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Woman of DistinctionEmployee nominated for award

Lisa Currier, a Family Enhancement Worker and lead activist for Idle No More Northern Manitoba, is one of eight nominees for this year’s YWCA of Thompson Women of Distinction award. She was nominated by staff at the University of Manitoba Social Work Faculty for her activism and work at the Caring 4 You Centre, a department of the NCN Family and Community Wellness Centre.

Currier says she was “pleasantly shocked” when she heard about her nomination, especially because she works in a field where she doesn’t expect much recognition. She also says

she was happy to know people are changing their views on activism.

“We’re not just punk kids off the street, we’re not just rebels without a cause,” says Currier, “activism has evolved, and there’s a greater appreciation for people who are trying to change things in their communities.”

The Award recognizes leaders and role models in Northern Manitoba, but Currier says it’s a community effort that’s really helping make a change.

“The reward is seeing the small successes, the small changes that I’m able to make. Those small changes made by activists,

workers and other people really add up.”

Currier was born in The Pas and has been involved in activism since she was a teenager. She pursued her degree in Indian Social Work at the First Nations University of Canada in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. The career choice was a natural fit for Currier who says her activism always tied in with the code of ethics of social work. Both roles are about social justice and empowerment and her work advocating for anti-poverty, Indigenous Rights and awareness for violence against women helps the families she works with.

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As part of the Wichitowin Project, Currier holds workshops and educational programs for families who are involved or at risk of being involved in the Child Welfare System. But off the clock, Currier has been organizing rallies, gaining the support of the likes of Thompson Mayor Tim Johnston and has worked alongside Churchill Member of Parliament Nikki Ashton.

“It shows me that the mainstream does recognize what Aboriginal women are doing, and what they’re doing it for the greater good and the entire community.”

The Women of Distinction Awards Dinner will be held April 13 at the Juniper Centre in Thompson.

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3“The reward is seeing the small successes, the small changes that I’m able to make. Those small changes made by activists, workers and other people really add up.”

Spring Love without the risk.

Stay protected from STIs, with free new-style condoms available at the Public Health Department

at the NCN Family & Community Wellness Centre.

Nurses are available to answer your questions in-person or by phone Monday to Friday from

9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (204) 484-2341 ext. 2252

Tattered Teddies A training workshop for preventing suicide in children.

April 16, 17 & 18 2013NCN Familiy & Community Wellness CentreA workshop for social workers, CFS workers, nurses, teachers, counsellors, foster parents or anyone working with children.

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On February 20, 2013 a “Legal Bootcamp” was held for Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Family & Community Wellness Centre – Child and Family Services Division staff, at the Northern CFS Authority offices in Thompson, Manitoba. Twenty staff members including intake workers, on-call workers, case workers and supervisors attended the training. The seminar was led by Lore M. Mirwaldt, Q.C. who has been general legal counsel to the Centre since 2003. Topics covered included the legal basis for removal of children from a home, liaison with police and other professionals in child abuse investigations, court proceedings, keeping proper case notes and records, and legal liabilities for workers and the Agency. The seminar is part of the on-going training of staff necessary to ensure that the NCN Family & Community Wellness Centre continues to provide quality service to our children and families.

“The workers and staff of the NCN Family & Community Wellness Centre are a pleasure to work with. They are knowledgeable and ask really insightful questions.” said Mirwaldt who has worked in child welfare law for the past 29 years. “Despite carrying caseloads that are three times the national average, the workers continue to exhibit professionalism and excellence in their approaches to the challenges of working with children and families.” Mirwaldt commented.

Mirwaldt has provided seminars to the staff and the Board of the Wellness Centre on topics ranging from governance to labour and employment issues to criminal law and youth justice in addition to representing the CFS Division in all court proceedings.

“Despite carrying caseloads that are three times the national average, the worker continue to exhibit professionalism and excellence in theri approaches to the challenges of working with children and families.”-Lore Mirwaldt, Legal Counsel

Laying down the lawCFS Workers attend legal bootcamp

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After a battling a long illness, staff member Eleaner Carrier passed away in late March. Carrier started working as a Case Manager at the NCN Family and Community Wellness Centre in July 2001. She most recently worked out of the Thompson Amalgamated Office.

Coworkers describe Carrier as a spiritual person who was committed to her work and supportive of other staff members. Case Manager Corey Spence shared an office with Carrier for two years. He says Carrier once generously offered him Indian medicine for a sick friend and always reassured him things were going to be okay during stressful times on the job.

