Page 41 - Walking_The_Red_Road

b) Increasing positive visibility of Aboriginal peoples in the local community and media
The Shine-A-Light Gala, held at the Capitol
Centre, a prominent arts and entertainment
venue in North Bay, was the pinnacle event,
the culmination of much planning and the
catalyst for other related activities. Aboriginal
community members were nominated for their
contributions to North Bay and area. Working
closely with our MPP’s office to issue a press
kit, the event drew significant media coverage
in North Bay. Celebrating the successes and
contributions of ten Aboriginal community
members, the headline in the North Bay
Nipissing newspaper article confirmed the
goal of increasing positive visibility had been
met. Behind the scenes, other activities helped to ensure the positive visibility lives on: in-depth interviews were conducted with the nominees, a documentary created, and a ‘coffee table book’ is being produced.
c) Increasing recognition of Aboriginal peoples’ educational, social and economic gains
While the Shine-A-Light Gala increased recognition, several other research and community
action activities also contributed. We researched the founding and history of the Friendship
Centre and other major Aboriginal achievements in North Bay in order to document and share these accomplishments. In collaboration with the Aboriginal Student Links program at Nipissing University, their students created a directory of all Aboriginal-related businesses and services. Organized in partnership with the Labour Market Group, a series of events introduced non- aboriginal employers to prospective funding opportunities and cultural awareness tools that would promote increased Aboriginal participation in the North Bay workforce.
d) Increasing understanding of Aboriginal culture and issues through education and/or awareness efforts
All of the activities mentioned thus far also served
to increase understanding of Aboriginal culture
and issues. However, we also engaged in other awareness-raising approaches including hosting CAC and other U-ACT meetings at the Friendship Centre and incorporating opportunities for participants to experience Aboriginal protocols like smudges, opening prayers, or teachings on why chairs are set up in a certain way. We also attended many mainstream and Aboriginal community events to share information about the project and about how our urban Aboriginal community is thriving.
Walking the Red Road | REPORT OF THE URBAN ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES THRIVE PROJECT
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,,
I think everyone needs to go to
an event like Shine-A-Light. It was so powerful. I learned so much about Aboriginal cultures and people in the community.
Participant
,,
People want to experience Aboriginal culture, not just learn about it.
Non-aboriginal participant speaking about best practices in cultural awareness