United Native Friendship Centre

November & December 2015 Newsletter

UNFC Contact Numbers

Main Building and

Circle of Life Centre 274-8541

Toll Free:

1-877-496-9034

Aboriginal Headstart:

274-7244

Fax Numbers

Main Building

516 Portage Avenue:

274-4110

Circle of Life Centre

616 Mowat Avenue:

274-4067

Aboriginal Headstart

308 Butler Avenue:

274-8500

www.unfc.org

United Native Friendship Centre Mission Statement

In recognition of the ever changing world in which we live, the United Native Friendship Centre is

dedicated to enhancing the lives of Native and Non-Native people in our community and surrounding

area. Its primary responsibility is to serve Aboriginal people with special services in the fields of social,

educational and cultural development while, at the same time, building a bridge of understanding between

Native and Non-Native people.

UNFC BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2015/2016

Richard Bird, President

Eugene McPherson, Vice President

Mike Jones, Secretary/Treasurer

Richard Bruyere, Board Member

Ernie Jones, Board Member

Armand Jourdain Sr, Board Member

Darwin Woods, Board Member

Sheila McMahon Executive Director

Judith Lindholm Program Director

Melanie McPherson Executive Assistant

Lori Devoe Secretary/Receptionist

Tamara Tamara Beyak Finance

Danielle Spuzak Homelessness Outreach Worker

Tara Henttonen Homelessness Outreach Assistant

Rose Marie Tuesday Healing & Wellness Worker

Reo Walton Healing and Wellness Worker

Tiffany Clifford-Smith Alcohol/Drug Worker

Larry Indian Youth Justice Worker

Steve Latimer Career Developer

Karen Chowhan Apatisiwin Employment Counsellor

Amanda Levesque Literacy Worker

Tracy Jensen Student Support Worker

Christa Bruyere Healthy Babies Worker

Kerry Zub Prenatal Nutrition Worker

Robert Bombay Criminal Court Worker

Traci Lockman Combined Court Worker

Angela Mihichuk Early Learning Program Lead

Charity McMahon Head Start Teacher

Dana Ward Head Start Teacher’s Assistant

Cassondra Caul Head Start Classroom Assistant

Wendy Kabel Head Start Cultural Family Worker

Kari McLean Head Start Resource Assistant

Mindy Taschuk Head Start Cook

Angela Fiset Head Start Driver/Maintenance

Karly Rousseau Family Support Worker

Kristen Kelly Family Support Worker

Shelly Mallet Family Support Worker

Aimee Beazley Healthy Living Worker

Terry McMahon Healthy Living Kids Worker

Ann Sinclair Life Long Care Worker

Diana Sharp Life Long Care Support Worker

Dorion Chambers Children’s Mental Health Worker

Rochelle Bird Akwe:go Worker

Kaleb Firth Wasa-Nabin Worker

Vacant Youth Employment Worker

November

Nov 8 – Dayton Tuesday Nov 12 – Albert Calder Nov 12 – Candace Gibbins Nov 18 – Danielle Spuzak Nov 21 – Lisa Gushulak Nov 25 – Janet Lee Nov 26 – Chelsea Beyak Nov 26 – Judy Councillor Nov 27 – Dave Chowhan

December

Dec 7 – Traci Lockman Dec 13 – Steve Latimer Dec 21 – Diana Sharp Dec 22 – Glenda Dufresne Dec 23 – Terry McMahon Dec 31 – Richard Bird Dec 31 – Peggy Sinclair

From the desk of the Executive Director

Boozhoo,

Well another season is upon us. Fall is such a beautiful time of year; Mother

Earth shows us her bright beautiful colours and all the changes that go along

with it. Our traditional drum has been feasted along with the bundles we carry.

The grandfather drum you see in our main building has a long history with the

Friendship Centre. I remember seeing the drum when I started working here

just over 28 years ago. It is here to take care of us and help the community we

serve. As an organization we sometimes struggle, as we are not perfect, but I

truly believe in our Friendship Centre and the people that work here.

I am very excited about the programs we have in place so I want to encourage

you to stop by or look at our website.

