Maskwacis Boys Circle!

Video from the training we attended in San Francisco, CA. Hope to kick start this program here in Hobbema soon!

Girl Guides Video Soars!

The Girl Guides of Canada saw my Maskwacis Girl Guides Video and are now using it on their feed and also have other plans for its use! ALSO now they are planning on coming to Hobbema to check out the program, as it is the only Girl Guides on a reserve in Canada!

A Girl Guide gave this to me to hang in my office =)

Response to recent event

Many people have asked me to comment on the recent event here in Hobbema.

The media has a great tenancy to focus on the negative and to expand on that negative.

I believe in this community and I believe in the programs that Maskwacis Justice Society and other organizations offer.

During times like these it is easy to be overcome by negativity, however I will not be taken by this influence. Yes, this event is quite tragic and very upsetting, but I still have faith and see great potential in this community, and its programs.

I have no further comments.

Maskwascis Girls Guides!!!!!!!

Intro to San Francisco Trip!

This is just an intro, video about the Boys Circle Training is coming soon!

Girl Guides!

Monday was the last Girl Guides meeting until the fall. Although I only caught the tail end of this project, it was easy to see its success. The girls came running into the building with huge smiles on their faces looking forward to the evenings activities. The girls had a great relationship among each other and also the leaders. This program is a great opportunity for these girls to be involved in their community, learn new skills, and meet new people. They showed great respect and care for the instructors, which is great because these instructors are an excellent example of a positive role model and influence in their lives.

The girls taking turns reading some Cree aloud for the group

Horsemanship Program

Some of the youth up on the horses

Last week I spent out in the community at the Panee Agriplex where I was reviewing a program that Maskwacis Justice is looking to adopt under one of our Suicide Prevention Programs. The program is a horsemanship program, where youth have the opportunity to learn about and gain horsemanship skills. This program however, goes much beyond learning to ride a horse.
Relationship with animals and the environment are an important part of Aboriginal culture and this program allows youth to connect with the horse, as well as the horses spirit. It also teaches discipline as the youth are taught how to properly care for, handle, and treat the horses. All of this provides the youth an opportunity for healing, while reinforcing cultural values.
It was amazing to go in and check out this program, the kids were really enjoying themselves and Dion (the instructor) had a really great way to communicate to the kids as well as the horses. Their faces lit up when they got to hop on their horse, but also as they go to sit around and chat with the other youth in the community.
I see this program as having great potential and am very much looking forward to doing work with this program.

Dion doing an introduction for the kids

First the youth must pet and talk to the horse to develop a relationship with them

Dion wanted me to get a real 'feel for the program' through connecting with the horses too!