Aboriginal Outreach Initiatives
The Canadian Red Cross has a long history of working with Aboriginal communities, individuals, and organizations across the country. Natural disasters, such as severe flooding and forest fires, frequently occur in northern regions of the country where many Aboriginal people reside. The following list demonstrates some current initiatives across Canada.
Disaster Services
The Red Cross has been – and will continue to be there – to help in times of disasters.
Activities:
- supporting evacuation from Aboriginal communities due to disasters such as forest fires and flooding
- training of local disaster response teams
Water Safety and First Aid
Red Cross works together with Aboriginal communities to ensure an effective, tailored approach to public health issues.
In 2004, Red Cross in southern Saskatchewan teamed up with the City of Regina and the Regina Aboriginal Family Services “Come and Learn” Head Start program, to develop a water safety program for aboriginal children four years of age. So far, more than 200 pre-schoolers have participated in the ten-week swimming lesson program at the Lawson Aquatic Centre. Click here for more on this program.
Activities:
- many Aboriginal communities are involved in water safety and first aid training
- drowning prevention initiatives in northern and remote communities
- training of ambulance attendants as First Responders
RespectED: Violence and Abuse Prevention
Walking the Prevention Circle (WTPC) acknowledges the wholeness, history, light, darkness, challenges and potential of Aboriginal peoples and communities. Through this recognition, growth and change occur and the circle moves from awareness to prevention. WTPC began in 1998 in western Canada and launched nationally in 2003.
As of 2011, WTPC has been delivered to over 200 Aboriginal communities from coast to coast to coast, many of which are reserve-based or Inuit communities.
Activities:
- training of more than 50 aboriginal prevention educators
- training of Walking the Prevention Circle (WTPC) Trainers
- development of WTPC video
- training of Junior Canadian Rangers in northern Canada
- planned training of aboriginal justice workers through Justice Canada
- partnership with Nunavut Department of Education for training of students
Restoring Family Links
The family reunification program has been helpful in re-connecting families that have been separated due to health, work, education, or other issues.
Community Initiatives
The Tipi of Courage is a successful community-based initiative that has operated in Calgary for the past seven years. This program was developed in response to escalating statistics and the disproportionate impact HIV is having in Aboriginal communities.
Inspirational and age-appropriate workshops are delivered to youth aged 10-24 years and to adults and seniors. These workshops focus on healthy relationships, safe choices and sexual decision-making. They are based on traditional teachings and the Warrior code of ethics which has been given to us by Elders. Trained outreach volunteers wear Tipi of Courage clothing when they do their community service at pow-wows, round dances, and other events. Community partners and volunteers are also trained to deliver workshops in the community. To date, the Tipi of Courage has reached 15,000 people. Click here for more on the program.
Activities:
- health equipment loan services
- HIV/AIDS prevention education
- diabetes information
- traveling patients support guide
Organizational Development
Red Cross strives to include Aboriginal people in core operations through a number of other ways including:
- hiring of Aboriginal coordinators and other staff
- recruitment of Aboriginal volunteers
- establishment of relationships with Aboriginal organizations and communities
- Aboriginal cross-cultural training for staff and volunteers
Posted December 21, 2011
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