Now with the election over and a new Prime Minister of Canada we are hoping

the Friendship Centres across Canada will be supported by our newly elected

Liberal government.

As a Centre we will be reviewing and discussing how we can work together as

a community on the Truth and Reconciliation Recommendations. We have

started but we always look for suggestions from our members/Community.

We will be hosting the Veterans Day Powwow once again this year. It is on

November 11th

at the Couchiching Recreation Centre. So I hope to see you all

there to help us honour the Aboriginal Veteran’s that fought for us and peace

keepers that are serving today.

I always end my comments by inviting you in for a chat and cup of coffee. My

door is always open.

Yours In Friendship

Sheila McMahon,

Executive Director

Hello all; winter is coming and programs are

busy with many activities.

Sept-Oct Events/Activities:

UNFC programs had a busy fall with events

and activities including the following:

Back to school for Alternative Secondary

Education and Aboriginal Head Start

Thanksgiving luncheons

The Oct 23-24 UNFC Fall clothing

giveaway; thanks to the community’s

generosity, there were a lot of clothes

donated. Diabetes picked up the residue.

UNFC Fall Drum Feast

Various groups at local schools

Strong Women’s Circle, Residential Survivors

group, Craft Classes, Drumming, and Cribbage

Tournaments.

Program & Staff Update:

Kaleb Firth who was in the Youth Employment

program is now the Wasa-Nabin worker; we wish

Melonee Hunter well in her future endeavours

Karly Rousseau has moved on to the Fort Frances

Daycare; we wish her well in her new job

Throughout the fall/winter various staff are

attending training in Toronto.

Upcoming Events:

- Nov 11 Veterans Day Pow Wow at Couchiching

- Nov 28 is the Christmas Craft/Vendor Sale

- December 12 is the annual Stuff-a-Cruiser

- December will bring many winter/Christmas

events and activities (watch for the Christmas

bulletin.)

“Wishing you all a happy, healthy winter and Christmas

season!”

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

PROGRAM DIRECTOR NEWSLETTER

In Unity There is Strength

Respectfully Submitted by Judith Lindholm

As November approaches we begin to plan for Addictions

Awareness Week. Planning is still under way - however, we

do plan on having an evening of music, dancing and fun with

the Late Night Jammers on Thursday, November 19th, 2015

starting at 7:00p.m. at the Metis Hall. Watch

out for updates as more activities are

announced!!! For more information contact:

Tiffany Clifford-Smith – Aboriginal Alcohol and

Drug Worker – 274-8541

NOTICE:

The UNFC Offices will be CLOSED on

Wednesday, November 11th, 2015, in order for staff to prepare for our

Annual Veterans Day Powwow. If you would like to join us for this event

it is located at the Couchiching First Nation Multi-Use Centre. Doors

open at 4:00pm and Grand entry begins at 6:30pm.

Please join us!!

Alternative Secondary School Program

Just a reminder that all students registering for school must register with the Fort

Frances High School main office. If you require transportation to the high school to

register, please see Tracy Jensen. I take students every Tuesday morning.

The Alternative Secondary School Program will be closed for the Christmas break

from Monday December 21st until Friday January 1st. Classes will resume Monday

January 4th at 8:30 am.

For more information on our Secondary School Program, please see Tracy Jensen

at 516 Portage Avenue or by calling (807) 274-8541.

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R

Children’s Mental Health

Project

November / December

The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children…………….

Impact of Family Violence on Children

Children who live in situations of family violence can suffer immediate and

permanent physical harm, even death. They can also experience short-term and

long-term emotional, behavioral and developmental problems, Including anxiety,

depression, negative peer involvement and post-traumatic stress disorder.

It is now known that witnessing family violence is as harmful as experiencing it

directly. Often parents believe that they have shielded their children from

spousal violence, but research shows that children see or hear some 40% to 80%

of it. Children who witness family violence suffer the same consequence as those

who are directly abused. A child who witnesses spousal violence is experiencing

a form of child abuse.

Signs of Abuse and Family Violence

The effects of child abuse and family violence show up in many different ways.

