It Takes a Village…
Written by Cassie Licari & Dominique Houle on 28/05/10
Photo by Dominique Houle
On May 19th, DEAL.org had the opportunity to attend Making the Connection, an event put on by the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health in Ottawa, Ontario. The Wabano Centre provides health services to all Aboriginal cultures within the city of Ottawa. The care they provide is culturally-relevant to the spiritual needs of Aboriginal peoples. This centre also works to unite the community by educating them on important issues, and initiates social programs to help benefit the health of Aboriginal peoples (Wabano).
The event was put together to launch their new social initiative program called “I Am Connected,” which is a holistic drug prevention strategy for Aboriginal youth between the ages of 10 and 24. Using measures such as photography and art, youth can learn to express themselves creatively, and understand their power and potential as an individual.
Life skills and urban planning are also part of the program, where younger participants are mentored by older peers on making healthy life choices, developing positive attitudes and conflict resolution. Through group support, youth will learn how to build a healthy image of themselves and the community. Encouraging youth in a group setting reinforces the important aspect of peer support. This program is aimed to start this summer! (Wabano)
Another great part about this event was a speech given by Dr. Martin Brokenleg, an Aboriginal member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe and a world renowned author, professor and motivational/educational speaker (Circle of Courage Institute). Dr. Brokenleg spoke about ways to prevent youth from getting involved with drugs, and how to ensure youth feel and know they are important. He and his colleagues recognize the reasons why youth may turn to drugs, and he believes there are certain spiritual and inner reasons why some don’t. According to Dr. Brokenleg, the following factors (called “The Circle of Courage”) that youth need in order to be strong on the inside, so as to avoid illegal substances are;
- Belonging: The human need for belonging is universal. It is always important to make youth know they belong. Mentoring youth and community support is critical in letting them know you care, and that they are a part of something. “We know we are important if we belong,” says Dr. Brokenleg.
- Mastery: It is important for youth to discover their potential and capabilities. “Mastery isn’t getting something done,” says Dr. Brokenleg, “…it’s discovering what you can do.” It is about youth uncovering the meaning of their actions and their inner possibilities. It is also important to turn negative aspects about a youth, into positive ways to express themselves.
- Independence: This aspect is not about youth doing things on their own, but being responsible and accountable for their actions. It is letting natural outcomes teach youth valuable lessens instead of punishing them. Give them some power by allowing them to make their own choices sometimes, and compromise with them. This little bit of power helps them discover who they are. In the end, they will learn from the consequences of their decisions.
- Generosity: This aspect is to encourage youth to be generous and to give them the opportunities to do so. By doing this, it builds character within youth and fosters caring and compassionate qualities. Every human being has this potential within themselves.
(Courtesy of Dr. Martin Brokenleg)
Dr. Brokenleg’s speech made us see Aboriginal culture and youth empowerment from a new perspective. We have always had a deep respect for Aboriginal peoples and their spiritual and proactive ways of life, and this event has only furthered our appreciation and curiosity. Dr. Brokenleg believes in making sure every youth is accounted for and taken care of. He thinks it is everyone’s responsibility in the community to ensure youth have a bright future. “Somehow all kids are ours, they all belong to us,” said Dr. Brokenleg, “…it takes a village to raise a child.”
For more information on the “I Am Connected” program, visit the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health website for contact information. To learn more about Dr. Brokenleg’s perspective and other programs, check out Reclaiming Youth International.
Links
Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health
Reclaiming Youth International
Health Canada
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy
Circle of Courage Institute
Search Institute