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CANADA ’ S TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
REPORT ( 2015 ) outlines the ways in which indigenous populations of Canada were and still are affected by the residential school system . Six years in the making , and developed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada , the report seeks not to “ shame or blame ” anyone for the history behind this system , but to acknowledge its effects on generations to come , as well as to raise the question of how we move forward together as a nation . Outlined in the report are ways in which indigenous and non-indigenous Canadians need to work together to create mutual respect and inclusion in our communities . This means all Canadians working together to connect with one another , learn from one another , and help one another succeed .
The Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Society and Opokaa ’ sin Early Intervention Society are two examples of local organizations that work to promote an inclusive and culturally diverse community , where indigenous and nonindigenous populations work together , while also helping individuals and families in need connect with services in the area . “ It is scary for someone who has lived on the reserve all their life , and they come in to the city . It ’ s more fast paced and they ’ re in survival mode . Where are they going to access supports from ?” asks Yolande Weasel Head , Executive Director at Sik- Ooh-Kotoki .
Sik-Ooh-Kotoki is part of a nation-wide friendship centre movement with approximately 150 centres across Canada . Friendship Centres serve many functions and act as the first point of contact for urban-indigenous populations , providing connections to many key services in their regions . In Lethbridge , Sik-Ooh-Kotoki has been operating for 47 years .
The Friendship Centre is the place where individuals transitioning from reserve to urban life can go to access housing , employment , and education necessities as they settle in to the city . “ I think a lot of the challenge [ of moving to the city ] is leaving a familiar place and coming to a new place . They need to feel a sense of belonging and community – so what we offer is a sense of belonging and community ,” Yolande continues .
She says more than 2,000 individuals come through their doors every year , and the staff and volunteers can connect or refer everyone to all the services they need . “ Some people move to Lethbridge for a better opportunity , and I know we have the transit system , but it all can seem
very overwhelming to them . There ’ s a lot that we can do to support them ,” Yolande explains . “ How to navigate the city , navigate services , that sort of thing . If they ’ re transitioning from reserve to urban life , we can connect them with other indigenous organizations as well .”
The list of partnerships and connections through the Friendship Society is large including : Family Ties , Amnesty International , Womanspace , Lethbridge School District 51 , and recreational activities with Lethbridge Police Services . “ We sit in on a lot of committees and inter-agency meetings , and we can connect with other organizations and let them know the services we ’ re providing , so we
Sik-Ooh-Kotoki team : ( l-r ) Melissa Medicie Crane , Yolande Weasel Head , and Stacy Chief Body .
28 LETHBRIDGELIVING . COM MAR-APR 2017