These are just some of the signs: self-blame, feelings of guilt and shame, clinging,

extreme shyness, extreme and repetitive nightmares, loneliness, social

withdrawal, separation anxiety, fear of strangers, general fearfulness, anxiety and

phobias, feelings of being out of control, intrusive thoughts, insecure attachment

to parents and caregivers, loss of faith, truancy, running away, fighting with peers,

criminal offending, early use of drugs and alcohol, substance abuse,

developmental delay, headaches, stomach aches, bed wetting and soiling, eating

disorders, self-harm, thoughts of suicide, dissociation, inappropriate sexual

behavior, extremely low self-esteem, difficulty trusting others, difficulty in

problem-solving, relationship problems, high levels of anger and aggression,

violent when angry, and possibly a victim or perpetrator of violence in dating.

Interesting Websites:

http://www.kidsmentalhealth.ca

http://littlewarriors.ca

Up Coming Activities….. There are many activities being held for the months of November and December.

The Veteran's Day Powwow will be held November 11, 2015.

The UNFC Christmas community supper for all families and community members will be in December 9,

2015.

Keep posted by viewing the UNFC Website. http://www.unfc.org

Dorion Chambers

Children’s Mental Health Program

Phone: 807-274-8541

Fax: 807-274-4067

E-mail: dchambers@unfc.org

You are invited to the…

United NativeFriendship Centre

Membership

Christmas Dinner!!

Wednesday December 9th

, 2015

@ 5:30 p.m. @ Métis Hall

Santa will be stopping by with a

treat for the kids.

See you there!

NOTE:

The United Native Friendship Centre offices will be closed

for the Christmas Holidays on Friday, December 18, 2015

until Sunday, January 3, 2016.

We will resume regular business hours on

Monday, January 4, 2016 @ 8:30 a.m.

Just a

reminder of

the Fall back

time change

on Sunday

November 1st

at 2:00 a.m.

So

remember to

turn your

clocks back 1

hour.

Zaagi-daadaa My Dad Loves Me-Dad/Kids Group

4:00pm-5:00pm Monday’s Please contact us to sign-up & for details.

at The Zaagi-idiwin Aboriginal Headstart Program.

Call 274-8541 or 274-7244

Upcoming Dad & Kids group, coming in November 2015

@ 308 Butler Avenue

Please contact Wendy or Christa for details

or to sign up today!

United Native

Friendship Centre

Christmas Craft Sale

Place: Circle of Life Building

(616 Mowat Ave)

Date: Saturday, November 28, 2015

Time: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

We would like to invite crafters, bakers and

artisans from our community. There is NO fee

for a table but you must call and pre-register

before Friday November 20th.

Space is limited to 15 tables.

To register please call the United Native

Friendship Centre:

Rose (Healing & Wellness Worker) or

Lori (Reception) @ 274-8541

United Native Friendship Centre

“Stay Warm” Fundraiser Fleece Jackets - $35.00

Toques - $15.00

Stop by our 516

Portage Avenue

building to view

and purchase!

Greetings from the Adult Criminal Court Worker!

The Criminal Court-worker provides assistance to all Native people who are in conflict with the law,

whether they are Status, Non-Status or Metis. I also provide Aboriginal persons charged with an

offence with timely and accurate information about the justice system and how it works, ensuring that

the clients fully understand the nature of the charges brought against them, as well as referring them

to duty counsel or legal aid at the earliest stage of the criminal justice process. This includes referring

clients to appropriate legal resources as well as to appropriate social, education, employment, health,

Aboriginal community and other resources that may help to address underlying problems. Adult

Criminal Court workers actively serve as a liaison between criminal justice officials and Aboriginal

people and communities, by providing information and promoting communications and

understanding. Court Workers also help assess and interpret documents, forms and directions or

conditions given by the court officials.

The Court Worker also visits institutions such as area jails and open and secure custody facilities. I

also attend court in Rainy River regularly and in Atikokan when needed to provide services.

The Direct Accountability Program is a new program being offered through UNFC since January

2012. It is an alternative program for eligible adults who have been charged with minor criminal

offences. The program involves accused persons being held accountable through community-based

sanctions and then having their charges withdrawn if sanction(s) are completed.

