
USAI Research Framework (2012) is used as a methodological guide
This action oriented research project addresses communitydetermined needs and priorities through an asset-based
approach, focusing on the strength and resiliency of these
communities and their individual members to overcome
challenges in manner that can inspire positive change and
social transformations.

Year 1 Outcomes
Establishment of Community Action Circles
(CACs) and Youth Action Circles (YACs);
Mobilization of the community to effectively address social
exclusion and increase cross cultural awareness to promote
greater respect for and understanding of Aboriginal cultures;
Identification of practical opportunities to increase
positive social visibility of Aboriginal people in
their urban and northern communities;
Collection of pertinent data through asset-based
research activities, which highlight the strengths and
contributions the urban Aboriginal community has made
in North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, and Timmins; and
Creation of optimal economic, social, and educational
opportunities for all members of the community, including
children, youth, women, and seniors.

Recommendation 1:
Support community capacity and strengths by investing in
initiatives and programs that effectively build social capital.
Recommendation 2:
Create and resource reliable mechanisms to promote social inclusion.
Recommendation 3:
Create tangible life opportunities for Aboriginal youth.
40
AKWE:GO WHOLISTIC
LONGITUDINAL STUDY (AWLS)
5 Friendship Centres:
Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre
Niagara Regional Native Centre
3. N’Swakamok Friendship Centre
4. Red Lake Indian Friendship Centre
5. Timmins Native Friendship Centre
1.
2.
Evaluates long-lasting impacts of the Akwe:go
program on individual participants
Uses qualitative and quantitative methods
Main design is qualitative and assessesthe influence
of individualized supports and factors that have
had a positive impact on the following areas:

Wholistic Plan of Care
2. Education
3. Sense of Belonging
4. Healthy Choices
1.
59 children, parents and workers completed interviews
The OFIFC’s submission, Akwe:go Wholistic Longitudinal
Study, Applying Principles of Utility, Self-Voicing, Access and
Inter-Relationality, was presented at the Indigenous Education
Summit in October 2012.

Next Steps:
Further mobilize CACs and YACs
to engage more segments of the
communities, reaching deeper into
the development of partnerships
and economic alliances, and
capitalizing on community
strengths, champions, and allies.
Delve deeper to examine contributions
of urban Aboriginal people in North
Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, and Timmins
to understand what constitutes a
“success” for the communities.
All three sites will also be working on
community development strategies,
creating favourable socio-cultural
conditions to implement them, at
the same time, promoting social
inclusion and positive visibility of
urban Aboriginal communities.

The Longitudinal Cycle:
Follows a sample of Akwe:go clients in the
initial age range 6 to 10 for 20 years
Field research activities every 3 years (starting in September 2012)

Intended Outcomes:
Evaluate improved policy development and enhanced
programming for urban Aboriginal children/youth
Demonstrate the advantages of culture based services

Areas of Focus in 2013-14
Data entry and analysis
Full report detailing findings and analysis
Plain language summary for parents and children
Presentation at each Friendship Centre on study findings

41
PHASE I - Knowledge Gathering - to develop, maintain, and
evaluate a network of knowledge keepers and practitioners
PHASE II - Knowledge Application - applying the knowledge
to existing culture-based programming
A joint initiative between the OFIFC and the Centre for
Research on Inner City Health (St. Michael’s Hospital)
Started in 2009/2010
Completed Year 4 of a four year project

