News Releases
UAS Funding Will Support 22 Aboriginal Pilot Projects In Edmonton
[March 27, 2007]
 Download PDF
Urban Aboriginal Strategy funding for 22 pilot projects worth over $700,000 was officially announced today for projects approved over the last six months by the Edmonton Housing Trust Fund’s Aboriginal Application Review Committee (AARC).
The projects will assist many urban Aboriginal people in the city of Edmonton with funding for children, youth and families. Many community-based Aboriginal organizations will benefit from today’s announcement through projects directed to developing their capacity through strategic planning, business plans, workshops and board development, areas that typically are not funded.
The money allocated to the 22 projects is part of a strategy to improve the quality of life for urban Aboriginal people. One of the most important aspects of the UAS is the emphasis being placed on local input into decision-making to address local priorities. The UAS follows a collaborative approach, bringing together various federal, provincial and municipal partners, along with community groups and Aboriginal organizations to develop and implement projects. In Alberta, the UAS is administered by the Office of the Federal Interlocutor (OFI) and is delivered by the Edmonton Housing Trust Fund. Projects that support urban Aboriginal children, youth and families are given higher priority by AARC.
“Today’s funding announcement is significant. This is the largest number of Aboriginal-based pilot projects we have announced for funding to date” said EHTF Chair Harvey Voogd. “The programs will provide capacity building opportunities to empower Aboriginal organizations, as well as assist youth and Elders in paving the way for quality of life enhancements,” added Voogd.
AARC is comprised of a dedicated group from Edmonton’s Aboriginal community, providing knowledge from a variety of sectors. “We are strengthening our community, enhancing the opportunities for Aboriginal families, children and organizations with today’s announcement” said AARC committee member Clayton Kootenay. “All of the funding recipients stand to benefit. More importantly, our people are creating a vibrant Aboriginal community that will continue to prosper,” Kootenay remarked.
Among the projects announced today is an Aboriginal basketball program for children aged 5-14 years. The project enhances a Canadian Heritage project that serves youth 15 – 24 years. The program developed by the Edmonton Native Basketball Association includes a spring basketball tournament in the city featuring eight teams of boys and girls aged 12-14.
A project developed to support cultural activities within the City of Edmonton will be completed by the Indigenous Elders Cultural Resource Circle. Land and a site will be developed in consultation with an Elders council and extensive community consultation. The Indigenous organization received $125,850 in UAS funding to develop the project.
Other projects announced today can be reviewed in the attached backgrounder. Each project recipient lists a contact person who will be available to answer questions regarding the specific project announcement. Six of the 22 projects announced for funding today were short term and have completed their programs under the funding arrangement provided UAS.
See backgrounder for further information on the Edmonton Housing Trust Fund partnership with the UAS and funding recipients.
For further information, contact:
Rob Martin, Executive Director
Edmonton Housing Trust Fund
(780) 496-2630
Rachelle Venne, UAS Coordinator
Edmonton Housing Trust Fund
(780) 944-5698
Wendy Stewart-Fagnan, Director Alberta
Western Economic Diversification Canada
URBAN ABORIGINAL STRATEGY
(780) 495-5776
ALBERTA BACKGROUNDER - URBAN ABORIGINAL STRATEGY
The federal Urban Aboriginal Strategy is intended to test new ideas on how to better respond, through partnership, to the local needs of urban Aboriginal people. Through these initiatives, federal and provincial officials, along with communities and Aboriginal organizations, will co-develop innovative solutions to address local urban Aboriginal priorities that cannot be undertaken through existing programs.
Three cities have been identified for pilot-project funding in Alberta: Edmonton, Calgary and Lethbridge. Implementation of the UAS will take a unique course in each city – a course that depends upon the priorities identified and stakeholders involved within each individual community.
The Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians is the lead Minister for the UAS and is supported by the Office of the Federal Interlocutor situated in the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs. In Alberta the UAS is administered by the Office of the Federal Interlocutor and delivered in Edmonton by the Edmonton Housing Trust Fund (EHTF). As the UAS delivery agent in Edmonton, EHTF and the Aboriginal Application Review Committee (AARC) identify potential UAS pilot projects in accordance with community priorities, and carry out due diligence, approval and monitoring of agreed-upon projects.
Through the federal UAS initiative, the EHTF received an investment of $3.7 million to provide for the delivery of UAS funds to successful proponents based upon the eligible funding criteria established for the UAS.
