Project Name:     Spirit of the Youth

 

Project Summary:

 

The Spirit of Youth project provides services and programs, which assist urban Aboriginal youth in developing their emotional, spiritual, physical and intellectual capacity.  The centre provides recreational, cultural, spiritual and leadership activities, education and counseling through cooperation and partnership with other Aboriginal and community groups in Merritt, British Columbia.  The vision of the centre is to be a secure and culturally relevant setting for urban aboriginal youth in Merritt where youth can participate in activities and receive services that allow them to learn, grow and support one another.  The centre is a place where healing, self-care and personal development are supported through cultural experiences, recreational activities, counseling services and training programs.  In addition, the centre serves to connect youth to other services and programs in the community including personal and career counseling.

 

Anticipated Results:

 

Spirit of the Youth have anticipated these following components:

 

      Aboriginal youth leadership

·        Youth leadership is secured through the Youth Advisory Committee

·        On-going consultations take place with other community youth groups and individuals

·        Youth consultation is reflected in the design, development and delivery of all programs and services;

      Provision of secure and culturally relevant setting and activities

·        To respect and promote Aboriginal cultures and communities including language, history, customs, tradition, self-identity, values and heritage;

      Increased access to other youth services in the community

·        To support real opportunities for Aboriginal youth to become involved in the political development of Merritt and Nicola Valley and governments, and in federal, provincial and territorial political affairs;

      Increased community collaboration of services to youth

·        To develop an approach that strengthens community involvement and results in coordination between governments and institutions, Aboriginal organizations, and within federal, provincial and territorial governments concerning programs and services for Aboriginal Youth;

      Increased school completion rates and youth involvement in positive life experiences;

·        To increase participation and successful achievements of Aboriginal youth in education and training, to encourage and support strategies designed to raise public awareness of the issues and challenges facing Aboriginal youth. To encourage awareness of self esteem and personal development.