Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Police Chief: S S S Sustainability of enforcement is not practical or realistic to deal with youth violence. Police can only suppress crime and violence, they will not solve all problems. Need for community programs in neighbourhoods to keep kids busy, educate citizens and raise awareness on current trends. Gangs a growing problem in the community and across the region. They are involved in alcohol, drugs prostitution, and gambling which all contribute to violence and crime Need for more organized recreational activities for kids after schools. Nothing to keep kids busy in some neighbourhoods. Times are different now, there is cyber bullying, and we need new tools to fight violence and crime that is promoted through new technology..
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The Mayor, Councillor Joe Virdiramo, and City CEO: S City going through a financial crunch due to economic down-turn of traditional industries pulp and paper and grain elevators. Down-loading also a major factor and funding formulas a problem. Many programs function as silos or separate entities. For example different agencies responsible for public housing, and set quotas or guidelines for units to be built, and criteria for occupancy.
.../2 -2Public housing projects lack funding for social programs for families and occupants. With provincial downloading, the City has no funding to support social programs. The City cannot use property rates to fund support programs. There is no capital plan for housing replacement, and many public housing units are run down. This makes them havens for violence, crime and other negative lifestyles that impact children and youth. (Many families are avoiding Limbrick Place due to the high incidence of violence and crime, and Academy Place is also becoming renowned for the same problems.) S Schools closing down, and using the facilities for after-school programs would provide activities for kids. The Mayor suggested having laundry facilities (laundromats) in schools to bring parents and have them feel comfortable with the setting and get them to visit with their kids. The City has a Childrens Charter to give children and youth a sense of optimism and hope. But the Charter has no budget to engage children and youth due to a shortage of funds for social programs and adequate support services. The City should create opportunities for families to support themselves and get the services, help and supports they need ro raise their children. But with the current downloading of services from the province, there is no funding for programming. There are growing numbers of dysfunctional families with complex problems. Addictions to alcohol, drugs, and gambling compound the problems of violence and interventions are needed to help the kids and break the cycle. Pro-Kids is an award-winning program that sponsors kids to participate in sports. But, parents need to play a part to register kids and cover transportation costs. The Casino down town has had an adverse impact on local charities who can no longer fundraise through bingos and roving casinos to support their services, and now spend more time fundraising instead of working with clients or delivering programs. The City only gets 5% from slot machine revenue as the host community, and the money goes to general revenue.
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Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief and Education Assistant: S Lack of community supports for increasing numbers of Aboriginal students coming to study in the city. As a result, NAN has lost students in the city each year to tragedies. Racism a major contributor to violence among Aboriginal youth in the community. They are made to feel that they do not belong in the city. Racial profiling common - gave example of a DFC student on a class tour of the Thunder Bay Police Station who was detained by the Police and interrogated for wearing an
.../3 -3S The legacy of residential schools a factor in the roots of youth violence. Family and social breakdowns have inter-generational impacts that lure kids to gangs to belong. Education has many barriers for young Aboriginal students. Limited funding for on-reserve schools and recreational activities. Many youths still have to leave home (family and friends) for higher school in urban centres. Curriculum is still not always inclusive of the First Nations experience. Poverty, housing, health, employment opportunities affect the quality of life on reserves. Government always cites remoteness of communities for social programs and supports, yet money is always available the corporate sector when it comes to resource extraction.
. Sandra Albertson - Action for Neighbourhood Change: S S Youth violence is increasing in the community, and United Way of Thunder Bay is Evergreen and YouthScape to involve neighbourhoods to make a difference. Need to educate the general public about the causes of violence, and solicit feedback on the solutions.
