Vibert appointed to operate Brighter Futures program

As the coordinator for the Brighter Futures Program, Bob Vibert would like to see change in Liidliil Kue First Nation, but said that he needs input from the community.
"I wanted to help the community. I'd like to see more healing taking place, more gatherings, that sort of thing with people wanting to come together. I would like to generate a lot of healing initiatives," said Vibert. "But I would like more input from the community about what they want to see."
The Brighter Futures program was established in the early 1990's to help Inuit and First Nations communities develop community-based approaches to better health. Currently, most of the communities have this program or the Building Healthy Communities Program.
The program is made up of five components-mental health, child development, parenting, healthy babies and injury prevention. First Nations and Inuit communities have the opportunity to determine which community-based programs or services they will provide in their location.
"The goal of our program is to help people in three areas mental health, child development and positive parenting and also to help people reach their full potential and become independent," said Vibert, who was recently appointed to the position in early October.
Vibert originally from Calgary brings 27 years of experience in various fields to this program, which he believes will assist him in his new position.
"I think because I have had a variety of different experiences in different fields I understand the cross cultural issues," said Vibert.
He said the program is involved in a wide range of supportive events and programs.
"Helping people, assisting with fundraising, attending cultural events and anything to do with community awareness like national addiction awareness week is a good example of what the program is involved in during the year. We support the FASD program, the kids corner daycare and also with child development. We have a healthy breakfast program in the school," stated Vibert.
As part of the healthy breakfast program, the children can purchase a breakfast for 25 cents.
The Building Healthy Communities program is similar to the Brighter Futures but with solvent abuse and mental health crisis as the two main components of the program.
For more information about the Brighter Futures Program or the Building Healthy Communities Program go to, www.healthcanada.com.