Anyone over the age of 18 who is charged with a minor offense may qualify at the discretion of the

Crown. To be considered for this program, the accused must be willing to make amends to the

community for their offence through an assigned task or “sanction” as well as completing an

agreement, which outlines the terms of the sanction(s).

In the unlikely event that you run into trouble please do not hesitate to contact me or utilize the services being offered.

(807) 274-8541 Robert Bombay, Adult Criminal Worker

Aboriginal Healthy Babies Healthy Children

Keep your kids safe with these easy to share tips on staying safe during the cold winter!

Think layers. Put several layers of clothing on your child and make sure their head, neck and hands are covered. Dress babies and young children in one more layer than an adult would wear.

Beware clothing hazards. Scarves and hood strings can strangle smaller children so use other clothing to keep them warm.

Install alarms. More household fires happen during the winter so make sure you have smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home.

Get equipped. Children should always wear helmets when snowboarding, skiing, sledding or playing ice hockey. Any sports equipment should be professionally fitted.

Keep them hydrated. In drier winter air kids lose more water through their breath. Keep them drinking and try giving them warm drinks and soup for extra appeal.

Watch for danger signs. Signs of frostbite are pale, grey or blistered skin on the fingers, ears, nose, and toes. If you think your child has frostbite bring the child indoors and call your health care provider.

Sources: Save the Children, American Academy of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Health System

Upcoming Events for Healthy babies

Program

Zaa-gii-dadaa Fathers Group will be starting in

November

November 11th- Veterans Day Pow wow

November 12th – Community Kitchen

December 2nd – Christmas Baking

December 10th – Santa Lunch

Youth Justice Program Overview

The Youth Justice Program became part of the Centre’s service in July 2002 and became operational in Oct. 2002. This program is sponsored by the Attorney General of the

Province of Ontario and is intended to be used by the public at large.

What is the program about? This is an alternative justice program that offers a young offender an option to the regular

court system.

Who qualifies to use the program?

First time young offenders (12 - 17 yrs.), who have been accused of an offence, listed by the Attorney General, that has happened in the Fort Frances Court catchment area. These

are all non-violent offences which, for the most part involve property. Thefts Frauds etc. It is important that the young person takes full responsibility for their actions. This is in no

way intended to replace a trial. If there is doubt as to guilt or innocence, then the young person should stay in the court system.

How does a young person enter the program? There are two ways for this to happen. Pre-charge referral can come from the investigating

officer. Post-charge referral comes from the Crown Attorney. This only happens if the

victim is willing to take part in the process.

How does it work?

Each case is assigned to two of our trained facilitators. A meeting date, time and place is set and the Victim and their supporters, the offender and their parents and supporters and

our facilitators meet, to hold a Youth Justice Conference. The focus is to heal the harm done. Everyone gets a chance to speak, starting with the Young Person, who must tell

everyone what they did. The victim gets a chance to tell how they were affected. After all people have spoken uninterrupted, there is an opportunity for interaction. When everyone

is satisfied that they have discussed all aspects of what and why this happened, the group gets down to work and forms a resolution, through consensus. It is important to note that

this is about healing, more than punishment, although there must be consequences for the Young Person. In the end the Young Person must agree to comply with the resolution,

which is an agreement that they themselves have ownership in because they helped formulate it. The resolution must always include an apology, but may include any number

of things that the group has agreed to ie. Curfew, compensation, school work, personal or

public service. The list is not exhaustive. It can include anything that the group feels will help heal the situation and is agreed to by all.

What next? The Program Worker follows up to ensure compliance and when that has happened, the

matter is concluded. The occurrence is closed by the investigating officer or charge withdrawn by the Crown. Should a resolution not be reached or the Young Person fails to

comply with a resolution, then the matter is dealt with through normal means.

Contact: Larry Indian, Youth Justice Worker, Phone: 274-8541 ext. 292

Email: lindian@unfc.org The Youth Justice Program is at the Circle of Life Centre 616 Mowat Avenue, Fort Frances

Program Hours: Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m

URBAN ABORIGINAL HEALTHY LIVING PROGRAM

Starting: Nov.2nd – Dec. 16th When: Every Monday and Wednesday Time: 5:15pm – 6:00pm Location: Circle of Life building

Only 16 spots available! *Must pre-register by October 29th

**Must commit to all 6 weeks of the program

First come first serve.