Research Activities Completed
Knowledge Gathering Phase (KGP) completed
2. Knowledge Application Phase (KAP): Applying
oral history knowledge through culturally
grounded programming completed
3. Community Research Report
4. Final Network Gathering
1.
Outcomes/Findings of the Research
THE INDIGENOUS
KNOWLEDGE
NETWORK FOR
INFANT, CHILD AND
FAMILY HEALTH (IKN)
Goal; to enhance First Nations and Métis
infant, child and family health in Ontario
and Saskatchewan by developing an
Indigenous knowledge network to gather,
synthesize, and apply locally relevant
Indigenous and public health knowledge
to culture-based parenting and infant/
toddler health promotion programs.
4 FRIENDSHIP CENTRES THAT
ARE PART OF THE INDIGENOUS
KNOWLEDGE NETWORK:
Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre
2. N’Swakamok Native Friendship Centre
3. Odawa Native Friendship Centre
4. United Native Friendship Centre
1.
42
1.
A network of First Nations (Algonquin and Iroquoian
language groups), urban Aboriginal and Métis front line
health workers, policy makers, and knowledge keepers
as well as Indigenous academics (public health, primary
care, health promotion, First Nations and Métis history
and culture) developed, maintained, and evaluated.
2.
An international systematic review of Indigenous
culture-based parenting and infant/toddler health
promotion programs conducted and the results
shared with community based network members.
3.
Existing locally relevant baseline public health
data sources that can be used by community
based network members in the evaluation of their
programs assessed and further developed.
4.
Community based network members supported in the
uncovering and archiving of Indigenous infant, child,
and family health knowledge from their communities
of origin or current work using oral history.
5.
Community-based network members supported in the
articulation of underlying local core values, attitudes,
knowledge, and skills regarding infant, child, and
family health as well as local contextual and system
factors that influence health programming.
BIDWEWIDAM
BREAKING FREE,
INDIGENOUS
BREAKING THROUGH
MASCULINITIES (BIM) A research project in partnership with the Ontario Native
To build upon partnerships and
research capacity to explore research,
programming, and traditional/historical
perspectives on Indigenous masculinities
and identities.

Initiated in 2011; funded by SSHRC
Collaborators:
Native Youth Sexual Health
Network (NYSHN)
Indigenous Scholars at
Wilfred Laurier University and
University of Saskatchewan
Elders and Indigenous communities

Research Team Achievements:
Completion of literature review
Website completed to engage
parties in discussion and
facilitated networking
Presented BIM 4th Annual Native
American and Indigenous Studies
Association (NAISA) in June 2012
Completed knowledge
gathering phase
A community-friendly document is
ready for publication

Next Steps:
The creation of an anthology
of relevant papers
Papers and presentations
Phase II; project identification
and design

Women’s Association (ONWA), is guided by the Indigenous artsinformed approach of izhichigaade (they make it a certain way),
which is examining the experiences of Aboriginal women in
Ontario while attempting to retreat and heal from violence.
Initiated in 2012
2 year project

Preliminary Networks:
Ottawa
2. Fort Frances
3. Hamilton
4. Timmins
1.
Examines barriers (social, economical and
institutional) that Aboriginal women must “break
through” in order to escape violence and create
a physically, mentally, emotionally,spiritually,
economically, and socially secure environment
Create a space where Aboriginal women feel empowered
Conduct Indigenous gendered analysis of VAAW
Create awareness about the barriers Aboriginal women face
when escaping and healing from violence

AREAS OF FOCUS IN 2013-14
The primary milestones associated with the ‘Breaking Free,
Breaking Through’ project are: (1) creation of provincial network
of participating organizations; (2) the creation and launch of an
interactive online data collection and analysis website (3) an inperson launch of phase one of data collection at four designated
sites; (4) phase two of data collection initiated; (5) creation of
research report; And (6) launch of an awareness campaign on
VAAW containing imagery and words from interactive website
43
OUR HEALTH COUNTS
Goal; work with provincial urban First Nations, Inuit and
Métis organizations & the Ministry of Health and Long Term
Care to adapt Ontario’s health information collection system
so that it provides accessible, useful, and culturally relevant
urban Aboriginal population health data to local, small
region, provincial and federal policy makers.

