Program Overview

Restoring the Sacred is a youth-centered, culturally-based program to support Indigenous high school students with the transition to living in Winnipeg, helping them in reaching their education goals through individual peer mentorship and after-school workshops.

Our program’s goal is to support the development of healthy, happy, resilient, and motivated youth leaders and achievers.

We believe that our children are sacred and that their lives are important and worthwhile and it is our job to lead them in a process of self-discovery and success.

Objectives

  • Improve life skills that enhance safety and build confidence
  • Promote and support academic involvement, achievement, and retention
  • Strengthen resilience and reduce risks of victimization (e.g. gang involvement, sexual exploitation)
  • Increase awareness of helpful resources and services
  • Develop leadership and mentorship capacity in Indigenous youth through culturally-based and comprehensive peer mentor training and support

List of Program Workshops

Life Skills Activities
Food Handlers certification, First Aid CPR certification, gang awareness, sexual reproductive health, exploitation awareness, self-care, navigating Winnipeg (scavenger hunts), homework and education help, goal setting, employment skills, and mentorship and facilitation training.

Recreational Activities
Bowling, ice skating, filmmaking, attending community events (e.g. Moose games, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Indigenous Film Week, etc), crafts, movie nights, mini-golf, corn/snow maze, indoor laser tag, indoor trampoline parks, and a variety of fun, interactive games.

Cultural Learning Activities
Smudging, pipe ceremonies, sweat lodges, attending pow wows, Yuwipe ceremonies, full moon ceremonies, hand drum making, singing, feasts, medicine picking, cultural teachings led by Elders, as well as supporting youth in building their bundles.

Building Strong Youth Leaders – Mentors and Mentees

Restoring the Sacred identifies and selects motivated youth who are committed to being positive and healthy role models and provides them with mentorship and leadership training. Mentors are then paired with a mentee and remain connected throughout the school year. Mentors and mentees are encouraged and supported to get together, by phone, social networking, or in person every week.

Program Activities

Both mentors and mentees participate in a wide range of life skills, recreational, and cultural weekly activities that are designed to enhance confidence, independence and identity. Activities take place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings, between 4:30 PM and 7:00 PM throughout the school year, from September – June. Additional programming is offered during the summer months.

All program workshops start with a meal, snacks, and bus fare are provided.

Who are the Mentees?

Mentees are Indigenous youth who have recently moved to Winnipeg from their home communities to finish their High School education. Mentees are the program participants in Restoring the Sacred. The program is based on supporting the mentees throughout the school year.

Mentee Qualifications
(Mentees must meet all three of our qualification criteria below)

  • Indigenous youth ages 14 to 25
  • Recently moved and living in Winnipeg
  • Attending High School, or working towards completing their Grade 12 education

Who are the Mentors?

Mentors are Indigenous young adult volunteers who are leaders, peer support, and seeking opportunities to grow their skills in the community through guiding a peer in their transition to Winnipeg.

Mentor Qualifications
(Mentors must meet all of our qualification criteria below)

  • Indigenous youth ages 16 to 25
  • Comfortable navigating around Winnipeg
  • Mentors must also complete our Restoring the Sacred Mentor Training
  • Must submit a Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse Registry Check

How to Apply

Both mentee and mentor applications can be picked up at our 395 Notre Dame Avenue office, by emailing us through the contact information included below, or by clicking the applications link found below.

Completed applications can be returned in person at our 395 Notre Dame Avenue office, or by scanning the applications and sending them to our email below.

Participants attending High Schools with an Indigenous Graduation Coach can also inquire with the Grad Coach about any questions they may have about applying to Restoring the Sacred, as well as connecting with Restoring the Sacred staff to submit completed applications.

After the application is submitted to staff, participants are welcome to attend a program workshop. Mentees will be given any additional program forms. Mentors will plan with staff on the next available Mentor Training sessions, and discuss acquiring a Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse Registry Check (staff can assist in obtaining these).

Click here for the printable Application Form.

For More Information, Please Contact:

Wayne Lalman, Program Coordinator
Phone: (204) 560-7780
Email: restoringthesacred@kanikanichihk.ca

Funders

Restoring the Sacred is a program funded under the Manitoba Provincial Government’s Ministry of Mental Health and Community Wellness.