The purpose of this program is to develop a series of five or six (5-6) groups that will feed into one another beginning with pre/post natal and completing with young adults. Each group will be a combination of nine (9) sessions per group, meeting weekly, unless otherwise identified, in order to provide time for each lesson to have an impact. Each group will focus on Traditional teachings around developmental learning, Spiritual markers and lessons, as well as attaining Cultural milestones for that age group.
By utilizing Traditional teachings around natural justice, child-rearing, familial responsibilities and community roles it is our hope that we will be able to offer youth the tools to develop a strong sense of identity, stronger boundaries, and with a wider understanding of their position in the world as an Indigenous person, mitigate opportunity for risky behaviour and harmful decision making. Throughout this process, we are also soliciting opportunities for participants to develop a strong sense of community, pride and build important relationships.
Phase I:
Work with pre/postnatal Indigenous youth for the purposes of a strong secure attachment between child and caregiver The focus is on touch, sound and smell. Traditional storytelling, caregiving practices and ceremony will mold this group. This is the Eastern Quadrant with a strong focus on safety and joy. This also has a focus on the Western Quadrant that will be addressed as the provider/parent.
Phase II:
Work with daycare centres, early years centres or similar child development programs to integrate this nine (9) week group into their curriculum. This will have a greater focus on attachment between the child and caregiver, with the addition of adding additional elements into the dynamic in order to provide opportunities of trust and dependency. The focus is on space, language and sight. Traditional storytelling, community and ceremony will mold this group. This is a continuation of the Eastern Quadrant with a strong focus on courage, trust, identity and security.
Phase III:
Work with elementary schools, after-school programs and extracurricular activities to integrate this nine (9) session group into their ongoing practices. This will have a focus on competency. This group will focus on developing a sense of independence, encouraging curiosity, accomplishment, and working with peers to attain an end goal or project. The focus is on textile activities and cooperative dynamics. Traditional storytelling, community roles and cooperation and ceremony will mold this group. This is the Southern Quadrant with a strong focus on truth and beginning of the importance of relationships.
Phase IV:
Work with youth programs, schools, afterschool programs, extracurricular activities and homework clubs to collaborate on integrating the nine (9) session program into their schedule. This group will have a focus on loyalty, peer relationships, role models and mentorship. Cooperative activities, land-based work, land-based knowledge exchange, Traditional storytelling and ceremony will mold this group. This is a continuation of the Southern Quadrant with a focus on challenging information and the development of long-lasting relationships.
Phase V:
Work with high schools, foster homes, group homes, alternative schools and youth programs to integrate this nine (9) session group into their program. The focus of this group is to elevate the importance of work, responsibility, community and providing for others. Land-based work, knowledge exchange, ceremony, storytelling and being assigned tasks to perpetuate the importance of community integration and supporting one another. This is the initial stage into the Western Quadrant with a strong focus on the importance of work, taking care of others and responsibility
Phase VI:
This group is designed to connect youth with Traditional Knowledge Keepers, Healers and their Elders. Knowledge exchange, respect, responsibility and ceremony will be the foundation of the final group. This occupies both the Western Quadrant, as it guides young adults into adulthood, as well as the Northern Quadrant in response to the guidance and knowledge that comes from partnering the youth with their Elders.