Launched in March 2008 as Our Health Counts – Baseline
Population Health Database for Urban Aboriginal People
in Ontario
2011
Official press launch of the Our Health Counts: Urban
Aboriginal Database Project Community Report: First
Nations Adults and Children, City of Hamilton.
For the first time basic population health measures such
as health care access, chronic disease and disability,
Aboriginal specific services, and housing of First Nation
adults and children living in Hamilton Ontario are reported

2012
The Métis Nation of Ontario (Ottawa)
completed a draft report
Tungasuvvingat Inuit (Ottawa) have completed their
research goals and completing the final report

44
Key Findings from Our Health
Counts: Urban Aboriginal Database
Project Community Report: First
Nations Adults and Children, City
of Hamilton:
Almost 80 per cent of the
First Nations people living in
Hamilton earn less than $20,000
per year and 70 per cent live
in the poorest neighborhoods
compared with 25 per cent of
the total Hamilton population.
This poverty is accompanied by
challenges in access to housing
and food security. Ninety per
cent of First Nations people in
Hamilton have moved once in
the last five years and over 50
per cent moved three or more
times in the last five years.
First Nations people in Hamilton
live with a disproportionate burden
of chronic disease and disability.
Rates of diabetes are 15.6 per cent
– more than three times – that of
the total Hamilton population.
Compared to the general
population, First Nations people
living in Hamilton were more
than twice as likely to visit an
emergency room, 25 times
more likely to report living in
a crowded condition and had
children who were more than
twice as likely to have asthma

URBAN ABORIGINAL
KNOWLEDGE
NETWORK (UAKN)
UAKN is a national partnership for
research, scholarship and knowledge
mobilization, on matters of importance to
urban Aboriginal peoples.

$2.5 million Grant from SSHRC
Over a 5 year period
Awarded to:
National Association of Friendship Centres
(NAFC) and Aboriginal Affairs and
Northern Development Canada (AANDC)
Administered by:
Trent University
Four Regional Research Centres:
British Columbia
The Prairies
3. Central Canada
4. Atlantic Canada
1.
2.
Partnerships:
ODENA (Quebec research network)
Regroupement des centres d’amitie
autochtones due Quebec (Provincial/
Territorial Association of the National
Association of Friendship Centres)

Research Themes:
Human Development; needs and
outcomes of individuals and families
2. Social Cohesion; community
well-being, education, justice
3. Economic Development; economic
participation, Employment,
entrepreneurship, income
4. Civic Engagement; political ownership
1.

UAKN developed guiding ethical
principles based on the existing
Aboriginal ethical pieces, which
include the OFIFC’s USAI Framework
OFIFC’S ROLE
OFIFC’s Executive Director chairs the Executive
Committee of the Ontario/Quebec Research
Centre and the Aboriginal Advisory Circle
OFIFC works with Friendship Centres to identify local
priorities and develop community-driven research projects.
3 locally developed research projects were
approved for development and implementation
in the Central Canada Region:
1. Peterborough
2. Sudbury
3. Thunder Bay

