Cultural Awareness Training

Cultural Awareness Training
Nikita Corbiere, Kimberley Lamothe, and Teresa Nahwegahbow
Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre

The CAT (Cultural Awareness Training) sessions are meant to provide an awareness about Indigenous people in Canada. Participants will have the opportunity to increase their knowledge, skills of the history, experiences, and events which have influenced the relationship of Indigenous people in Canada.

The Indigenous population in Canada is the fastest growing population, the youngest, but also the most overrepresented population in the justice and child welfare systems. The goal of this workshop is to develop a knowledge base on Indigenous lived experiences and be able to support those individuals who are seeking your help and/or support.

Note: Should you wish to receive any updates about future sessions, please add yourself to the QoC mailing list here:
http://questionofcare.com/sign-up/.

Dates:

March 31, 2020 - session CANCELLED to comply with public health guidelines around COVID-19

Location:

Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre
580 Cameron Street
Peterborough, ON K9J 3Z5

Interactive Elements Included:

• An introduction to the Anishinaabe Medicine Wheel: what it is, what it means, and how it is used.
• An introduction to the seven Anishinaabe teachings (Grandfather/Grandmother Teachings): what they are, their significance, and how they can be used.
• An overview of North American (Canadian) history from an Indigenous perspective: focusing on Canada’s relationship with the First Nations of Turtle Island, Canada’s colonial legacy, the relevant legislative and legal history of First Nations people in Canada.
• An interactive session which will draw upon the earlier lessons that will introduce Intergenerational Trauma: discussions will include what Intergenerational Trauma is and how it impacts First Nations communities today.
• An opportunity to view videos excerpt(s) that touch upon the themes discussed throughout the day which will aid in the development of new perspectives, and build upon existing perspectives.

Facilitator Biographies:

Nikita Corbiere | Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre
Nikita Corbiere is a recent graduate from Fleming College. She completed the Dual Pathway Programs of Mental Health and Addictions and Social Service Worker. Her studies at Fleming educated her in the areas of addiction and trauma. She also obtained the Indigenous Perspective Designation Certificate. Nikita believes that addiction and trauma almost always go hand in hand, having an impact on an individual’s mental well-being. She has a strong passion for supporting individuals along their healing journey, walking beside them on their paths to recovery.
Nikita was raised by her Grandmother in M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island, in a combined traditional and Christian household. She was raised with strong family values, living off the land, and taught the importance of self-perseverance. These lessons have enabled her to be supportive as well as understanding of people’s decisions and life choices. This ties into her firm belief and approach to working with people where they are at, and not to dictate to them where they should be. She is excited to be apart of the Friendship Centre team.

Kimberley Lamothe | Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre
Proud mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, auntie, and friend. Kim was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and lived with her grandparents in Geraldton, Ontario. She is of mixed blood, Anishinaabe and Metis descent from Northwestern Ontario.
She has been educated, formally and informally, in various fields and holds an Honours BA from Trent University, B.Ed from Nipissing University along with many other certificates. Her educational background and life experiences have created the strong desire she has to promote Indigenous Culture and History and Health and Wellness across Turtle Island through various cultural teachings/activities and educational opportunities varying from presentations, curriculum resources, cultural workshops, and craft creations.
Kim brings over 40 years of experience working with and for First Nations gained through various opportunities such as teacher, librarian, cultural events planner, to name a few.
She currently lives in the City of Peterborough and employed with the Nogojiwanong Friendship Center as the Cultural Resource Coordinator.

Teresa Nahwegahbow | Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre
Aanii, my name is Teresa Nahwegahbow. I am Ojibway from the Three Fires Confederacy and am a member of Whitefish River First Nation in Northern Ontario.
I recently returned to Ontario from Northeastern Alberta where I lived and worked alongside my husband with our company, The Paudash Group for the past fourteen years in the Wood Buffalo Region. My work with the Cree, Dene and Metis people offered me an amazing opportunity to work with At-Risk Indigenous Children and Youth and their families.
I am the daughter of Survivors of the Residential School system, the third oldest child of nine siblings.
My journey has led me to explore the history of the Indigenous people of Canada and Turtle Island and how the Residential School impacted my parents, my siblings, myself and my extended family.
I now reside in Millbrook, Ontario with my husband who is a member of Hiawatha First Nation. I am the Program/Human Resource Manager for Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre.

FAQs

Do I need to attend all of the sessions?

No. The dates listed above are for individual sessions, not a series, and you can choose whichever one works best for your schedule!

Who should attend this training?

QoC training sessions are designed for helping professionals in Peterborough City and County. We define "helping professional" as anyone in a position of interacting with people in providing a service.

Will food be provided?

Yes, lunch will be provided. You will be asked to submit your dietary requirements when registering.

Is there parking?

There are fifteen spots available in the parking lot in addition to street parking.

Is the venue accessible?

There is one accessible parking spot. The Centre is all on one grade. The front doors do not have an automated option and there are no accessible/gender-inclusive washrooms, but these features will be added in the near future. Sweetgrass is burned for smudging.

Who can I contact with further questions?

Contact the QoC Project Lead at qoc@peterboroughdrugstrategy.com or 705-927-3448.

The cost of this training has been subsidized through a partnership with the Peterborough Drug Strategy and its members. Bursaries are available upon request.