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Leaders and mentors
respect boundaries and bring new allies and partners.
Individual community members including Elders and youth, service providers, organizational representatives and others, were the project’s mentors, “instigators” and “boundary crossers.” Individually and collectively, they drove the process, bridging and crossing boundaries, introducing and linking the CAC and the research team to new partners and networks, new sources of funding and new resources.
With our feet firmly rooted in Aboriginal
culture and traditions (through guiding and written protocols), and with the support and leadership of key participants, we welcomed new connections, relationships, partnerships and networks. Through all of this, we were building capacity. New allies and partners joined the CAC, participated in working groups, and invited us to join their initiatives, etc. As we began to see the benefits—increased understanding of Aboriginal community issues and desires, Aboriginal
youth meeting with prospective employers, “shining a light” on our cultural and historical contributions—we saw our capacity growing. As
our circle of participants expanded, so did our opportunities. As you read on, you will see that our leaders, instigators and mentors came from all parts of the community and represented all ages.
Walking the Red Road | REPORT OF THE URBAN ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES THRIVE PROJECT
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In powerful ways, our partnership demonstrates how relationships built respectfully and in culturally appropriate ways can unite people across institutions, communities
and generations, and produce meaningful results.
Katrina Srigley, Ph.D. Nipissing University