The Edmonton Housing Trust Fund and UAS
EHTF is a community-based organization that provides funding to a large range of organizations that provide housing and support services for the homeless and those at risk of homelessness in Edmonton, though a Community Plan and priorities determined by the community.
EHTF has an excellent track record of funding Aboriginal projects – 111 units of accommodation and $6.2 million since 2000 – through the Urban Aboriginal Homelessness Initiative and other EHTF funding sources.
For the UAS, EHTF is committed to an Aboriginal community-driven process, which recognizes the diversity and uniqueness of the urban Aboriginal people in Edmonton.
The Aboriginal Application Review Committee (AARC)
EHTF has established an Aboriginal Application Review Committee (AARC), made up of 7 Métis and First Nations people, to make UAS funding decisions based on the needs identified in the Community Plan and their experience and knowledge of the Aboriginal community.
In a priority setting exercise, AARC decided that pilot projects geared to Aboriginal children, youth and families would receive higher priority.
Efforts will focus on enhancing the capacity of Aboriginal organizations, to develop long-term strategies to address the complex issues facing urban Aboriginal people and building bridges between Aboriginal organizations and municipal, provincial and federal governments.
The goal of AARC is to utilize the UAS pilot project funding to better the lives of the people in our community and strengthen the relationships between Aboriginal organizations and governments.
How the Funding Works
Submissions are received on an on-going basis through an application form detailing the proposed pilot project, its cost and how it will address the needs of urban Aboriginal people in Edmonton. AARC decides which projects go forward for funding. The process takes approximately 16 weeks. Additional information is available on the EHTF web site at: www.ehtf.ca
BACKGROUNDER
Edmonton Native Basketball Assocation. – Native Sports Program
$52,020.00 Total Project - $52,020.00
Provide drop-in basketball programming to children aged 5-14. Deliver three weekend skill clinics in partnership with two other organizations. Coordinate the participation of eight teams (4 girls, 4 boys) aged 12-14 years in the Spring Thaw Basketball Tournament in Edmonton. Act as a resource for coaches, referees and other non-Aboriginal elements of established leagues, organizations and players to increase number of youth joining a community basketball team. Conduct community networking by ENBA staff and youth through presentations, communication strategy and the formation of a Youth Council to create awareness and obtain support from others.
Contact:
Allan Ross, Chairman
Edmonton Native Basketball Association
780.633.7174
Mahkoos Society – Alberta Venture Magazine and City of Edmonton
$6,250.00 Total Project - $12,500.00
Arrange for the hiring of up to 50 Aboriginal students based on career planning and suitability. Pay student employment related costs such as transportation costs, identification documents and work clothing to ensure they are able to participate. Conduct an evaluation of the program which identifies the gap in opportunities available to students and how this project addressed this need.
Contact:
Ken Ealey, Chair
Mahkoos Society of Alberta
780.477.2133
Aboriginal Women’s Professional Association – Board Development
$15,488.00 Total Project – $17,608.00
A consultant will be hired to produce a work plan that identifies the current role and organizational culture of Board and staff. It will foster increased understanding by Board members on what a board does and its relationship to staff, identification of expectations, development of board governance policies and practical methods for developing agendas and conducting meetings. Activities include the creation of an initial operating structure to implement the business plan, development of a communication plan and proposals to acquire funds. Research will be conducted to determine how many Aboriginal women are potential members in Edmonton with the intention of increasing membership to 100.
Contact:
Jori Hunter, Interim President
Aboriginal Women’s Professional Association
780.720.0354
Wasah’gam Consulting Corp. – Enhance FASD program
$47,635.00 Total Project – $50,135.00
The Project will enhance/expand the current delivery of the services provided to caregivers affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder through a new Family Circle that is inclusive of children, Men’s Circle, expansion of the Walking Together Circle to include younger people who are caregivers, are affected by FASD, having difficulty parenting or are at risk. The expansion also allows all individuals and family members connection to ceremonial activities. An evaluation of the enhanced services will be done to build a business case for continued funding.
Contact:
Charlotte Dion, CEO
Wasah’gam (Full Circle) Consulting Corporation
780.424.4839
Indigenous Elders Cultural Resource Circle – Cultural & Ceremonial land
$125,850.00 Total Project - $125,850.00
The capacity of a newly formed Indigenous Elders society will be developed to foster plans for a cultural & ceremonial site within the City of Edmonton. Land use and environment studies will be conducted and necessary legal and municipal approvals will be received to prepare the land for the proposed uses. The Elders Circle will develop a governance structure to ensure proper protocols, policies and procedures are in place to administrate and provide stewardship over the site. It will deal with all issues around land stewardship, administrative, and financial responsibilities. The larger community will be consulted on this project through focus groups, interviews and other community activities.
