ONFC Annual Report

WASA-NABIN
Report Contributor: Nim’keehns Wemigwans
Program Description:
The Wasa-Nabin program is grounded in cultural traditions providing a sense of belonging for urban Indigenous children
and youth ages 13 – 18. The program offers a variety of strategies such as one-on-one activities, group activities, leadership
opportunities and family circles to encourage positive behaviours and well-being. The program provides individualized
goals to enhance the child or youth’s area of need; supporting social skills, educational intervention, individuals with
disabilities, violence prevention, justice supports, children in care or at risk of being in the care of the Children’s Aid Society,
2SLGBTQQIA+ supports, and positive nutrition and physical activity practices. The Wasa-Nabin program provides a space
where urban Indigenous children and youth can feel safe to be themselves and accepted.
How we adjusted our Program to deal with COVID-19:
Moving programming to an online format utilizing Zoom and Google Meet to bring group and one-on-one programming to
the youth. Wasa-Nabin created an Instagram social media account to engage youth on a platform that they are accustomed
to and familiar with. Youth can also reach out and talk with the Wasa-Nabin program worker through the messages on
Instagram.
Partnerships:
• Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa
• Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health
• Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
• Urban Aboriginal Alternative High School
• William E. Hay Centre
Success Story:
With COVID-19 protocols in place, creating programming has been a challenge, but the Wasa-
Nabin program has had many participants join in different activities online. One being the Cultural
Photography contest that was done throughout the winter/spring of 2021. Near the end of the contest
the Program Coordinator had added two additional “challenges” to the contest, and all of the youth had
great enthusiasm in continuing on with the contest saying that it “gave them a reason to go outside on
the land and get creative. Rather than be inside on a computer all day.”
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