Wasa-Nabin

The Wasa-Nabin program is grounded in cultural traditions providing a sense of belonging for urban Indigenous children and youth ages 13 – 18. The program offers a variety of strategies such as one-to-one activities, group activities, leadership opportunities and family circles to encourage positive behaviours and wellbeing. The program provides individualized goals to enhance the child or youth’s area of need; supporting social skills, educational intervention, individuals with disabilities, violence prevention, justice supports, children in care or at risk of being in the care of the Children’s Aid Society, 2SLGBTQ+ supports, and positive nutrition and physical activity practices. The Wasa-Nabin program provides a space where urban Indigenous children and youth can feel safe to be themselves and accepted.

An added component of the Wasa-Nabin program is the Student Nutrition Program (SNP). The SNP seeks to improve the ability of children and youth to concentrate and succeed, both in school and daily life, through the provision of healthy meals and snacks.

Contact Jade at wasanabin@caifc.ca for more information

The Wasa-Nabin program is designed around a youth’s specifc need at time of intake and the need may fall under one of 6 objectives:

  • General Social Supports – provide a supportive, safe and culturally appropriate program. eg.sharing circles, support circles, one on one’s, socials & peer counselling
  • Youth in Care – Provide outreach to youth in care that may not have access to their culture. Also include foster parents and biological parents.
  • Healthy Eating and Physical Development – Provide exposure and knowledge of traditional foods and provide informed healthy nutritional choices. Provide physical activities.
  • Education – Develop an ongoing relationship with teachers, principals, and where necessary in order to support Indigenous students in achieving success in school.
  • Justice Intervention – Involvement with youth in the criminal justice system, advocate and support. Streetwolf was developed for the youth as a diversion program, or conjunction with, other sanctions the court may impose. Also provide community support hours.
  • Addressing Violence – Address issue by collaboration with the Kishaay Anishnaabe Niin (I am a Kind Man). Workshops on healthy relationships, problem solving and decision making.