An ongoing program that includes activities reaching out to youth at risk who are interested in performing and media arts, including technical and literary aspects. The community at large benefits from public performances, both informal and structured, as well as literature and the preservation of Indigenous culture through these activities.

Examples of activities include community arts workshops, field trips, and mentorship activities at local community centres. Many long-term community partnerships contribute to the delivery of all three programs. Although there is no overlap of activities between the programs, these partnerships provide venue locations, often donated or offered at reduced cost, for meetings, gatherings, and activities. They also provide volunteers, equipment at various site locations, spaces for gatherings, local business discounts, and other related in-kind donations.

All programs are accessible to members of the community. This program, in particular, reaches youth at risk who will also be among the next generation responsible for continuing to preserve and promote First Nations culture and heritage.

As with all three programs, the charity adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic by offering virtual webinar presentations. This also helped ensure inclusion in the program for Indigenous women and their children residing in safe houses or shelters, as well as for those experiencing domestic violence who had not yet made the transition to safety.

The charity also responded to community needs by providing food security and essential supplies to individuals and families requiring assistance. This support was developed in response to many members of the community reaching out for assistance and help in these areas.

Practice and Preservation of Culture & Heritage - An ongoing program that includes a commitment from local community organizations and volunteers who provide mentorship opportunities for individuals interested in literary and fine arts.

This is a separate program entirely from “The Sacred Circle Collective,” which is an ad hoc group and not a program. The Sacred Circle Collective is entirely different in purpose and structure. This program also does not overlap in any way with the above-noted AYCO program, which is specifically geared toward Aboriginal youth. The Practice and Preservation of Culture & Heritage program is not limited to youth and is intended to be accessible to the broader community.

The program provides public access through community gatherings held intermittently throughout the year. These gatherings and related activities provide participants with opportunities to plan, practice, and participate in performing and arts workshops in preparation for public performances.

The program also promotes awareness, learning, and development of First Nations perspectives and cultural elements within literary and fine arts, while providing opportunities for the general public to engage with, learn about, and experience these forms of cultural expression.

An ongoing program that promotes community engagement by providing direct services to the community, responding to community needs and issues, and contributing to the quality of life of community members, including those who are disadvantaged, marginalized, or who face barriers related to their culture and heritage. The program provides public access to festivals and the arts and is open to all members of the community.

The program creates opportunities for community members to gather and celebrate First Nations culture and heritage through ongoing activities and gatherings focused on First Nations arts and culture, as well as through a larger festival. The planning and preparation for the festival requires ongoing work and effort throughout the year and, wherever possible, the festival may take place more than once annually.

Arts activities, as well as the practice and promotion of cultural activities within the arts, take place on a regular basis through collaborative community partnerships. These partnerships support the charity’s endeavours and increase opportunities for public access and participation.

Virtual workshops, gatherings, and activities have been successfully adapted and modified, with increased funding allowing the charity to effectively deliver programming while implementing social and physical distancing and other relevant health and safety measures that have changed over the last 12 months (in addition to the previous 12 months).

There has also been a consistent and clearly expressed need within the community for increased food security. This need has reached a crisis level within the community and is affecting the clientele served through the charity’s outreach activities. In response, the program has recognized the importance of addressing food security as part of its ongoing community-based services and support.