Funding announced

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Funding for five Aboriginal projects worth more than $550,000 was announced by the Edmonton Housing Trust Fund's Aboriginal Application Review Committee.

Night Wind Treatment Centre received $107,525 through the Urban Aboriginal Strategy (UAS), a federal program intended to improve the quality of life for urban Aboriginal people.

Night Wind Treatment Centre was started as a response to the need to provide culturally relevant alcohol and drug treatment to youth and their families. The centre, located near Legal, is a full-time residential program providing service to as many as seven individuals at any one time, ages 12 to 17, for a period of four to six months, depending on an individual's need. Young people who attend are dealing with addictions, but also family systems issues, a variety of abuse, truancy and criminal activity.

"It's a very beautiful place on five acres," said Night Wind psychologist Tim Harrison. There is a sweatlodge built in the trees near the home. "The reason why we picked that location was, nature-wise, it's a setting where there is life around, and there is enough room for the kids to move around and do some recreation right there."

At Night Wind, the treatment takes into account the whole person, and centres around making sure the emotional, spiritual, physical and intellectual needs of the individual come into balance.

The Residential School Survivor Society of Alberta also received $93,780 in funding UAS. The residential school society was funded to increase the capacity of the Aboriginal communities ability to deliver services to survivors, with a long-range goal to establish chapters throughout Alberta. President of the society is Terry Lusty.

The Awasis Parent Council of Prince Charles School (playground) received $100,332. The school offers alternative programming that follows the Alberta Learning curriculum and integrates Aboriginal content into all subject areas.

Northern Alberta Alliance on Race Relations (Aboriginal Shared Spaces Program) received $17,979. The alliance is dedicated to the elimination of racism by developing and promoting anti-racist education tools and resources for school. The group commemorates March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, by coordinating and facilitating activities for people of all ages.

The Ben Calf Robe Society received $235,484. The society is a not-for-profit social service agency providing services for children and families. It provides services through Ketotayminawok -In Home Family Support, Group Home, Kihci Awasisak-Traditional Parenting & Outreach and Head Start. Laura Vinson is co-executive director.