AfterSchool program embraces Aboriginal programming

A new Calgary-wide initiative for youth, aged 6 to 16, is providing information and access to a variety of quality, supervised and fun after school activities focusing on Aboriginal culture.

Currently, six Aboriginal programs are being offered in different locations throughout the city through the Calgary AfterSchool program which is available free of charge to Aboriginal youth between the hours of 3-6 p.m.

Aboriginal Buddies, provided by the YMCA of Calgary, offers opportunities to participate in activities that promote Aboriginal culture, heritage and traditions.
Lyle Gaskell, coordinator of the Eagles Back program, feels that the work that’s being done now, will have big payoff in the future. “We bring in Elders. We instruct the kids in dance, and outfit making. Sometimes I wonder if they are really grasping what we are teaching them and then you hear them reflect back to you what they have learnt. They make the teachings their own. They struggle at first, but when their parents and relatives sit with them at the initiation pow wow and support them, it makes all the hard work worth it.”

Eligibility is limited to Aboriginal children attending Catherine Nichols Gunn Elementary School.

One of three Encore Aboriginal Art AfterSchool Programs offered by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary, the program aims to expose students to First Nations culture and creativity through painting, sculpture, charcoal, and various other mediums. The hope is that by creating awareness of the different historical and cultural components of First Nations peoples from across Canada through art, students will gain a greater appreciation of Aboriginal culture. Teh program is offered in three different locations.

The Eagles Back Pow Wow Dance/Youth Aboriginal Dance program is being offered by Calgary TeenZone, and provides instruction over the course of the year in many pow wow dance styles and traditional knowledge. It also includes outfit making, character development, and fun activities.  The program is free for youth aged 11-16 who are either residents or schooled in the communities of Castleridge, Falconridge, Saddleridge, Taradale, Martindale, and Coral Springs.

Métis Calgary Family Services recently began operating their Calgary AfterSchool Program. The program offers a range of cultural opportunities for youth 9-12 years including Aboriginal dance, cultural teachings, Elder storytelling, Aboriginal ceremony and teachings, and Aboriginal language. Adrian Goulet, coordinator of Cultural Supports, feels that cultural programming, especially during those “at risk” hours are critical.
“All hours of the day are critical when it comes to a young person’s life. If we can provide a program that will help develop the young people and keep them on educational goals, we will have done our job,” said Goulet.

For many Aboriginal youth, the cultural component of the program is their first opportunity to connect with their roots.

“Many of our Aboriginal kids have little to no knowledge of cultural teachings. This puts them at risk. The first and most important thing about our program is to teach our kids about their culture,” said Goulet.

Interested parents and kids can use the search option to find programs in their area, or in a specific interest area, such as Aboriginal cultural programs by logging on to: www.calgary.ca/afterschool to find an after school program that suits their needs. After browsing the short descriptions, additional program details and a location map can be viewed by selecting a specific program.