Contact:
Miranda Jimmy, Project Coordinator
Indigenous Elders Cultural Resource Circle
780.423.3367
Yellowhead Tribal College – Organizational Capacity Building
$25,000 Total Project - $25,000.00
A consultant will be hired to develop a five year business plan with input from staff, elders and students. This will build on the existing strategic planning conducted through a two-day workshop for the Executive of Chiefs, Post Secondary Education committee, elders and a two-day workshop for instructional and administrative staff. The staff will implement the business plan through new policies and procedures.
Contact:
Laverne Arcand, Director of Education
Yellowhead Tribal College
780.484.0303
Creating Hope Society – Board Development
$25,000.00 Total Project - $25,000.00
This is a new organization that is set up for Aboriginal people who were involved in the “60’s Scoop”, a period where many Aboriginal children were removed from their home by Child Welfare and placed in many non-Aboriginal families in western Canada. A consultant will be hired to work with the Board to produce a business plan that identifies the current role of the Board and staff; implementation plans for strategic goals and create an initial design of an operational structure for implementing the business plan. A communication plan and proposals for funding will be developed to create awareness and acquire funds.
Contact:
Bernadette J. Iahtail, President
Creating Hope Society
780.484.3744
Edmonton Financial Literacy Society – Training for Aboriginal people
$107,926.00 Total Project – $189,598.00
In a partnership with Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society, a workshop on financial literacy will be delivered for Aboriginal people. Aboriginal co-facilitators will be trained to deliver the workshop which has a revised curriculum geared to Aboriginal people. The result will be 10-12 Financial Literacy workshops with a minimum of eight participants in each class.
Contact:
Nigel Kidd, Executive Director
Edmonton Financial Literacy Society
780.944.1558
City of Edmonton – Aquatic Leadership: Nikanihew
$28,872.00 Total Project – $84,250.00
Facilitate the completion of aquatic certification programs to train Aboriginal youth in becoming swimming instructors and lifeguards. Utilize cultural teaching and support to assist in the development of the Aboriginal youth. Assist candidates in obtaining aquatic certifications including: Swimming strokes, water safety and rescue education, Bronze Medallion & Bronze Cross, Water Safety Instructor Assistant.
Contact:
Colleen Burton-Ochocki, Director
City of Edmonton
780.496.5840
Northern Alberta Alliance on Race Relations– Shared Spaced Program
$29,418.00 Total Project - $49,418.00
The project will provide education and support to Aboriginal parents and school personnel within the three Edmonton Public Schools: Rosslyn, McNally and Ross Sheppard. Parents and caregivers will meet individually and in groups to discuss problems with their children in the schools and at least two support groups lasting six weeks will be completed. To expand this service, NAAR will recruit, retain and train advocates. Other schools will be informed of this service and school staff and similar groups addressing racism will be encouraged to participate.
Contact:
Charlene Hay, Executive Director
Northern Alberta Alliance on Race Relations
780.425.4644
Sun & Moon Visionaries – Healing our Spirit Worldwide (HOSW) Conference
$46,647.00 Total Project - $53,647.00
Coordinate the participation of 55 urban Aboriginal youth and chaperones and 55 elders and helpers at HOSW and the participation of 10 urban Aboriginal Youth Artisans in the Indigenous Marketplace. Twenty Aboriginal Traditional Elders will participate in Wisdom Circles and Traditional Ceremonies. Daily transportation and luncheons for the 110 sponsored conference participants will also be included.
Contact:
Jaret Sinclair-Gibson, Executive Director
Sun & Moon Visionaries Artisan Society
780.433.3097
Two Spirit Circle of Edmonton Society
$12,500.00 Total Project – $20,850.00
The Society will host a Gathering for two-spirited individuals in Edmonton. Funding will allow registrants who may not be able to attend the gathering because of the registration fee.
Contact:
Warren Winnipeg, President
Two Spirit Circle of Edmonton Society
780.488.0767
Creating Hope Society – Future Gathering
$22,500.00 Total Project – $77,730.00
This Society will coordinate a gathering that includes the viewing of a documentary, various sharing circles, a banquet and resource sharing for Aboriginal people many involved in the “60’s Scoop”. EHTF funding will ensure participation of Aboriginal Edmontonians by sponsoring the registration fee. Information will also be gathered to determine how widespread the “scoop” was and how many survivors are in Edmonton.