AREAS OF FOCUS IN 2013-14

The OFIFC and the UAKN will host a research symposium in
Toronto in October 2013 to solidify research focus areas.
45
ONTARIO FEDERATION OF INDIAN FRIENDSHIP CENTRES
Statements of financial position
as at March 31, 2013, March 31, 2012 and April 1, 2011
Assets
Current assets
Cash
Grants receivable (Note 4, pages 10 and 11)
Accounts receivable
Prepaid expenses
Capital assets (Note 5, page 12)
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Bank overdraft
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Note 11, page 16)
Excess funding (Note 6, pages 13 and 14)
Demand loan (Note 7, page 15)
Due to Friendship Centres
Loan payable (Note 8, page 15)
Deferred revenue (Note 9, page 16)
Fund Balances
Unrestricted
Invested in capital assets
46
March 31,
2013
March 31,
2012
(Note 2)
April 1,
2011
(Note 2)
$
$
$
1,284,014
3,248,540
769,610
22,010
5,324,201
5,404,474
641,589
63,660
6,109,723
585,467
4,921,743
560,669
151,530
6,219,409
7,144,940
12,469,141
7,016,987
13,126,710
5,377,236
11,596,645
1,946,570
2,316,420
650,329
484,019
5,397,338
406,503
1,241,809
1,496,641
1,425,000
875,462
151,202
607,953
6,204,570
1,684,717
877,756
548,256
281,256
1,457,969
4,849,954
(73,137)
7,144,940
7,071,803
12,469,141
1,481,355
5,440,785
6,922,140
13,126,710
1,650,711
5,095,980
6,746,691
11,596,645
Statements of operations
years ended March 31, 2013, and March 31, 2012
2013
Budget
(Unaudited)
Actual
2012
Budget
(Unaudited)
Actual
(Note 2)
$
Revenue
Federal funding
Provincial funding
NAFC funding
Management fees and administration
(Note 10, page 16)
First Peoples Fund (Note 12, page 16)
Other funding partners
Transferred from/(to) deferred revenue
Expenses
Salaries and remuneration
Purchased services
Committee expenses
Operating expenses
Training and workshops
Travel
Distributions to centres
Management fees
Transferred (to)/from excess funding
Excess of
revenue over expenses
$
$
$
9,084,863
27,605,526
1,551,354
9,084,863
27,535,137
1,551,354
8,997,824
25,780,091
1,725,746
8,997,824
25,780,092
1,725,746
1,783,370
4,667,721
342,214
358,196
45,393,244
1,783,370
4,877,175
340,419
(25,825)
45,146,493
1,695,268
2,951,373
198,576
721,522
42,070,400
1,695,268
3,077,064
198,576
461,425
41,935,995
6,209,045
761,805
287,051
5,111,024
2,700,188
833,821
27,697,252
1,793,614
45,393,800
(556)
45,393,244
6,152,249
749,749
251,463
5,109,710
2,494,318
679,749
26,624,151
1,784,614
43,846,003
1,150,827
44,996,830
6,092,105
670,825
329,878
4,393,669
1,413,785
994,568
27,038,645
1,525,804
42,459,279
(388,879)
42,070,400
5,954,197
681,358
327,398
4,193,784
1,431,363
971,216
26,995,207
1,525,806
42,040,329
(279,783)
41,760,546
-
149,663
-
175,449
47
Statements of changes in fund balances
year ended March 31, 2013
Balances, beginning of year,
As previously reported
Impact of the adoption of the new
accounting standards (Note 2)
As restated
Excess of revenue over expenses
(expenses over revenue)
Additions to capital assets
Repayment of loan payable
Repayment of demand loan
Balances, end of year
Unrestricted
Invested
in capital
assets
Total
$
$
$
1,481,355
2,141,369
3,622,724
1,481,355
3,299,416
5,440,785
3,299,416
6,922,140
316,640
(294,930)
(151,202)
(1,425,000)
(73,137)
(166,977)
294,930
151,202
1,425,000
7,144,940
149,663
7,071,803
year ended March 31, 2012
2012
Balances, beginning of year,
As previously reported
Impact of the adoption of the new
accounting standards (Note 2)
As restated
Excess of revenue over expenses
(expenses over revenue)
Additions to capital assets
Repayment of loan payable
Proceeds from demand loan
Balances, end of year
48
(Note 2)
Unrestricted
Invested
in capital
assets
$
$
$
1,650,711
1,841,110
3,491,821
1,650,711
3,254,870
5,095,980
3,254,870
6,746,691
269,138
(1,733,440)
(130,054)
1,425,000
1,481,355
(93,689)
1,733,440
130,054
(1,425,000)
5,440,785
175,449
6,922,140
Total
FUNDERS
PROVINCIAL
Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs (MAA)
Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG)
Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS)
Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration (MCI)
Ministry of Community and Social Services – Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy (MCSS – AHWS)
Ministry of Education – Aboriginal Education Office (EDU - AEO)
Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC)
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTC)
Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU)
Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association (ONPHA)
Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF)