Consultation at Multicultural Youth Centre with Review Team - 5:00 p.m. In attendance: 1. Anne Lesage, Friendship Centre 2. Brenda Cryderman, Creighton Centre 3. Greg Beckford, Lakehead Public Schools 4. Frank Wilson, City of Thunder Bay SouthCore Improvement Committee 5. Robert Spade Urban Aboriginal Strategy, 6 Alvin Fiddler, Nishnawbe Aski Nation 7. Carl Rankin, Thunder Bay Shelter House 8. Constable Protula, Thunder Bay Police Services 9. Beth Boon, YouthScape 10. Linda Bruins, Evergreen 11. Alice Sabourin, Action for Neighbourhood Change 12. Ashley Atatise, Youth - College Student
Valentina Rae, Youth - High School Student Kenina Nawagesic - Youth Kathy Brady - Youth Street Worker Claudia Belde, Youth, Thunder Bay Shelter House Youth - Thunder Bay Youth Shelter House Mary-Jean Cormier Martin Zhang, Youth, High School Student George Ishabid, Youth Outreach Worker Moffat Makuto and 7 Review Team members .../4 -4-
Comments from Sharing Circle: What is happening in the community? S Community violence from alcohol and drug use and links to drug trade S S S S _ Problems with criminal youth street gangs Violence used as a tool of intimidation, to get attention, to settle scores, and to survive on the streets. Social violence learned from family, neighbourhoods, media, movies, sports, etc Violence is coping mechanism for poverty, racism, community/family breakdown Northern Ontario faces unique barriers and challenges small isolated underserviced communities separated by vast distances, sparse population including 90 First Nations some only accessible by air in a vast area covering two thirds the size of the province. racism is prevalent and breeds violence primarily between Natives vs. Nonnatives Zero-tolerance policy is schools often discriminatory against Natives (racial profiling) Aboriginal youth lack a connection with the school curriculum. DFC, the First Nations school aspires to include Aboriginal content/history for relevance to native students. Due to the legacy of residential schools, many adults are emotionally disconnected and not able to raise or discipline their children. Good and positive role models are few for Aboriginal people. Role models for Aboriginal youth come after the fact, when youth meet adults/role models in correctional facilities. This should happen before Aboriginal youth get into trouble Current judicial system has not been very supportive of offenders. Incarceration often leads youths to become hardened and professional criminals Bureaucracy often separates organizations that should be collaborating when they have to compete for funds and statistics. Many organizations operate from 9 -5, when kids are in school. Youth-serving groups should run after-school programs and organize, affordable and accessible activities.
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Schools are generally underused after classes, but supervision and transportation after hours can be a problem. Gap in services particularly when youths turn 16. Those in-care often get no support. Need for early intervention for kids in dysfunctional, impoverishes, and abusive homes Society should focus on prevention and be more proactive to reduce risk Need for specialized services/programs for troubles and at-risk children and youth at risk who are more prove to joining youth gangs, lashing out, or becoming violent.
.../5 -5What can be done to help reduce youth violence? S S S S Positive peer influence in the community will reduce the amount of youth violence. Developing positive peer leaders and positive role models to break the cycle. Consult and engage youths as stakeholders to find solutions to violence Support for Youth Centres that promote youth engagement and empowerment. Youths should be involved in planning and organizing their own activities, and determining the services and supports they need. They should also be trained in leadership and organizational skills to be active participants in developing and implementing programs that help to reduce violence. There is a lack of activities or services for youths in some neighbourhoods. Recreational and social activities should be accessible and affordable for at-risk youth and those below the poverty line. Addressing poverty and supporting interventions to help kids caught in negative family life and painful experiences heal. Accessible community centres or schools in various neighbourhoods that organize and host after-school to keep kids busy. Better programs and services that youth can access easily and are wellpublicized. Youth, especially Aboriginal youth, dont get respect or a sense of belonging in their community so they commit acts of violence is a way to gain respect from their peers.
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Time and effort should be put to help impoverished youth, listen to them and work with them to address their problems Provide funding for organizations that already have programs and services to help youth. More support for youth-led groups that are well connected to kids, so that they can devote their energies to delivering programs and working with youth instead of fundraising just to exist.
