ONFC Annual Report

AKWE:GO PROGRAM
Report Contributors: Terri-Lynn Hoskins
Program Description:
The Akwe:go program provides urban Indigenous children aged 7-12 with support, tools and healthy activities which will
build upon and foster their inherent ability to make healthy choices. The objectives of delivery in Akwe:go are as follows:
Provision of Social supports, Children in Care, Health, Physical and Mental Development, Institutional Interventions and
support for children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) or other disabilities.
How we adjusted our program to deal with COVID-19: Akwe:go had to go virtual. All participants had the equipment needed
to continue online programming and for virtual schooling. Akwe:go supports families in person with supply drop offs and
emergency food.
Partnerships:
• We are Champions!: They have offered 10 scholarships to the Akwe:go youth (Girls aged 8-12). The youth girls have
water polo lessons/practice once a week. This program is not only teaching the youth about the sport, but also building
confidence, positive mental health, and healthy living support.
• Kids up Front: They continue to have multiple online sessions for youth that provide them with different themed weeks,
different educational activities, contests, etc. They had animal knowledge week, science week, math theme, “Get
moving!” days, etc.
• Let’s Talk Science!: They provide 30 science experiment kits once every two weeks. They provide both a Zoom link and
supplies so youth can follow along. These kits also include written instructions in case youth can’t connect to Zoom.
• Ottawa Network for Education: They drop off 30 food boxes at the beginning of each month for workers to distribute to
clients. These boxes include a month’s supply of breakfast and healthy snack foods for each child.
• Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG): They offer free spots in their Art Camp both virtually and in-person, every March Break and
Summer Break.
• The Caring and Sharing Exchange: This agency provides the youth of Odawa with brand new school backpacks, lunch
bags, and school supplies each year.
Success
Stories:
Children from two
separate families have
successfully had their
CAS files closed as a
result of being supported,
advocated for, and
connected with Akwe:go
and the community.
Children from one other
family are still involved
with CAS, but have been
reunified with their
family under supervision
from Akwe:go Program
Coordinator.
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