Ontario Women’s Directorate (OWD)
Toronto Central Local Health Integrated Network (TC-LHIN)
Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brantford Local Health Integrated Network (HNHB LHIN)
FEDERAL
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC)
Department of Justice (DOJ)
Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
Service Canada
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)
Urban Aboriginal Strategy (UAS)
PRIVATE
TD Financial Literacy Grant Fund
PARTNERS
National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC)
Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)
Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO)
Chiefs of Ontario (COO)
Independent First Nations (IFN)
George Brown College
Negahneewin College
COLLABORATORS
FASD ONE: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Ontario Network of Expertise
Human Rights Legal Support Centre (HRLSC)
Kidsport
Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services (MCSCS)
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH)
Native Youth Sexual Health Network (NYSHN)
Northern Ontario Service Deliverers Association (NOSDA)
Ontario Municipal Social Service Association (OMSSA)
Right to Play (RTP)
49
ONTARIO FEDERATION
OF INDIAN FRIENSHIP CENTRES
ORGANIZATION CHART
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
CAPACITY SUPPORT
DIRECTOR
TRAINING INITIATIVES
COORDINATOR
CORE SUPPORT TRAINER
SOCIAL ECONOMY
CAPACITY COORDINATOR
HEALTH PROGRAM
MANAGER
HEALING & WELLNESS
MANAGER
URBAN ABORIGINAL
COMMUNITY ACTIVATOR
URBAN ABORIGINAL
COMMUNITY ACTIVATOR
URBAN ABORIGINAL
COMMUNITY ACTIVATOR
URBAN ABORIGINAL
COMMUNITY ACTIVATOR
URBAN ABORIGINAL
COMMUNITY ACTIVATOR
URBAN ABORIGINAL
COMMUNITY ACTIVATOR
URBAN ABORIGINAL
COMMUNITY ACTIVATOR
URBAN ABORIGINAL
COMMUNITY ACTIVATOR
URBAN ABORIGINAL
COMMUNITY ACTIVATOR
JUSTICE
INITIATIVES MANAGER
CHILDREN & YOUTH
PROGRAM MANAGER
URBAN ABORIGINAL
COMMUNITY ACTIVATOR
URBAN ABORIGINAL
COMMUNITY ACTIVATOR
URBAN ABORIGINAL
COMMUNITY ACTIVATOR
URBAN ABORIGINAL
COMMUNITY ACTIVATOR
URBAN ABORIGINAL
COMMUNITY ACTIVATOR
URBAN ABORIGINAL
COMMUNITY ACTIVATOR
URBAN ABORIGINAL
COMMUNITY ACTIVATOR
URBAN ABORIGINAL
COMMUNITY ACTIVATOR
URBAN ABORIGINAL
COMMUNITY ACTIVATOR
URBAN ABORIGINAL
COMMUNITY ACTIVATOR
URBAN ABORIGINAL
COMMUNITY ACTIVATOR
URBAN ABORIGINAL
COMMUNITY ACTIVATOR
URBAN ABORIGINAL
COMMUNITY ACTIVATOR
URBAN ABORIGINAL
COMMUNITY ACTIVATOR
EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING
PROGRAM MANAGER
50
URBAN ABORIGINAL
COMMUNITY ACTIVATOR
URBAN ABORIGINAL
COMMUNITY ACTIVATOR
URBAN ABORIGINAL
COMMUNITY ACTIVATOR
URBAN ABORIGINAL
COMMUNITY ACTIVATOR
FRIENDSHIP CENTRES
EXTERNAL
COMMITTEES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
INTERNAL
COMMITTEES
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
POLICY DIRECTOR
FINANCE DIRECTOR
RESEARCH DIRECTOR
HEALTH POLICY ANALYST
OFFICE
MANAGER
DATA & RESEARCH ANALYST
CUSTODIAN/MAINTENANCE
BOOKKEEPER (CORE)
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
(CHILDREN & YOUTH IINITIATIVES)
BOOKKEEPER (EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING)
(HEALING & WELLNESS / JUSTICE)
BOOKKEEPER (CHILDREN & YOUTH)
(HEALTH)
BOOKKEEPER (HEALING & WELLNESS)
(TRAINING INITIATIVES)
BOOKKEEPER (HEALTH)
(EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING/POLICY)
BOOKKEEPER (JUSTICE)
(FINANCE)
BOOKKEEPER (PAYROLL)
MENTAL HEALTH POLICY ANALYST
CHILDREN & YOUTH
POLICY ANALYST
HOMELESSNESS POLICY ANALYST
URBAN ABORIGINAL ISSUES
POLICY ANALYST
HOUSING POLICY ANALYST
LABOUR FORCE POLICY ANALYST
TRADES & APPRENTICESHIP
POLICY ANALYST
EDUCATION POLICY ANALYST
EDUCATION POLICY ANALYST
POST-SECONDARY
(CORE)
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
JUSTICE POLICY ANALYST
RECORDS MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR
OFFICE
ASSISTANT
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
OFFICE
ASSISTANT
VAAW POLICY ANALYST
COMMUNICATIONS & SOCIAL
MEDIA OFFICER
ABORIGINAL CULTURAL COMPETENCY
EDUCATION COORDINATOR
May 2013
51
OFIFC
75 Staff
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Accreditation; we
monitor all sessions on Indigenous Knowledge
Sylvia Maracle, OFIFC Executive Director; received Honorary Law Degree, Guelph University
OFIFC Women’s Hand Drum Group drummed at Premier Wynne’s Swearing
In Ceremony at the Ontario Legislature in February 2013
Designated Health Service Provider (HSP) by Ontario’s Local Health Integrated Network (LHIN)
Accredited College Certificate Program in Aboriginal Community Development through
George Brown College and Negahneewin College (Confederation College)