“She was always going out of her way to ensure our clientele’s needs were being met,” says Spence. “Even though physically she was not always able to carry out the task that was required of her, she would still try to do it...her heart always wanted to do more than her body allowed her to.”

Intake Supervisor, May Mossip, worked with Carrier for about five

years and can point out the gifts and books in her office from Carrier. The two shared similar hardships growing up and Mossip credits

Carrier as being an inspiration to part of her healing.

Carrier taught her to always remember what people have been through.

“When we work with crisis after crisis, it’s easy to look at people’s negatives rather than go into a home and look at the positives,” says Mossip. “That should be the first thing we see. That’s what she taught me, to look for the positives and build on that.”

Mossip says she’ll miss Carrier’s long talks and reassuring hugs.

The Thompson Amalgamated Office the head office of the FCWC both held a memorial feast for Carrier on April 5, 2013.

Eleaner Carrier Beloved Coworker remembered

“It’s easy to look at people’s negatives rather than go into a home and look at the positives. That should be the first thing that we see. That’s what she taught me, to look for the positives and build on that.” -May Mossip, Intake Supervisor

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First Nations people have always known that when you raise a child holistically, they are better prepared to make positive choices. Healthy children leads to healthy communities. We need to prepare the next generation because our teachings are a source of strength and identity. Traditional Family Parenting includes a parenting manual. Coffee and refreshments will be provided, but bring your own lunch.

Facilitator-Janet Fox, Onion Lake SK. Janet has been a life skills coach for 15 years and has presented in more than 60 First Nations communities in BC, Alberta Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Topics: • Training to Facilitate Traditional Parenting • How our Ancestors Raised their Children • Importance of Bonding, Soft Spot, Moss Bag,

Swing• Universal Child Rearing Practices • Renew Parenting Skills using the Teaching • and Values.

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Train the TrainerTraditional Family Parenting

May 1, 2 & 3 20139 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Healing the Caregiver--each participant will go home with PowerPoint

Presentations.

POLICE ACADEMY FOR OLDER ADULTS

APRIL 23, 24 & 25HOSTED BY THE ELDER’S PROGRAM

PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE POLICE ACADEMY OF THE RCMP D DIVISION.

The Police Academy for Older Adults is a step-by-step program for organizations, which includes PowerPoint presentations, facilitator notes, suggested handouts and everything one would need to know to organize an Academy for Older Adults. For more information on supporting the safety of seniors and older adults in our community, please contact Charlene Spence or Dolly Francois at the NCN Wellness Centre by calling (204) 484-2341.

TOPICS INCLUDE: substance and gambling prevention

elder abuse prevention planning for the future

safe driving emergency preparedness

snow mobile safety

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About 200 NCN members gathered at the Centre on March 28 for an Easter Gathering hosted by the Family Enhancement, Maternal Child Health and Success Through Advocacy & Role Modeling programs.

Easter Family Gathering FCWC event draws crowd

Medical TransportationFCWC takeover

The FCWC took over services for Medical Transportation in Nelson House and according to the coordinator, it’s driving about 200 people to medical appointments in Thompson each week, while transferring another 200 to appointments within

the community. “We’re continuing to serve people’s medical needs and make sure appointments are kept,” says Coordinator Vernon Moody. The Centre was able to decrease the cost of

running the service, with Moody filling in for relief staff. He’s also doing basic maintenance each week, making sure the clients are transferred in clean and safe vehicles.

The MediTransfer service runs Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. for local appointments. For service to Thompson, people can be driven from Sunday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Reminder Drivers will be leaving reminders on people’s doorknobs if they’ve missed appointments

14 Bay Road Drive Nelson House, MB R0B 1A0 Phone: (204) 484-2341 Fax: (204) 484-2098

NISICHAWAYASIHK CREE NATION

FAMILY & COMMUNITY WELLNESS CENTRE

AboutThe Family and Community Wellness Centre was established to support holistic wellness by providing different opportunities to members of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation. The Centre provides services in Public Health, Child and Family Services, Counselling and other family and community needs programs. It has sub-offices in Winnipeg, Brandon, Thompson and South Indian Lake.

Vision Nisichawayasihk Mithwayawin

MissionIn unity, we promote community awareness, empowerment, and a safe environment towards holistic wellness.

***If you would like future newsletters sent to your email account, please send a message to communications@nh.ncnwellness.ca

TEXAS HOLDEMPOKER

APRIL 17, 2013 7:00 P.M. AT THE NCN FAMILY AND COMMUNITY WELLNESS CENTRE

DOORS OPEN AT 6:00

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100 % payout on $100 initial buy-inProceeds from two re-buys at $50.00 go to the

Centre’s Elders Program.