Major themes from discussions: S First Nations youth particularly affected by the cycle of violence because many have trouble with identify, self esteem, and sometimes a lack of proper parenting stemming from Residential schools. Too much emphasis on dealing with violence and crime after the fact . There is a lot of investment in incarceration and treatment, while little is being done to support community programs that prevent kids from getting into trouble in the first place. Young people are getting caught up in alcohol, drugs, gangs, crime and violence because of limited well funded preventive programs and skilled people who connect well with kids stepping up and telling them healthy alternatives, and where to find help. /6
-6S There are few healthy alternatives for many disadvantaged, impoverished and atrisk youth after school. There is not much offered that is affordable to racialized and at risk youth not in the system For example youth groups such as the RMYC, and youth centres such as the Multicultural Youth Centre, and the Underground Gym which offer various affordable activities for kids of all backgrounds after hours have been forced to suspend programs or spend most of their time and effort fundaraising instead of helping kids. Funding is a challenge, and the lack of stability in securing operational grants has an impact on program delivery and youth involvement levels. Youth drop-in centres offer a safe haven for kids to hang-out and are convenient places to engage youth in open dialogue on what is going on in the neighbourhood, community, at school, etc. and what can de done to improve things or change social conditions and make a difference. Kids who have been in youth custody often have more care and support while in the system compared to when they are out. This should not be the case. For kids who leave the system, there should be something for them when they are
released so that they do not slip back into old activities the same negative relationships or gangs. S For some youths, violence starts early in their lives. Physical, mental, emotional, sexual abuse is common, and continues in their lives. Family, the media, sports often display violence that some become conditioned to accept it as normal. Again early intervention with peer support, alternative programs such as mediation to talk things out rather than fight, get counselling to deal with anger and other stressful situations. Meaningful involvement, engagement and empowerment to deal with problems as part of the solution to problems can help to break the cycle of violence. Young people need opportunities to belong, to have friends, and to be appreciated. If they are constantly being put down, ignored, not listened to, or mistreated, they are at risk of looking to belong in the wrong places, and are susceptible to being recruited to gangs. A great deal of violence involves the use of alcohol or drugs where people lose control and lash out. And some violence stems from people who are addicted turning to crime under any circumstances to get the cash to support their habit. Cognitive skills such as the tool lit used by the Creighton Centre are important to help kids develop new coping skills, a different attitude and an appreciation of themselves and those around them. .../7 -7S The development of youth councils to involve and empower youth to make a difference offers a new approach to engage them as stakeholders in rooting out violence. Youth-led activities and programs can connect better with their peers. Such a strategy has the potential to reach more youths.
Consultation at Catholic Board of Education Offices with Review Team Tuesday, November 27, 8:30 a.m. In attendance: 1. 2. 3. 4. Terry Ellwood, Director of Edfucation, Lakehead Public Schools Lori Lukinuk, Vice Chair, Lakehead Public Schools Tom Mustapic, Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board Associate Director and Superintendent of Business and Corporate Services Brad Battiston, Principal, Dennis Franklin Cromarty (DFC) First Nations High School
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Larry Howes, Northern Nishnawbe Education Council DFC Director Moffat Makuto and 7 Review Project Team members
Comments from the Sharing Circle: _ The Public and Catholic schools does not offer student supports outside school. Both boards of education do not have Aboriginal teachers, and said that it is hard to get and to keep Aboriginal teachers. They do not have special recruitment and retention strategies for Aboriginal teachers. The Public school has an Aboriginal Advisor at the Administrative level, and the Catholic Schools had an Aboriginal Student Counsellor working at St. Patrick and St. Ignatius High Schools. S There are an estimated 1,000** Aboriginal students in elementary and high schools of the two school boards. Both the Public and Catholic systems are working on a voluntary self-identification of students. Retention rates were improving compared to the 90% drop-out rate a decade ago. DFC had 250 students, and had a better retention system they attributed to the supports they were providing