MODEL FRIENDSHIP CENTRE AWARDS
The Model Friendship Centre Award recognizes the valuable contributions of Friendship Centres in Ontario that
positively impact the quality of life of urban Aboriginal people in their community. Three Friendship Centres are
declared ‘winners’ and an additional three receive honorable mentions.
WINNERS
Timmins Native Friendship Centre
Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre
United Native Friendship Centre
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
N’Swakamok Friendship Centre
Dryden Native Friendship Centre
Niagara Regional Native Centre
52
OFIFC BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Sheila McMahon, President
Gary Sutherland, 1st Vice-President
Marie Meawasige, Secretary
Jaynane Burning-Fields, 2nd Vice-President
Glenda Dunn, Treasurer
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Atikokan – Allan Bruyere
Barrie – Gary Sutherland
Cochrane – Jack Solomon
Dryden – Shelley Toft
Fort Erie – Terry Diabo
Fort Frances – Arman Jourdain Sr.
Geraldton – Lloyd Michon
Hamilton – Susan Barberstock
Kapuskasing – Sue Piche
Kenora – Leana Leask
Kingston – Anne Marie Wilson
London – Al Day
Midland – Bruce Sandy
Moosonee – Vacant
Niagara-on-the-Lake – Jaynane Burning-Fields
North Bay – Dot Beaucage-Kennedy
Ottawa – Shirley Gagnon
Owen Sound – Adrian Nadjiwon
Parry Sound – Glenda Dunn
Peterborough – Wendy Phillips
Red Lake – Albert Sandberg
Sarnia-Lambton – Naomi Wilson
Sault Ste. Marie – Cathy Syrette
Sioux Lookout – Carolyn Goodman
Sudbury – Marie Meawasige
Thunder Bay – Bernice Dubec
Timmins – Gary Martin
Toronto – Andrea Chrisjohn
Windsor – Kateri Garvey
OFIFC/OAYC Relations,
Youth Representative – Josse Michel
NAFC-AYC Relations,
Youth Representative – Jolene John
NON-FC DELIVERY SITES
At^lohsa: Native Family Healing Services Inc.
Anishnabeg Outreach
Brantford Employment Unit
Brantford Native Housing
Can Am Urban Non-Profit Homes
Enaahtig Healing Lodge
John Howard Society
Kagita Mikam (Kingston, Peterborough, Ottawa)
Minwaashin Lodge
MoCreebec
Native Canadian Centre of Toronto
Native Women’s Resource Centre
Ontario Native Women’s Association
Ottawa Inuit Children’s Centre
Renfrew County Employment Unit (Pembroke)
Tewegan Transition House
Tungasuvvingat Inuit
Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health
Whitefish River First Nation
Wikwemikong First Nation
53