Biwaase’aa has a goal to increase the life skills of Indigenous children, youth and their families through strategies of academic improvement, emotional development, cultural awareness and nutritional support.
Biwaase’aa partners with seven elementary schools and one high school to provide a safe place for students ages 7-18 years of age to access academic and life skills, inclusive to cultural teachings.
The Biwaase’aa staff build trust and establish a positive rapport with students which in turn increases student success and achievement through:
- Mentoring and role models
- Literacy and numeracy support
- Cultural and traditional knowledge exchange
- Presentations with students and parents/caregivers.
All programs are based on the teachings of the Medicine Wheel and is designed to meet the needs in the following component areas: cultural, mental, physical and emotional.
| SCHOOL | HOURS OF OPERATION |
|---|---|
| McKellar Park Central | 9:30am – 5:30pm |
| Ogden Community | 9:00am – 5:00pm |
| Our Lady of Charity | 9:30am – 5:30pm |
| Sherbrooke | 9:30am – 5:30pm |
| St. Ann | 9:30am – 5:30pm |
| St. James | 9:00am – 5:00pm |
| Vance Chapman | 9:30am – 5:30pm |
| Westgate | 9:20am – 5:30pm |
Program Information
The Biwaase’aa In-School component allows for the establishment of trust, rapport and security which increases student academic performance. The program includes going into classrooms to speak about various topics relevant to Indigenous people. Students have access to role modeling/mentorship, literacy and numeracy support, cultural teachings and presentations, powwows and feasts, and cultural outreach services.
Activities are immersed in Indigenous culture and traditions that provides youth the opportunities that many do not otherwise have access to encompassing their physical, cultural, mental emotional wellbeing.
This program is a part of the In-School programing, which is a seven-week program designed using the 7 Grandfather Teachings: Respect, Love, Wisdom, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, and Truth. Through traditional teachings, stories, sharing circles and interactions with community leaders and Elders, youth learn about the importance of cultural identity, values, beliefs and tradition. Students experience improved self-esteem and confidence; learn life and living skills that help deal with racism, bullying and peer pressure all the while improving their academic performance.
Healthy food helps to meet students’ nutritional needs which in turn will improve their ability to learn, engage in physical activities and develop positive eating habits that aid in growth and development. Traditional teachings related to food and hunting, gathering, harvesting are shared with the students and their families at special cultural events.
Our Supporters