Contact:
Bernadette J. Iahtail, President
Creating Hope Society
780.484.3744
Sun & Moon Visionaries Aboriginal Artisan Society– Strategic Planning
$25,000.00 Total Project – $35,475.00
This Aboriginal art society will hire business management consultants to conduct strategic planning meetings and workshop training sessions to develop a Strategic Business Management Plan. Organize and Host a series of community based training sessions on: Communication Information Systems for Artists, Marketing, Promotions and Media Relations.
Contact:
Jaret Sinclair–Gibson, Executive Director
Sun & Moon Visionaries Artisan Society
780.433.3097
Boyle Street Community Services – Building Capacity
$12,000.00 Total Project - $12,000.00
This inner city organization will enhance the services that they provide to the Aboriginal community though an event, networking and increasing access to elders for their clients. A round dance in memory of Aboriginal homeless people who have died will be held. Outreach services will be increased through attendance at round-dances and other community events to get out information to those in need of inner city services.
Contact:
Hope Hunter, Executive Director
Boyle Street Community Services
780.424.4106 ext.204
Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta– Staff Training
$25,000.00 Total Project - $150,000.00
A financial consultant will be hired to conduct the training and implementation for a training program that will assist front-line personnel in monitoring cash and expenditures, preparation and submission reports, to develop an asset management system for the organization. Although the organization is provincial, this training will increase the skills of employees in their Edmonton office and build the organizational capacity in the financial reporting and reporting areas.
Contact:
Ron Stevenson, CEO
Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta
780.444.9366
City of Edmonton Community Services – Proposal Development workshops
$14,500.00 Total Project - $29,000.00
The City of Edmonton will split the costs of this project to deliver a proposal writing workshop for Aboriginal non-profit organizations. An Aboriginal consultant will be hired to work with the City and other funders to develop a series of workshops on proposal writing. A community scan will be done on existing material and best delivery method for Aboriginal organizations to adapt content of the resource materials with the advice of potential funders. Three focus groups and consultations will be conducted to ensure the workshop will be appropriate and useful. A series of four workshops for Aboriginal organizations on Proposal Writing will be conducted, including one to train potential Aboriginal Trainers.
Contact:
Heather Seutter, Management Supervisor
City of Edmonton
780.496.6956
Mahkoos Society – Women’s Healing Circle
$9,070.00 Total Project - $12,870
An inner city women’s support and empowering circle for 8 – 12 Aboriginal women will be facilitated within this project. Weekly sharing circles and access to supportive resources such as a Psychologist and Life Skills Instructor will also be available.
Contact:
Ken Ealey, Chair
Mahkoos Society of Alberta
780.479.5847
University of Alberta, Native Studies – Research project
$45,008.00 Total Project - $52,008.00
Conduct a research project which investigates the Social capital of Aboriginal women when they come to the city. Research Partners and the University will utilize this information for future projects. A literature review, interviews and workshops will be completed as part of the research.
Contact:
Beverly Findlay
The Governors of the University of Alberta: For School of Native Studies
780.492.2991
Canadian Native Friendship Center – National Aboriginal Awareness Week
$10,000.00 Total Project - $38,000.00
Funds will assist in increasing the participation of the Edmonton Aboriginal community in the National Aboriginal Day celebrations on June 21, 2006. Investigating the opportunity the formation of a separate non-profit organization for future events will also be completed.
Contact:
Dean Brown, Assistant Director
Canadian Native Friendship Center
780.479.1999
Alberta Association of Aboriginal Music – Organizational Planning
$10,000.00 Total Project - $15,000.00
This new organization will receive funding to hire a consultant to facilitate planning with the Board. The mission of the organization is to promote excellence in Aboriginal music, both contemporary and traditional.
Contact:
Andre L’Hirondelle, President
780.421.7915
Edmonton Catholic School Board, Department of Life Long Learning
$16,980 Total Project - $27,530
Funding will be provided for a spring break cultural camp for youth attending the Partners for Youth Outreach School in east Edmonton. Youth will provide camping necessities; Hostelling International will exchange accommodation for picnic tables built by the students and teachers will volunteer as leaders.
Contact:
Rick Dombrosky, District Principal
780.944.2000
Total amount funded by UAS – $712,664.00
Download PDF
Return |      |
DYNACOR MEDIA