to their students. The school was open until 10 p.m. and on weekends to maintain access to students after hours. A lack of funding limits the schools ability to provide more support services to the students. DFC students face many academic challenges, and the school was reviewing various programs and supports to better help the students to stay in school and graduate. /8 -8S The Public and Catholic boards had surplus schools which were lying dormant. There is potential and merit in discussing plans to use existing school facilities after hours for youth programming. Supervision, insurance, and safety and security issues are major concerns to be resolved. Funding is a problem to cover heating, cleaning and related costs associated with the janitors. There is a need to separate teachers from regular after-school activities so thatvthey concentrate on teaching. Parents, volunteers, peer leaders etc. have to step up to take full responsibility of the school after hours. Youth street gangs, bullying alcohol, and drugs are a common problem in all schools. Violence is a growing concern, and students are suspended for fighting in Public and Catholic schools. DFC has in-school detentions for boarding students. Racism is a concern among all school boards. Racial incidents between DFC and the adjacent Sir Winston Churchill Collegiate and Vocational Institute and
Agnew Johnson Public School were not out-of hand. No formal strategy to deal with racism. S Funding for DFC is inadequate for the real expenses incurred. Aboriginal students at DFC get funding from INAC, while off-reserve Aboriginal students are funded by the province. Aboriginal high school students under INAC get approximately 50 percent of what an Aboriginal student off reserve is funded by the province. A Fort William First Nation student gets far less money residing on reserve. They get double the amount if they move to the City and are funded by the province. First Nations are working on a curriculum that was more appropriate for their students to help reduce the high attrition rates. The school meets the standards set by the province. Thunder Bay Aboriginal Inter-Agency Council is a coalition of Aboriginal agencies and Aboriginal-serving agencies in Thunder Bay. The group meets monthly to share information on services and supports available to facilitate the adaptation and integration of Aboriginal people in the city. The Aboriginal Urban Strategy is part of the coalition and provides cultural activities and food to Aboriginal students in schools the program has been established.
** There are 90 First Nations communities in Northwestern Ontario S 49 NAN communities north of the Canadian Railway line; S 28 Treaty #3 west of Thunder Bay S 13 Robinson-Superior (1850 Treaty) along Lake Superior shoreline * * Not all Aboriginal students in Thunder Bay attend DFC NNEC is comprised of 24 NAN communities. /9 -9-
MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS: We recommend that funding be provided to: - support and engage youth as stakeholders in dealing with the root causes of violence. -Youth Councils / Junior Chief and Councils should be created and supported as a strategy to involve youths, and empower them to make a difference. -Youth drop-in centres should be funded as an important component for addressing the causes of youth violence and creating safer communities because they provide a safe haven for kids to:
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hang out with their peers in their own space for socialization and growth meet youth workers and link with positive role models after school express their concerns freely and talk about issues bugging them get the help they need such as counseling, tutors, job searches, housing, etc. plan their own activities to keep themselves busy and out of trouble access information to make wise choices and informed decisions. provide input and feedback for programs, services and supports they use work with others to improve social conditions that enhance their well-being link with the community and access resources to make a difference learn lifeskills and civility to become responsible citizens develop character and fortitude to deal with the challenges of life volunteer their services and share skills and experiences with peers feel they belong and reduce feelings of alienation and marginalization be encouraged to stay in school for better careers and professions
Current changes in family structures, increasing numbers of dysfunctional families, and broken homes, a lack of parenting skills, and growing incidents of poverty are making many children vulnerable and putting them at risk. Therefore safe places where kids can hangout to talk freely about their conditions, their frustrations, their needs, their dreams, and so forth, provides monitored environments to deal with the anger and stress that can be easily lead to violence, vandalism, suicide, addictions and other negative lifestyles. Engaging children and youth in a positive supportive environment is an effective strategy to make them part of the solution to the problems the face.