Classes include:

*Bosu Ball

*Step n’ Pump

*Weight training

*Circuit training

*Core training

United Native

Friendship Centre

616 Mowat Ave, Fort Frances, ON P9A 1Z3

www.unfc.org

(807) 274-8541

Contact: Aimee Beazley

Email: abeazley@unfc.org

45

Minutes

Aboriginal Prenatal Nutrition Program - Baby Food Tips

When can I introduce solids to my baby?

You can introduce solids at around six months. Solid foods give your baby extra energy, iron and other nutrients needed for healthy growth.

Your baby is ready to start solids when she: Has good head control

Can sit up and lean forward Can pick up food and try to put it in her mouth

Can turn her head away to let you know she is full

What foods should I start with?

Start with iron-rich foods like:

Soft-cooked pureed, mashed or finely chopped beef, chicken or pork Mashed or finely chopped low sodium canned salmon with bones mashed or

removed Well-cooked mashed eggs, tofu, lentils or beans

Iron-fortified infant cereals mixed with breastmilk or infant formula

After iron-rich foods, choose foods like:

Vegetables: Well-cooked mashed sweet potato and squash, soft-cooked pieces of broccoli and carrots

Fruit: Pieces of mango, pears, peaches and banana Full fat cheese and yogurt: Grated cheddar, mozzarella and Swiss, plain cottage

cheese and plain yogurt Other grain products: Strips of whole grain toast, “O” shaped cereals and well-

cooked pasta

Tip: You can offer solids before or after you breastfeed or give infant formula.

Bottom line

Every baby is different when it comes to learning to eat solid foods. If you have questions or concerns, talk to your health care provider or call an EatRight Ontario

dietitian at 1-877-510-510-2.

Baby Food Purple Puree

High in vitamins A, C and E, calcium and flavonoids. Makes 2 1/2 cups

Two 10-oz packages frozen spinach 1 1/2 cups blueberries (if frozen, puree)

1/2 tsp lemon juice 2 Tbs water

Put spinach in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer 6 to 7 minutes. Drain.

Puree spinach, blueberries, lemon juice and water in a food processor until smooth, 1 minute. If necessary, add 1 tablespoon water to make puree smoother.

Have a safe fall! Kerry

Wasa-Nabin Worker: Kaleb Firth

Email= kfirth@unfc.org

274-8541 ext. 222

Programing for youth 13-18

Social Supports

Education

Justice intervention

Addressing violence

Health and Recreation

Youth In Care

Drumming, One to Ones, Cooking,

Crafts, Can-Skate, Nutrition,

Homework Supports, Advocacy,

Boys and Girls Clubs, and much

more

LIFE LONG CARE PROGRAM

Greetings from the Life Long Care Program. Well the leaves are falling and that brisk

November chill is in the air. With snow and ice come falls and broken bones, particularly in

the elderly. While remaining active this time of year is difficult it is not impossible. For

those living in apartments walking your hallways is a safe effective way to remain active.

For those able to get out, the Memorial sportsplex has an excellent walking surface around

the old ice surface. Doing seated exercises like leg raises, ankle rotations and using simple

household items like canned goods for weights can keep you in shape through the winter. If

you prefer something more organized there are a variety of DVD’s available that are geared

to seniors and seated exercise. It is always important to remember it isn’t the quantity of

repetitions you do but the quality. Concentrate on doing all movements slowly and

correctly and never overdo it as this can lead to injury. So to all of our membership – let’s

stay active this winter!!!!

The Life Long Care program continues to offer the following services to Elders and individuals with a chronic illness or disability:

Friendly Visiting Transportation

Congregate Dining Aboriginal Support

If you or anyone you know are in need of our services or have additional questions: please contact Ann or Diana at the Centre and we will be happy to try and help out. We visit at Rainycrest on Wednesday mornings and can always use some extra help. Again contact us at the Centre if you would like to volunteer.

