Get the 2012-2013 report - Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta

Tansi! Daniteh! E’dlanet’e! Hello!
Good day to all of our community members of Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta. The Children’s Agenda has
completed the Children’s Agenda Framework, which is now called the “Children’s Agenda Model”. From March 1,
2011 – March 31, 2013 Children’s Agenda received funding from Rural Alberta Development Fund. The funding
was used to develop a Model that would be more effective in applying culturally relevant methods of delivering
services to children and families. During the last two years we have worked with three Best Practices Sites,
Sucker Creek First Nations, Loon River First Nations, and Bigstone Cree Nation. It was during this time, that
we tested the Children’s Agenda Framework, and collected Cultural and Traditional teachings that have been
integrated into the Children’s Agenda Model. The completion of the Model was a long time coming. Since 2003
the Elder’s and community members have expressed the need to have programs developed specifically for
children, youth and families. On many occasions they expressed a lack of parenting programs in the communities,
and that there was not enough programs for children and youth.
The Children’s Agenda team listened to our respected Treaty 8 Elder’s, community members and leadership.
We wanted to assist in the best way that we can to empower our people and to maintain our cultural pride and
identity. We facilitated this process by developing a Children’s Agenda Model that will address the immediate
needs and priorities in our communities. The following is the Children’s Agenda Model’s Table of Contents;
• Children’s Agenda Introduction and History
• Best Practice Site and Lessons Learned
• Traditional Parenting and Teachings/Parenting
handbook
• Cultural Teaching and Programs
Page 34
Children’s Agenda
Ann Nipshank, Children’s Agenda Director
• Development of Youth Councils
• Program Implementation
• Jurisdictional Friendly Referral Map and Resource
Manual
Children’s Agenda Introduction and History - is how the Children’s Agenda began in 2003 with the
recommendations and suggestions by the community members through the community engagement process.
There recommendations were used to develop the foundation of the Children’s Agenda Model.
Best Practice Sites and Lessons Learned - The 9 Best Practice Sites that tested the Children’s
Agenda Framework through the enhancement of existing programs and or creating new programs. This section
will identify the challenges, strengths and solutions regarding program implementation.
Traditional Parenting Practices – will reveal the traditional Ti-pi teachings, Traditional Child-Rearing
practices, Traditional Family Systems, Four cycles of life, Stages of Growth, Oral Traditions and Cultural
Teachings.
Cultural Teachings and Programs – This section will explain the powwow dance and its cultural
meaning and significance. Cultural programs such as traditional hand games, dance regalia making, and drum
and powwow dance will be highlighted.
Development of the Youth Council - This section is dedicated to the youth. It is a step by step guide
on how to develop youth councils at your First Nation.
Program implementation – Is a step by step guide on how to develop programs through the
implementation process. Program implementation is the ability to put your plan into action.
Jurisdictional Friendly Referral Map and Resource Manual – This map and resource manual
is to identify the Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary services for health service delivery. It is intended to assist
First Nations families in gaining better access to health services for their medically fragile and or special needs
children.