News Release

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SUDBURY - The Ontario government, in partnership with the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres, has established a new community-based program - Akwe:go - to help urban Aboriginal children and youth succeed, Minister of Children and Youth Services Mary Anne Chambers, joined by Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs David Ramsay, announced today.

"Through Akwe:go, we are helping at-risk Aboriginal young people develop the life skills needed to make positive choices and overcome challenges," said Chambers. "Strengthening and expanding supports for urban Aboriginal children is part of our plan to achieve the best possible outcomes for all our children and youth."

Beginning this year, the province is providing more than $2 million annually to the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres to operate Akwe:go in 27 communities. The program is part of Ontario's New Approach to Aboriginal Affairs, announced in June 2005, which aims to improve opportunities and create a better future for Aboriginal children and youth.

"At the heart of our government's new approach is the recognition that together we must create a better future for Aboriginal children and youth," said Minister Ramsay. "We are proud to be partnering with the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres to help Aboriginal children and youth stay healthier, do better at school and enjoy improved opportunities."

Aboriginal young people face complex and distinct challenges to their healthy development, including:

• Health problems, including diabetes, and physical and developmental disabilities
• Increased risk of being exposed to crime or violence
• Lower education levels
• Over representation in the child protection and youth justice systems.

Akwe:go, which means 'everybody' or 'all of us' in Mohawk, responds to these challenges by providing Aboriginal children with supports, tools and activities that foster their ability to make healthy choices. Supports include health resources, recreational programs and one-on-one activities, such as mentoring.

"The Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres is pleased to be working with the Government of Ontario to look at changing the life experiences of urban Aboriginal children," said Sylvia Maracle, Executive Director of the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres. "Akwe:go is absolutely the right thing to do to improve the future for urban Aboriginal children and will contribute enormously to realizing our collective vision for urban Aboriginal children. The McGuinty government is to be congratulated on its support of this new program."

Each Akwe:go program is tailored to meet the specific needs of its community. Children, ranging in age from seven to 12, receive a personalized plan of action and access to resources, including:

• Teachings by elders, as well as other culturally relevant supports
• After-school programs, where kids can get peer support or help with homework
• Health resources
• Referrals to community resources and agencies.

In some locations, Akwe:go also provides parents of at-risk children with support and training using traditional parenting practices.

"Akwe:go will give urban Aboriginal children, youth and their families the support they need, delivered by and within their own communities and according to their cultural values," said Chambers. "By helping Aboriginal young people succeed, we are helping to fill a critical gap that exists for these kids and helping to create a more prosperous future for their communities."

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Contacts:

James Ip
Minister Chamber's Office
416-212-7157

Anne-Marie Flanagan
Minister Ramsay's Office
416-327-0654
 

Sylvia Maracle
Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres
416-956-7575
 

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