Ann Sinclair & Diana Sharp

Life Long Care Workers

Jokes for Kids

Q. Where does a snowman keep his money? A. In a snow bank. Q. What do you get if cross a snowman and a shark? A. Frost bite! Q. What do you call a snowman in the summer? A. A puddle!

Q. What do snowmen eat for breakfast? A. Frosted Flakes. Q. What do snowmen wear on their heads? A. Ice caps.

Homelessness Outreach Program

The Homelessness Outreach program would like to thank St. Francis School, as

well as the Bargain Shop for the generous donation of items to our food bank. It

helps immensely at this time of year. Our program will also be doing the Adopt-

a-Family program again for Christmas this year, if there are any families or

organizations that would like to participate please contact Danielle Spuzak or

Tara Henttonen at the United Native Friendship Centre at (807) 274-8541

before Friday November 20th, 2015.

Important date to remember Saturday, December 12, 2015, will be the annual

Stuff-a-Cruiser event taking place from 10:00am to 4:00pm at Wal-Mart,

Safeway, The Place, Clover Leaf in Emo and Beaver Mills in Rainy River. We

are looking for Volunteers for an hour or two at any of these locations. If you’re

interested please contact Danielle or Tara (807) 274-8541.

Akwe:go

The Akwe:go program is for children and youth ages 7-12. Programming can include

tutoring, healthy food support, access to physical activity for health related or stress management support, healthy friendships, anti-bullying programming, self-esteem

support, transportation when it is a barrier to participation, safety planning, sharing resources with parents or caregivers, or access to Anishinaabe culture (Ceremony,

regalia making, drumming) for youth in care. The program incorporates traditional cultural teachings and values to encourage healthy lifestyle choices, foster responsible

decision-making and influence critical thinking. Program clients will increase their skills, gain knowledge, and shape attitudes and values to support positive personal choices.

The Akwe:go program offers activities in the evening, after school and weekends that are

geared toward physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of the children and their families.

If you know a child or youth in need of support, there are program client openings

available or to request an activities calendar, please contact:

Mondays Homework Club from 3-4:30 Tuesdays Learn to skate program 4-5

Two Thursday evenings a month Nutrition Nights in partnership with the Health Access Centre

Weekly in school reading groups Honouring our Veteran’s Pow Wow November 11th

Once a month Girls Group to build self-esteem, engage in physical activity & cook healthy meals

Christmas Baking Day December 5th

Rochelle Bird, Akwe:go Program Worker

United Native Friendship Centre 616 Mowat Ave

Phone: (807) 274-8541 Toll free: (877) 496-9034

Email: rbird@unfc.org

Boozhoo!

I hope this finds you well. Well it’s back to school and we are incredibly busy with

programming with lots to offer. Mondays and Wednesdays there is Fire and Ice Volleyball club

at FFHS ages senior kindergarten to 18. We brought back our CanSkate program Tuesdays at

The Duke Arena on Couchiching. Fitkids has started up back at Robert Moore School on

Mondays from 3:30 to 4:30. We have also started a boys drum group at Robert Moore School

during the first nutrition break. We will be hosting drum groups bi-weekly here at the CLC

building, all are welcome to attend. Any questions or comments feel free to contact me at the

UNFC, or just stop in and say hi. My door is always open. Make sure to check out our website

for upcoming events!

Yours in friendship,

Terry McMahon

Healthy Living for Kids Worker

United Native Friendship Centre Membership Form

Memberships are $5.00 per person (18 years and older) or $10.00 per family and are payable upon renewal or application. It is important that your membership is up to date in order for you to nominate, vote or stand for

a position on the Board of Directors. All paid members, 18 years and older are eligible for these privileges.

All memberships are annual and expire on March 31st. Please stop by the Centre at 516 Portage Avenue, Fort Frances and apply for or renew your membership.

New members are always welcome! ************************************************************************************* PLEASE PRINT

NAME: _______________________ __________ ADDRESS: ___________________ _______________________ POSTAL CODE: PHONE #: ________________ BIRTH DATE: _______________________ EMAIL ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________________ Would you prefer your newsletter emailed _____________________ or mailed _______________________